LightSpeed Automation

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the COO of RaceDayQuads. We’re an RC and multi-rotor drone company that offers thousands of SKUs. It’s a niche but largely expanding hobby. E-commerce has a lot to do with it.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with LightSpeed Automation?

We very quickly grew from $600,000 in warehouse output to over $1,000,000, while also going down from 13 pick-and-pack employees to 12. LightSpeed Automation came on to help us deal with this scalability in terms of order accuracy and picking and packing efficiency.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We had our own manual systems that involved lots of scanning, but we were looking for a better POS. LightSpeed Automation installed a LightSpeed POS and integrated it into our Shopify webshop. It helped us with the entire logistics side of our warehouse. They didn’t do too much tailored work for us, but they taught us how to use the system.

What is the team composition?

We had a code person, a gear and scanning person, and another admin and training resource. I also had a contact I could talk to over email about the technical parts of the project. There was also an 800 number that I could call late at night or anytime.

How did you come to work with LightSpeed Automation?

After looking for a company that understood both our current size and our projected growth, we were approached by LightSpeed Automation. They set everything up for us in two months.

What is the status of this engagement?

They came onboard at the beginning of 2019, around February.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

We wouldn’t have been able to deal with the growth we experienced without LightSpeed Automation. The efficiency and cost-effectiveness they provided were definitely worthwhile, especially regarding pick-and-pack, paper costs, overtime, and overhead.

How did LightSpeed Automation perform from a project management standpoint?

I was worried during the install that something unexpected would screw up everything, but they were patient and understanding with me.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Efficiency is the first thought that comes to mind, as are the improvements they delivered with accuracy (99.2% order accuracy to 99.8%).

Are there any areas they could improve?

I would like them to do more integration with Shopify through our inventory and packing system, rather than us having to buy labels from a third party. I’ve been super blessed to find LightSpeed, though. They out to get their name out into the market more though.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Talk to Trey (VP of Operations, LightSpeed Automation), David (VP of Sales and Marketing, LightSpeed Automation), and Kelly (Executive Director of Customer Engagement, LightSpeed Automation). LightSpeed Automation was the most responsive of the 10–15 companies I met prior to LightSpeed. They answered my questions, put my doubts to rest, and even directed me to their competitors so I could compare them.