You may have noticed the online ordering button that sneaked onto our website at the end of 2009 in preparation for our launch of a full e-commerce solution this year, part of our bigger e-strategy.

At the end of this week, we’ll go live with a pilot version that we’re confident will be a success. A growing number of customers have expressed an interest in ordering online with us. So, a small number of  these will be helping us to assess how our system performs in a real life situation, enabling us to iron out any glitches before the full launch.

Many of the systems companies operate various online ordering portals, but in the hardware sector, it has been relatively slow to take off.

However, Mila’s leading the way with a system that our IT team have designed to be simple and intuitive to use – there’s even a favourites menu similar to the supermarket websites.

We’ve invested in the system to enhance the sales service we already offer to our customers. Of course, those who want to continue phoning or faxing their orders to us will still be able to do so.

I expect the pilot to demonstrate the real potential of online ordering in this market and I’ll be interested to talk to the customers taking part to hear their views.

If you’d like to register for online ordering once the pilot is complete, click on the button on the home page and register your details.

Richard