Integration and systems were crucial to the change
Ztove had a different logistics partner before Blue Water, but found that the collaboration was difficult to develop, especially when it came to integration and IT support.
Charlotte explains:
"We were able to get some integration up and running, but it quickly became cumbersome. A lot was done by email, and we didn't really feel that we had direct access to the necessary IT expertise."
Therefore, when Ztove switched to Blue Water, the technical setup was one of the most important reasons for the decision.
She elaborates:
"The system collaboration was actually the decisive reason why we chose to switch to Blue Water."
Blue Water uses the Ongoing warehouse management system, which enables fast and efficient integration with most webshop and ERP systems.
Jesper Balslev, IT manager at Ztove, explains:
"From a development perspective, it has been a great pleasure to work with Blue Water's and Ongoing's API. The integrations are well documented and easy to work with, which has made setup and further development efficient."
Small adjustments can make a big difference
A concrete example of the value of flexibility quickly emerged during the collaboration. Ztove needed to handle different product groups according to different inventory principles. Some had to be handled according to LIFO, while others had to follow FIFO.
Charlotte explains:
"We made an adjustment so that some product groups are handled according to last-in-first-out and others according to first-in-first-out. This means a lot to us, and we were impressed by how quickly it could be done."
“We are met with help, not irritation”
When you are a growing company, mistakes can happen in the beginning: an order you forget to create, a goods receipt that needs to be corrected, or a process you have not yet mastered.
Here, the CEO emphasises that the relationship and support have been at least as important as the systems:
"We are still in a learning process, and it is important to have a partner who helps you move forward. We are met with patience, quick responses and a focus on solutions, and that makes a big difference in our everyday work."
She particularly emphasises that communication is easy and direct.
"We can always get hold of the right people, and they respond quickly. That means a lot when logistics are a critical part of the customer experience."
Value over lowest price
For Ztove, the decision was not about choosing the cheapest solution but about finding the solution that provides the best foundation for growth.
Charlotte explains:
"Blue Water is a little more expensive, but we get value for money. It's definitely worth it for us."
CEO’s advice to new webshops: Outsource early
If Charlotte had to give one piece of advice to new webshops and entrepreneurs, it would be clear:
"Outsource logistics as early as possible. Find a partner you can work closely with and who understands that you are still learning. It is expensive to move warehouses several times, so it pays to choose a professional solution from the start."
She also finds that the investment often pays off faster than many people think:
“For us, it has quickly proven to be a good investment. We have transparency in our costs and can see exactly what we are paying for.”
When logistics work, the webshop can grow
Ztove now has a setup that supports its ambitions, both in the Nordic region and in its upcoming expansion into new markets. The collaboration with Blue Water gives them a warehouse and freight flow that is professional, flexible and integrated with their systems.
And perhaps most importantly: peace of mind to build their business.
Want to get rid of the logistics hassle and scale your online shop?
Blue Water helps webshops and entrepreneurs with warehousing, picking and packing, integrations and shipping – both nationally and internationally.
Contact us to find out how to get started.
