The latest business services and systems. Our Corporate Partners advise on inventory management, website domains, credit management, sustainability in transport, retail eCommerce, AI in the builder’s merchant sector, credit insurance, B2B digital sales, insurance and solar PV.
Ten tips to master inventory management
Learn how integrating efficient payment systems and leveraging technology can streamline your processes, improve cash flow and enhance customer experience.
Running a builders merchant or hardware store involves juggling many responsibilities, with one of the most critical being inventory control. Ensuring you have the right products in stock without over- or understocking can be a delicate balance. Effective inventory management keeps your shelves stocked and also impacts your bottom line.
One often overlooked aspect of inventory control is the role of payment systems – and how integrating efficient payment solutions can streamline your stock management and help boost your business. Inventory control is the process of ordering, storing and using a company’s inventory. This includes raw materials, components and finished products. For builders merchants and hardware stores, this means keeping track of everything from screws and nails to power tools and plant hire.
Effective stock management ensures that you have the right products available when customers need them without tying up too much capital in stock.
Make payments work harder
Payment systems play a crucial role in the overall efficiency of inventory control. Modern payment systems provide real-time sales data, which is invaluable for inventory control. By tracking what’s selling and what’s not, you can make informed decisions about reordering stock. This helps prevent overstocking of slow-moving items and ensures that popular products are always available.
Some advanced payment systems can be integrated with inventory control software to automate the reordering process. When stock levels of a particular item fall below a certain threshold, the system can automatically place an order with your supplier. This reduces the risk of running out of stock and saves time on manual reordering.
Efficient payment systems can help improve cash flow management by providing insights into sales trends and customer payment behaviours. Understanding when and how customers pay can help you plan your inventory purchases more effectively, so you’ll have the funds available to restock popular items.
Offering a variety of payment options can enhance the customer experience, leading to increased sales and customer loyalty. When customers can pay using their preferred method, whether it’s debit card, mobile payment or contactless options, they’re more likely to complete their purchase. This, in turn, impacts your inventory turnover and helps maintain optimal stock levels.
Mastering inventory control
Now that we understand the role of payment systems, here are ten practical tips for mastering your inventory management:
1) Invest in inventory control software: Consider investing in inventory control software that integrates with your payment system. This will provide you with real-time data and automate many of the manual processes involved in stock management.
2) Analyse sales data regularly: Make it a habit to analyse your sales data regularly. Look for trends and patterns in customer purchases. This will help you identify which products are popular and which
ones are not, allowing you to adjust your inventory accordingly.
3) Set reorder points: Establish reorder points for each product in your inventory. This is the minimum stock level at which you need to reorder to avoid running out. Automated systems can help manage this process, ensuring you never run out of essential items.
4) Diversify payment options: Offer a variety of payment options to cater to different customer preferences. This not only improves the customer experience but also provides you with valuable data on payment trends and behaviours.
5) Monitor supplier performance: Keep track of your suppliers’ performance in terms of delivery times, product quality and pricing. Reliable suppliers are crucial for maintaining a steady inventory flow.
6) Conduct regular audits: Regularly audit your inventory to ensure that the physical stock matches your records. This helps identify any discrepancies and prevents issues such as theft or loss.
7) Train your staff: Ensure that your staff is well-trained in inventory control practices and the use of your payment and inventory systems. Knowledgeable staff can help maintain accurate records and provide better customer service.
8) Plan for seasonal demand: Anticipate seasonal demand and adjust your inventory accordingly. For example, during the summer months, you might need more gardening tools and outdoor equipment.
9) Utilise data analytics: Leverage data analytics to gain deeper insights into your inventory and sales patterns. This can help you make more informed decisions and optimise your stock levels.
10) Stay updated with technology: Keep up with the latest advancements in payment and inventory control technology. New tools and systems can provide additional efficiencies and improve your overall operations.
Hone your stock strategies
Remember, the key to effective inventory control lies in leveraging technology, analysing data and staying proactive in your approach. With these strategies in place, you’ll be well on your way to running a more efficient and profitable business.
Elavon provides efficient, reliable payment solutions tailored to your business. Contact Peter Cooke at peter.cooke@elavon.com, phone 087 167 6215, or visit elavon.ie to learn more.
U.S. Bank Elavon DAC, trading as Elavon Merchant Services, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
A nation logged on
As .ie celebrates its 25th anniversary, the team look back at how the domain helped shape Ireland’s digital transformation.
When .ie launched 25 years ago, just one in five Irish households had internet access, and dial-up was still a noisy novelty. Fastforward to 2025, and Ireland is one of Europe’s most digitally connected countries – a shift that mirrors the journey of .ie itself.
Since 2000, the company has worked closely with Irish businesses, communities, and individuals to build awareness around the benefits of an online presence. Its careful stewardship has earned it the position of Ireland’s most trusted domain, with their figures revealing 79% of consumers saying they prefer .ie websites when shopping online. Today, .ie holds 54% of the hosted domain market in Ireland, compared to 39% for .com.
That trust has grown in parallel with access. “At the turn of the millennium, only 20.5% of households were online and just 32.5% had a permanent home computer. As of 2024, 94% of Irish households now have internet access,” the team explain, with email, messaging, news, and online banking among the most common uses.
Over the last 25 years, the .ie domain database has increased by a staggering 311,056 new domain registrations added since 2000. Looking ahead, .ie sees growing challenges in areas like cybersecurity and information integrity. “As social media platforms move away from fact-checking, the value of a secure, owned web presence becomes even more critical for Irish businesses. “You own your .ie domain, and you control how it’s used – unlike social media platforms, where content can be restricted or removed at any time.”
They continue to focus on digital safety, advocating for greater public awareness around phishing, ransomware, and email compromise. “We’re going to see more collaboration between internet guardians,” they add. “The bad guys have organised, now the good guys need to do the same.”
As Ireland’s digital future unfolds, .ie remains committed to supporting secure, transparent, and authentic online experiences for businesses and consumers alike.
For further information contact Seán Tobin, call 01 2365400, email stobin@weare.ie or visit www.weare.ie.
LCMS Ltd – credit management and cash-flow solutions
Billy Nolan, Managing Director, explains how outsourcing credit control can offer significant advantages for businesses aiming to improve cash flow, reduce overhead, and maintain strong client relationships.
By partnering with specialised credit control services, companies can streamline their accounts receivable processes and focus more on core business functions.
Improved Cash Flow
Professional credit controllers are experts in debt collection. They follow up on outstanding invoices promptly and efficiently, helping reduce payment delays and ensuring a steady cash flow. This consistent revenue stream is crucial for growth and operational stability.
Cost Efficiency
Hiring and training in-house credit control staff can be costly. Outsourcing eliminates the need for salaries, benefits, and training expenses. It also reduces the risk of employing staff with limited expertise in effective credit management.
Access to Expertise
Outsourced firms bring industry experience and knowledge of best practices. They’re often equipped with advanced systems and tools that small or medium-sized businesses may not have access to in-house.
Enhanced Customer Relationships
Third-party credit control providers can act professionally and diplomatically, preserving your customer relationships while still securing timely payments. Their neutral position can ease potentially uncomfortable conversations about overdue balances.
Flexibility and Scalability
Outsourcing allows your business to scale credit control efforts up or down depending on your needs. This flexibility is especially valuable during periods of rapid growth or economic uncertainty.
In summary, outsourcing credit control is a strategic move that can free up internal resources, improve financial performance, and provide peace of mind – allowing you to concentrate on growing your business.
LCMS Limited is an Irish company based in Naas that provides services in areas of credit control and overdue account collections to individuals, partnerships, companies, and government bodies/
agencies for the past 21 years.
HAI Members Offer – Initial free one-to-one consultation.
You can contact Billy Nolan, Director of Operations at LCMS at 045 431143, www.lcms.ie.
Woodland Group launches 2024 Sustainability Report, showcasing measurable carbon cuts and industry progress
Woodland have recently released their 2024 Sustainability Report, sharing key progress across emissions, waste reduction, and client-focused carbon reporting, which is offered as a free service to all Hardware Association Ireland members.
The report reflects their long-term commitment to delivering responsible, transparent solutions that support our customers, people, and the wider community.
– 42% reduction in electricity-related emissions since 2022, driven by investment in solar and energy-efficient infrastructure
– Over 1,300 tonnes of CO2e avoided through HVO fuel use and electric vehicle trials
– Carbon reporting now standard for all customers, supporting partner ESG goals
As one of Ireland’s leading freight forwarders and supply chain experts, as well as a global leader in sustainable supply chain management for leading B2B & B2C brands, Woodland are proud to announce the release of their 2024 Sustainability Report.
The report outlines clear progress made across Woodland’s global operations to reduce environmental impact, support its people and communities, and build long-term resilience into client supply chains.
Environmental highlights include a 42% reduction in electricity-based emissions since their 2022 baseline, enabled by the rollout of solar installations and smarter site management. Over 1,300 tonnes of CO2e were saved by transitioning over 13% of the fleet to HVO fuel, with further progress made through electric HGV trials and improved fuel efficiency across the vehicle network.
Furthermore, 90% of their waste is now diverted from landfill, which has seen them reach their 2030 waste goal five years ahead of schedule. Recyclability rates have doubled since 2020, and their new reuse policy has led to a 28% reduction in pallet purchases.
Woodland have also made carbon reporting available to every customer as standard, offering full visibility of their supply chain impact. For Hardware Association Ireland members, this includes access to free carbon footprint reports that help businesses measure the environmental impact of their supply chains.
Sam Warren, Sustainability Manager at Woodland Group, says, “It’s taken months of data, audits, collaboration and commitment to bring this together – and I’m proud of what it represents.
We’re making real progress, and this report is a step in sharing that transparently with all our partners.”
Woodland have retained their Gold EcoVadis rating, placing them firmly in the top 4% of over 150,000 companies assessed globally for sustainability. They have also been reaccredited to ISO14001 and conducted a double materiality assessment involving over 500 stakeholders, ensuring our roadmap continues to align with client expectations and industry needs.
Chairman, Kevin Stevens, says, “We’re proud to share the work done by our teams across the business in driving forward measurable change. Our 2024 Sustainability Report reflects the continued investment we’re making to support our clients, our people, and our responsibility to create a better, more
transparent supply chain.
As a Corporate Partner of Hardware Association Ireland, Woodland Group is pleased to offer exclusive support to members, including:
– Free carbon reports to measure the impact of your supply chain
– In-house customs consultancy to navigate compliance and regulatory changes
– Free supply chain health checks to identify any risks and vulnerabilities
– Global freight forwarding and transport solutions
– A digital supply chain platform for instant quoting, booking, tracking, and reporting – all in one place
At Woodland Group, their sustainability efforts form a core part of their ongoing strategy as a purpose-led provider of global supply chain solutions, continuing to invest in greener technologies and long-term customer partnerships.
If you’d like to learn more, you can download the full report at https://tinyurl.com/woodlandsustainability
To see how Woodland Group can support your business, visit www.woodlandgroup.com or contact Lee McMullen, phone 01 811 1500 or email lee.mcmullen@woodlandgroup.com
Streamlining hardware retail for eCommerce success
Unlocking the Full Potential of ERP/ePOS Integration for B2C, B2B, and Hybrid Models.
In today’s competitive hardware retail landscape, eCommerce success is about having a modern and user-friendly website and creating a fully integrated, intelligent commerce ecosystem. For hardware retailers operating in B2C, B2B, or hybrid B2C/B2B models, the integration between your eCommerce platform and your ERP/ePOS system is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity.
Why Integration Matters
At the heart of every successful hardware retailer lies a robust back-office system, typically an ERP or ePOS, managing stock, pricing, customer data and sales. But when your eCommerce platform operates in isolation from these systems, inefficiencies quickly add up: double data entry, stock discrepancies, outdated pricing, and a lack of real-time visibility across channels.
Seamless integration ensures your online store mirrors your in-store operations. Product availability is updated in real-time. B2B customers see their agreed pricing and payment terms online. Staff no longer waste time duplicating data. Orders flow effortlessly into your ERP system for fulfilment. The result? Faster order processing, fewer errors, and a dramatically improved customer experience.
Magico’s Expertise: Built for Hardware Retailers
Magico, through its powerful AB Commerce platform, has been working closely with hardware retailers for years, understanding the specific complexities of the sector, from trade pricing and large product catalogues to multi-location stock management. This deep industry experience has made Magico a trusted eCommerce partner for retailers seeking a unified solution.
What sets AB Commerce apart is its pre-built integrations with leading ERP and ePOS systems used by hardware retailers, including Intact, Agility, SAP, and Microsoft Dynamics Navision.
These integrations aren’t just bolt-ons, they’re mature, tried-and tested connections.
B2B, B2C, or Both – One Platform Handles All
Many hardware retailers serve both trade and retail customers. AB Commerce supports hybrid models natively, allowing businesses to deliver tailored pricing, catalogues, and account features to B2B customers, while maintaining a streamlined experience for B2C shoppers. With ERP integration, both sides
of the business benefit from centralised product and order data, unified reporting, and synchronised inventory control.
For hardware retailers, choosing an eCommerce platform like AB Commerce that offers deep ERP/ePOS integration isn’t just a technical decision – it’s a strategic investment in efficiency, scalability, and customer satisfaction. Magico brings proven experience, trusted technology, and a deep understanding of the hardware sector, helping retailers grow their eCommerce channel with confidence.
Talk to one of our eCommerce experts today and organise a free consultation. For more information visit www.magico.com or contact ocooney@magico.com
AI in the merchant sector: From early experiments to everyday tools
Klipboard tells us about how Artificial intelligence has long been the subject of speculation in the builders’ merchant industry. But in 2025, it’s no longer about ‘what if’. It’s about ‘how’ and ‘where’ AI is being practically applied.
At Klipboard, they’re seeing merchants of all sizes begin to integrate AI into everyday workflows. This shift is not reserved for national operators with deep IT budgets. From local merchants to multi-branch distributors, businesses are deploying AI tools to gain a competitive edge and grow without increasing their wage bill.
AI has traditionally been seen as a nice to have, but now, with the ability to target persistent challenges across inventory control, service delivery, and decision-making, it’s becoming a must have for many merchants of all sizes.
Tangible impact, not hype
The numbers speak volumes. Research from PushON shows that 49% of UK merchants now rank AI and automation as their top digital priority – a significant shift for a sector traditionally wary of new tech.
Already, 66% of merchants in the UK are using AI to deliver personalised product recommendations, 40% are applying it to inventory forecasting, and nearly half use AI chatbots to handle customer queries. These aren’t pilots, they’re operational tools that are already reducing waste, shortening service cycles, and
empowering commercial teams with predictive insight.
At Klipboard, they’ve developed their own AI offering covering those exact outcomes – building tools that help merchants move from gut-feel to data-backed decisions, and from firefighting to forward planning.
Tackling long-standing operational pain points
The most successful AI applications in the sector are those that solve long-standing problems. Stock management is a prime example. Traditionally driven by instinct and historical averages, it’s a function that’s ripe for optimisation.
Klipboard’s AI-led intelligent inventory managements tools integrate with ERP One, their industry leading business management solution, to analyse historical sales, seasonal variation, and even external data like local weather patterns to deliver sharper demand projections. That means less overstock, fewer stockouts, and improved cash flow – all without adding complexity.
Similarly, AI is reshaping how merchants approach logistics. Route planning tools, like Klipboard Transport Management (VIGO), are now powered with an AI-led auto-routing engine, combining live traffic and delivery data to optimise delivery drops. That helps fleets run leaner, use less fuel, and maintain higher service levels – all essential in a cost-sensitive environment – and almost impossible to achieve without AI intelligent technology.
Customer service is evolving too. At the trade counter and online, AI-powered assistants are helping staff answer common questions on stock, pricing, and deliveries – fast. These tools don’t replace staff – they support them. They handle the repetitive queries and routine sales enquiries so teams can focus on what really matters: building stronger customer relationships and driving more value for the business out of customer interactions.
Making AI accessible to the trade
Despite the momentum, barriers to adoption remain. Concerns about cost, complexity, and internal skills are valid. According to the Office for National Standards in the UK, AI adoption across the merchant sector still lags the national average.
That’s why, at Klipboard, they’ve focused on embedding AI into the systems merchants already use – not bolting on a separate layer of complexity. Their solutions are practical: demand forecasting, purchasing recommendations, intelligent stock classification, customer and competitor insight tools and virtual sales assistants – built directly into your existing workflows.
“There’s a lot of noise about AI – but in many cases, it’s just old automation with a new label. What has changed is the processing power availability that has grown year on year and also large language models (LLMs) capability and availability, thus enabling a much richer experience, which Klipboard is leveraging in its products to bring AI into merchants’ workflows.”
“At Klipboard, they’re applying AI in ERP One where it delivers measurable impact: reducing manual effort, improving decision-making, and helping merchants stay ahead in a competitive market. They’re also exploring the next evolution – agentic AI – where systems start to take action, not just offer suggestions. They’re not interested in hype for hype’s sake. Their focus is on building capability that’s
practical, trusted, and genuinely moves the dial.
Strategic priorities for the years ahead
The next phase of AI in the merchant space won’t be driven by radical transformation projects – but by smart, targeted moves, that start with building data confidence: improving product and customer data,
upskilling teams to work with AI assistants, and choosing partners who offer more than just tools – but real-world expertise.
At Klipboard, they continue to work closely with their customers across the builders’ merchants sector to ensure our AI tools evolve with their needs. Whether it’s predicting the right stock levels for Q4, surfacing hidden sales opportunities, or refining purchasing strategies, our focus remains the same: giving merchants actionable insights where it counts.
Final thoughts
AI won’t transform the merchant trade overnight – but the conversation is no longer theoretical – AI is already reshaping how the most forward-thinking businesses operate.
For builders’ merchants navigating tight margins, complex logistics, and high service expectations, AI isn’t just a technological evolution.
It’s become a business-critical tool that’s fast becoming a competitive necessity. For further information visit www.klipboard.com
Credit insurance in uncertain times
Economic turbulance globally is adding to the uncertainty of trade here in Ireland and affecting to some extent the Hardware and Building Materials sectors.
SME’s in particular are at risk, they are impacted by increased business costs and limited access to working capital. SCARP (Small Companies Administrative Rescue Process introduced in 2021) has not been the success anticipated with low take up despite a relatively high success rate. While Hospitality is notably struggling, construction remains the source of approx. 10% of all business failures. The Governments ‘Housing for All’ strategy targeted 34,600 completions in 2024 and completed 30,300.
6,100 are targeted in 2025 with Q1 2% ahead of Q1 24.
Almost €15bn of trade is underwritten by the main insurers in the Irish market alone, that equates to over €50bn+ in annual turnover. Credit insurance indemnifies sellers when trade receivables are not paid for by buyers (debtors).
The insurance policy covers the risk of loss caused by a buyer’s insolvency or by their defaulting on an agreed debt (credit sale). Indemnity is usually 90% of the insured balance. That said, credit insurance is not just about having claims paid and protecting against potential bad debts.
Savings include credit assessment and access to subsidised legal & debt collection services and an insured will receive early warnings of poor payment practices which can inform them to avoid loss making decisions. A credit insurance policy can be assigned to an invoice discount provider or factoring house which can increase support for funding.
With A.I. being quite prominent in the underwriting process at lower levels of cover, in some cases the cost of a policy has reduced in recent years while risk appetite remains high in most sectors. Underwriters are focussed on cash versus levels of debt and profitability over turnover growth.
2023 filed financials are too old at this stage so insurers are seeking 2024 figures so if you want to improve your credit with your suppliers getting more recent financials to the underwriters can unlock more credit from your supply chains (Credit Risk Brokers can help with if you get in touch). Irish Businesses need to be aware how they are being viewed and graded by the insurers who underwrote cover for their suppliers, both domestically and abroad.
For further information contact James Riordan, Credit Risk Brokers, email james.riordan@creditriskbrokers.com or phone +353 86 6019200.
Built by wholesalers, for wholesalers
Premio B2B eCommerce is a cloud-based digital sales platform that seamlessly integrates into your business operations.
How Can Premio Help Grow Your Business?
Reduce Cost of Sales
– Always-on sales channel
– Let customers self-serve
– Free up sales teams to focus on account growth
Improve Efficiency
– Eliminate manual order handling
– Automate repetitive tasks
– Full visibility from order to delivery
Increase Revenue
– Better data = smarter decisions
– Streamlined systems
– Focus resources where they add value
Is Your Business B2B Online Ready?
– Are you a product-heavy wholesaler or distributor?
– Have you an ERP software system in place?
– Have you clean data on customers, products and prices?
– Do you wish to grow your Trade Customers and Trade Sales?
– Are you ready to embrace online sales for your business?
To find out more, check out www.premio.ie or contact Michael Morrissey (Growth Manager) at michael.morrissey@premio.ie to arrange a demo.
O’Leary Insurance rebrands to Brown & Brown Insurance Brokers Ireland Ltd
As of the 4th of February, O’Leary Insurances is now known as Brown & Brown. Customers will continue to receive the personalised, local support they value, backed up with a broader suite of resources and capabilities. They will maintain their dedication to the people and communities where they live and work.
The Power of WE ignites their performance, and while diverse and varied in abilities and experience, Brown & Brown and their clients are all connected through shared core values, a commitment to their local communities and a shared mission of always doing what is best for our customers.
Here is some key information for your business:
– Their teammates remain the same.
– There are no changes to their contact numbers.
– Their email addresses have changed to firstname.lastname@bbrown.com
– Their website has migrated to www.BBrown.com/ie
At Brown & Brown, their guiding principles include building their team with the highest quality people and delivering innovative solutions and superior service. If you are a large company, an individual or anything in between, their experienced teams can help you view, analyse and purchase insurance efficiently. You will receive the personalised, dedicated service you deserve while leveraging the exceptional capabilities and peace of mind expected from a top brokerage to help protect what you value most.
For more information contact David Lombard on 021 453 6800 or email david.lombard@bbrown.com
