Before WaveOMS, we would need 30 to 40 people in the warehouse. Now 7 to 8 staff can handle the same workload comfortably. We've also eliminated errors entirely, and our order fulfillment process is efficient and scalable.
CONOR BRADY, OWNER
Overview
Cogs Toys & Games is a family-run business in Dublin, Ireland, specialising in educational toys, games, and books. Founded by siblings Ruth Roberts and Conor Brady in 2014, the company started as a retail shop but quickly expanded to online sales. By 2019, 90% of revenue came from their physical store, but when COVID-19 hit, the focus shifted to online, which soon became the primary revenue driver.
As online demand grew, so did the challenges. The fulfilment process was entirely manual, relying on paper-based systems and staff memory for product locations. With no barcode system or designated shelving, fulfilling orders became increasingly stressful, inefficient, and error-prone.
The Challenge
In 2020, online orders surged to over 300 per day, creating chaos in the warehouse. “At one point, we had 15 people picking orders in the shop, but it was mayhem” recalls owner Conor Brady.
“Only experienced staff could keep up, and even then, the miss-pick rate was high because many products looked similar. We were barely breaking even due to the inefficiencies and waste.”
It was clear that the current system could not support their growth plans. “We knew we couldn’t scale with the way we were operating. We needed a solution that would streamline our processes, reduce errors, and give us the confidence to handle peak periods without stress.”
Manual, paper based
Surge in orders
Over staffed
Inaccurate picking & returns
Revenue inefficiencies
The Solution
After thorough research, Cogs Toys & Games chose WaveOMS. What set WaveOMS apart was not only the software’s capabilities but also the 20 years of experience the implementation team brought to the table. “Their support and insights were invaluable. They understood the technology and the business side of things, which was crucial for us.”
WaveOMS was implemented just before the peak Q4 period in 2023. The results were immediate and impressive.
+100%
Order volume without the need for more staff.
75%
Reduction in peak period staff level requirement.
17
Integrated couriers, saving delays, time & money.
Synchorinsing website stock levels in real time.
No space wasted. Items can now be put anywhere.
Results
Before WaveOMS, they handled fewer orders with more staff and significantly more stress.
Now they’re managing peak periods with a lean team and achieving profitability.
- Scalability and Efficiency
The system allows them to double their order volume during busy seasons like Christmas without increasing staff or hours. “Before WaveOMS, we would need 30 to 40 people in the warehouse. Now, 7 to 8 staff can handle the same workload comfortably” - Staff Training and Flexibility
Temporary staff, including those with limited English proficiency, can be trained in minutes thanks to WaveOMS’s intuitive interface and product images. This has drastically reduced training costs and errors. - Maximising Warehouse Capacity
The Dynamic Put Away feature optimises warehouse space, allowing products to be stored anywhere they fit. “We no longer have empty shelves in one area and overcrowding in another. WaveOMS has transformed how we use our space.” - Real-Time Stock Management
Managing stock across multiple websites used to be a manual, time-consuming process. WaveOMS synchronises stock levels automatically, preventing overselling and saving valuable time. - Automated Shipping and Label Printing
With automated shipping rules and label printing, Cogs Toys & Games can now handle 17 different couriers with ease, saving hours of manual work each day.
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