Thorpe Packaging is a specialist converter of food-grade materials, managing reel-based stock through tightly controlled production processes where accuracy, traceability, and compliance are critical.
Simportal worked closely with Thorpe Packaging to understand their real-world operations, gathering requirements and building a prototype. By collaborating across production, goods-in, dispatch, purchasing, and order processing, we ensured alignment and strong user adoption. Implementation was phased to minimise disruption and deliver measurable results at each stage.
We implemented a centralised stock management system to create a single source of truth across the business. Zebra handheld scanners were introduced across goods-in, production, and dispatch to ensure stock movements are captured accurately and in real time. Automated workflows were also implemented, allowing Thorpe Packaging’s customers to submit sales orders electronically, which are then automatically processed within Simportal without manual intervention.
Benefits:
The production portal gives operators clear visibility of jobs, priorities, and works orders. Reels are created and labelled automatically, while critical production and audit data is captured seamlessly. The core production process now operates digitally end-to-end, removing reliance on paper, while a paper-based failsafe remains available if required.
Benefits:
The production scheduling portal provides clear visibility of upcoming work, priorities, and capacity. Material picking is system-driven, with picking automatically triggered when jobs are scheduled. Shortages are highlighted early, enabling proactive resolution and reducing disruption on the shop floor.
Benefits:
Delivery notes, invoicing, and customer portals complete the end-to-end workflow. Integration with accounting systems ensures financial data remains accurate and up to date, while automation significantly reduces administrative effort.
Benefits:
The system fully supports Plastics Packaging Tax compliance by automatically capturing all relevant data at goods-in and during production. This removes the need for manual spreadsheets and ensures accurate tracking of total plastic weight, recycled versus virgin content, and taxable versus exempt materials. Calculations are fully auditable and aligned to HMRC requirements, allowing period-end reports to be produced in minutes rather than days.
Customers benefit from secure online access to delivery notes and invoices, reducing document-related queries and re-requests. Faster, more accurate communication around orders and deliveries improves transparency and overall service levels.
Thorpe Packaging now operates on a fully integrated, scalable system that provides control, visibility, and efficiency across stock, production, finance, compliance, and customer service—supporting growth today and into the future.