Fractional CTO and Bespoke Systems for a Fresh Produce Importer

Fractional chief technology officer services, bespoke stock management and invoicing software, infrastructure specification and rollout, and full IT support for a fresh-produce importer and wholesaler operating across multiple UK sites, a Netherlands office and a retail outlet.

Inventory accuracy
Significant reduction in stock discrepancies
Invoice cycle time
Automated posting to Sage reduced manual reconciliation
Support coverage
Managed IT for 90 users including Microsoft Office

Context

The client imported fresh produce from South Africa for distribution across the UK and Europe. The estate included a primary wholesale market site in the UK, a secondary UK site, an office in the Netherlands and a small retail greengrocer acquired during the engagement. The business required modernised infrastructure, warehouse wireless for barcode scanning and a bespoke stock and invoicing system integrated with Sage accounting.

Approach

  • Fractional CTO – strategic leadership, vendor coordination and delivery oversight.
  • Infrastructure specification – wireless site surveys, VLAN design, secure remote access and resilient network topology.
  • Bespoke development – barcode-driven stock management, invoicing workflows and an API connector to Sage.
  • EPOS integration – custom till application for the greengrocer feeding sales into central stock.
  • Managed support – full IT support for 90 staff covering bespoke systems and Microsoft Office.

Execution

Delivery followed a phased plan: discovery and process mapping, infrastructure rollout with external engineers, iterative software development and integration with Sage, pilot runs on warehouse floors, EPOS deployment at the retail site and a staged go-live across all locations with ongoing support.

Outcomes

  • Improved accuracy – barcode workflows reduced stock errors and shrinkage.
  • Faster finance processes – automated invoice posting cut reconciliation time.
  • Unified operations – single stock view across wholesale, distribution and retail.
  • Reliable support – consolidated supplier model improved SLA adherence and user satisfaction.

Key takeaways

  1. Use a fractional CTO to align technical delivery with business priorities and manage vendor networks.
  2. Design wireless and barcode ergonomics early; pilot with operational staff to refine workflows.
  3. Integrate accounting systems during development to avoid manual workarounds later.
  4. Include desktop productivity and endpoint support in the managed services scope to reduce shadow IT.
  5. Roll out in phases to limit risk and capture real-world feedback before scaling.