The bakery, which uses the SAP enterprise resource planning platform, has implemented the DeliveryWare order processing system from supplier Esker to centralise and organise processes. It also links in with Warburtons' IBM Lotus Notes system.

Prior to using the system, Warburtons' bakeries were sending up to 600 purchase orders by fax every week. It moved the order systems to SAP after human resources, payroll and materials management were on the platform.

Since using the new system, which has fax and email capabilities, Warburtons said it had experienced a "dramatic" reduction in time consuming paper processes, and improved the consistency of records. The system is fully integrated with its email.

"Rather than each site faxing its own orders out, now all of our orders are going through one integrated system," said Steve Hammond, IT manager at Warburtons. The company also has an Esker SMS system to allow it to text message staff out on the road with delivery issues.