CUSTOMER STORY
UK’s premier kitchen and bedroom retailer improves installation experience and cuts costs by 30%
The Company:
The next time you buy a new kitchen or bedroom from Wren Kitchens, the UK’s number one kitchen and bedroom retailer, installation is more streamlined and efficient thanks to an innovative and simple-to-use instruction book. Using a production print solution from Ricoh, Wren Kitchens has designed and developed a calendar-style book packed with all the information customers and installers need to fit their kitchen or bedroom.
The Challenge:
Previously, the company (via a 3rd party) supplied an A0-size, fold-out plan sent independently to the customer’s home, which fitters had to pin up on a spare wall. But this proved unwieldy, awkward to handle, not conducive to a busy build environment and had its limitations in terms of the extent of information it could convey. Also, using a 3rd party did not fit with Wren Kitchens’ reputation for process improvement, agility and quality controls.
The Solution and Benefits:
Working in collaboration with Wren Kitchens, Ricoh helped develop and install a Ricoh Production Print solution to produce high-quality, kitchen installation instructions. The solution comprises a Ricoh Pro C7200 digital, multifunction press along with binding and finishing equipment and print management software. The whole project took just six months from concept to going live.
Using Ricoh digital printing technology allows Wren Kitchens to produce a one-off, high-quality, professional-standard document unique to every single customer. Each page is a step-by-step guide detailing the end-to-end installation process. Alongside the plans, installation diagrams and tips, there are barcode links to videos demonstrating the various processes and techniques.
The new style installation book has delivered several advantages for Wren Kitchens and its customers. It is helping to make kitchen installation easier and more efficient – cutting costs by up to 30%. Instructions are easy to move around the site and placed close to where a cabinet is fitted. Clear, detailed information helps avoid mistakes which can delay build and incur extra cost to replace damaged units. Improving the installation process is important particularly for those customers who choose to install their own kitchens or use the services of their own tradesperson.
“Wren Kitchens takes enormous pride in being self-sufficient and owning key elements of our supply chain to maintain class leading quality and efficiency. From design services to UK-based manufacturing and delivery, we’re committed to managing every detail ourselves. This includes our comprehensive installation guides, which are unique – and essential - for the seamless installation of every kitchen or bedroom we produce.”
Kes Serelis
UK Manufacturing Operations Director, Wren Kitchens
