Latcham case study
How Latcham Prostore
became ‘Essentials’ to The Royal College of Midwives
Online ordering portal
The Royal College of Midwives
and Latcham
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM), affiliated with the TUC and other organisational alliances, is a powerful collective voice supporting and representing the interests of midwives and maternity support workers, while promoting quality maternity services, professional standards, and excellence in the care of women and families on behalf of their members.
RCM membership packages provide career development, training and work opportunities, legal and financial support, and unionised workplace support to a membership base of circa 49,000 midwives and maternity support workers across 180 RCM branches nationwide.
Since 2011, we have partnered with the RCM as a dedicated service provider for their membership communications, supplying personalised print via Latcham Engage , fulfilment and delivery for welcome packs, renewal packs, annual subscription packs and other member communications on a weekly and ad hoc basis.
In 2023, we started a 1-year rolling contract to develop a comprehensive solution to optimise and streamline another of RCM’s key communications functions.
![Holding-Hand-Landscape-iPad-Tablet-Mockup-1 Holding-Hand-Landscape-iPad-Tablet-Mockup-1](https://latcham.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Holding-Hand-Landscape-iPad-Tablet-Mockup-1.png?width=6020&height=5017&name=Holding-Hand-Landscape-iPad-Tablet-Mockup-1.png)
The brief
RCM produce a stock of branded and personalised merchandise for their members, events and conferences. These materials were stored across many different locations across the UK. RCM wanted to consolidate their stock and rationalise the supply process for their colleagues, maximising the cost efficiencies inherent within a centralised system.
![RCM_Horizontal white RCM_Horizontal white](https://latcham.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/RCM_Horizontal%20white.png?width=500&height=168&name=RCM_Horizontal%20white.png)
Key requirements included:
- Secure warehousing for variable volumes of pallets and pick locations for 150+ product items.
- Order placement technology to facilitate the on-demand requirements of 100 personnel and the ad hoc needs for 800 workplace reps.
- Secure management of stock inventory
- Fulfilment of ad hoc, regular, and bulk orders.
- Supporting conferences and events with bulk product delivery UK and worldwide.
![205 205](https://latcham.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/205.png?width=2000&height=1200&name=205.png)
Important considerations:
Demonstrable
cost efficiencies
Cost
control
Performance monitoring using KPIs against agreed SLAs
Quality
assurance
Data security
and compliance
Sustainable working practises to be endemic across full supply chain
![iPad Pro-In-Hand-Mockup-1 iPad Pro-In-Hand-Mockup-1](https://latcham.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/iPad%20Pro-In-Hand-Mockup-1.png?width=2000&height=1993&name=iPad%20Pro-In-Hand-Mockup-1.png)
The solution: RCM Essentials online portal
We proposed the development of a bespoke online portal solution via our e-commerce platform, Latcham ProStore. In conjunction with our advanced warehouse management systems, personalised communications and fulfilment capabilities, this would enable on-demand access to all RCM collateral, streamline processes as well as providing real-time stock visibility and cost transparency.
Making it happen: implementation and ongoing service
Our dedicated account team collaborated with the RCM Technical Project Board in the development, implementation, and project management of our solution, maintaining timely progress, highlighting issues, and mitigating risk.
Benefits and outcomes
Our multi-faceted online ordering solution enables the seamless provision of on-demand access to all RCM
collateral, streamlines procurement, administrative and fulfilment processes, while providing inventory
management and budget control – all within a secure, regulated and sustainable environment.
Enhanced operational efficiency
Time and cost savings.
Transparent cost management
Facilitates RCM with their strategic budget allocation.
Real-time stock information and personalised reporting
Enables stock replenishment planning, reducing wastage and obsolescence.
Secure warehousing
Managed by advanced access control system and code-matched against our MI system.
Integrity of stock
Is secured in regulated ambient conditions.
Dedicated account management resource
Ensures ongoing support and healthy collaboration between ourselves and RCM.
The flexibility and scalability
Our portal solution lends itself to future developments, promising sustained value to the Royal College of Midwives and stakeholders.
ISO14001 accredited
We prioritise ISO 14001 certified suppliers that adopt environmentally responsible practices, such as producing chlorine-free paper and non-VOC ink. Our technology investments are also held to strict energy efficiency standards, in accordance with our sustainability targets. We’re actively invested in reducing our environmental impact and we’re on track to becoming carbon neutral by 2025 and net-zero by 2040.
Our Services
Warehousing
Stock Control
Fulfilment
Order Placement Technology
Communications Partner
Interested in knowing more?
We’re ready to help transform your member onboarding experience. Fill in the contact form and our membership expert, David Lonie, will be in touch.