The flexibility and adaptability of Microsoft Access were key in developing a bespoke fashion industry database for this high-end women’s fashion designer.
The Company
Karl Donoghue is a women’s fashion designer that designs and manufactures high-end clothing from a studio in London. It sells its designs internationally.
The Challenge
The company approached us after trying to develop its own database using off-the-shelf software. The way the company works is highly individual and it was struggling to find or build anything that worked in the way it needed. The company also needed a system that was able to adapt quickly in order to accommodate growth in the business.
The Solution
Microsoft Access gave us the ability to build a fully bespoke solution and to enhance and adapt it as the businesses grew and its needs changed. We worked with the client over a number of years in order to enhance its database, developing it over time and matching business growth while at the same time managing change and budget.
Microsoft Access is a rapid application development tool which means new features can be added and adapted quickly.
Results
What began as a system to track and manage the components being used across different styles was expanded upon to include:
- Product costing
- Purchasing and PO management
- Customer order management
- Production scheduling and tracking
- Invoicing
- Despatch and warehouse management
- Comprehensive day-to-day management reporting
We worked closely with the client over a long period of time to fully understand the company’s requirements and needs. The client now has a database that fulfils all its requirements and yet still has potential to grow.
