How Bits ‘N’ Bobs eliminated 14% stock shrinkage with RouteMagic
A leading Manchester-based FMCG distributor restructures stock visibility, tracks van sales reps live, and automates daily reconciliation.
- 14% stock shrinkage eliminated
- 2-3 Hrs saved daily on paperwork
- 100% real-time stock visibility
- Live Route Monitor tracking
Inside Bits ‘N’ Bobs.
Bits ‘N’ Bobs is an FMCG wholesaler specialising in fast-moving consumer goods located in Manchester, catering to numerous convenience stores across the North West. Their product range includes household essentials, stationery, vaping products, and mobile phone accessories. To ensure availability, they use spinner stands, which their representatives restock and arrange for optimal display.
Loose stock control and shrinkage.
Manual tracking and trust-based inventory loading led to significant stock losses.
Bits ‘N’ Bobs relied on manual methods for tracking van sales, including paper run-sheets and spreadsheets. Each route had its own stock warehouse, and reps topped up stock daily from the central depot. Stock control was largely based on trust, which resulted in stock being lost, reported missing, or drivers dealing with stock shortages on their routes.
Without real-time visibility into the performance of van sales representatives, stock distribution, and van sales transactions, managing stock became a weekly burden of stock-takes and manual verification. Stock shrinkage stood at an unacceptable 14%, with limited visibility of the actual cause.
- Manual tracking relying on paper-based records and spreadsheets.
- No real-time visibility into van sales activities or stock levels.
- Inefficient stock allocation leading to frequent stockouts or overstocking.
- Lack of accountability for cash transactions and sales call performance.
Van Sales Management System.
Transitioning to RouteMagic for real-time tracking, cash reconciliation, and live stock load management.
Bits ‘N’ Bobs implemented RouteMagic to address these challenges and streamline its van sales operations. The system provided a comprehensive solution for tracking sales transactions, managing stock distribution, monitoring representatives’ activities, and analysing performance metrics.
Van sales representatives were equipped with mobile devices integrated with RouteMagic, enabling them to record transactions, perform van-to-van stock transfers, reconcile cash balances, and generate end-of-day cash reports. Back-office dispatchers can now monitor all movement through the Route Monitor in real time.
- Real-time sales tracking capturing products sold, quantities, and customer info.
- Full stock management from issues and returns to van-to-van transfers.
- Mobile devices for recording cash transactions and generating end-of-day reports.
- Route Monitor mapping for real-time tracking of customer visits and sales calls.
- Planogram pre-configuration for display spinners to ensure optimal stock levels.
Wastage eliminated, hours saved.
Full visibility over inventory and sales activities driving growth and accountability.
The implementation of RouteMagic transformed Bits ‘N’ Bobs’ van sales operations. By leveraging digital innovation, they eliminated stock shrinkage (previously at 14%) and saved 2–3 hours of daily paperwork through automated processes.
With real-time visibility, they have enhanced accountability among representatives and optimised stock allocation, minimising both stockouts and overstocking. The availability of comprehensive sales and performance data now empowers decision-makers with actionable insights.
| Outcome | Before RouteMagic | With RouteMagic |
|---|---|---|
| Stock shrinkage | 14% losses regularly | 0% (completely eliminated) |
| Daily paperwork | 2-3 hours of manual logs | Automated in real time |
| Stock visibility | Weekly manual counts, trust-based | Live tracking across all vans |
| Representative tracking | None, phone calls only | Live GPS & Route Monitor |
| Cash reconciliation | Manual end-of-week checks | Automated end-of-day reports |
Before RouteMagic, stock control was based on trust, which led to a 14% shrinkage rate. Now, we track every transaction, transfer, and visit in real time. We have eliminated shrinkage and saved hours of admin work every single day.
The RouteMagic modules powering Bits ‘N’ Bobs.
A connected stack for van sales tracking, stock management, and live activity monitoring.
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