Orderwise 2024: Milestones, memories & momentum
"As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself in daily discussions about what Orderwise has achieved in the last 12 months. We kicked off the year with new branding, a fresh look and feel for a modern Orderwise but with the same focus; continued support and success for our software community."
Steve Ridgley, Business Unit Leader
Orderwise 2024
Year-end wrap-up
As 2024 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on a year filled with growth, innovation, and community spirit. At Orderwise, this year has been all about pushing boundaries, connecting with our customers and partners in new ways, and making a meaningful impact both inside and outside the workplace.
From launching ground-breaking solutions like Orderwise Cloud to hosting our first-ever Orderwise Roadshow and raising funds for an incredible cause, there have been so many highlights to celebrate. Here’s a look back at what made 2024 such a remarkable year.
Orderwise Cloud takes off
Since 1991, Orderwise has been on a mission to transform stock control and operational management, starting as one man's vision to solve inventory challenges for his inner circle. One of the most enduring dreams—and a frequent request from our customers—was to bring Orderwise to the cloud. The idea of creating a solution that not only streamlines operations but also improves scalability and accessibility has been part of our DNA for years.
With the support of Forterro in 2022, that dream became a reality. In 2024, we proudly launched Orderwise Cloud, a solution built for the future of business. For us, this isn’t just a product launch; it’s the culmination of decades of expertise and customer collaboration.
Events across the UK
This year, our focus on collaboration extended beyond digital platforms, as we engaged directly with our customers and partners through various events and exhibitions.
The Orderwise Roadshow in June was a highlight, bringing together customers, industry experts, and partners to explore the latest innovations in ERP and warehouse management.
This wasn’t the only time we hit the road—our sales team visited major industry events such as itSHOWCASE in Birmingham and across London, and the eCommerce Expo, connecting with businesses to showcase how Orderwise can transform their operations.
We also hosted exclusive Customer Roundtables, inviting business leaders from the Orderwise community to discuss the future of Orderwise Cloud. These intimate sessions provided an opportunity for customers to share their visions, exchange ideas, and explore how cloud solutions could improve their flexibility, security, and accessibility. We can’t wait to continue them in the new year.
Collaborating with our customers
Aldridge Security, the UK’s leading supplier of security products, is a shining example of long-term success with Orderwise. As a valued customer for several years, they’ve been reaping the rewards of a partnership that continues to drive efficiency and innovation. It was a pleasure to capture their story so far, showcasing how the right technology can simplify complexity and fuel sustainable business growth.
We also partnered with Agrigem to host a webinar on the benefits of digitalising operations. During the session, Agrigem’s Operations Director shared their transition from manual processes to automation using Orderwise, highlighting how this shift has empowered them to scale with confidence. The discussion provided some fantastic insights into how digital transformation can create new possibilities for businesses.
What you've told us this year
Customer feedback is invaluable to us. Whether through Trustpilot reviews, events, or conversations, these insights have shaped our focus and inspired us to do more. Here’s a glimpse of what's been shared this year:
Raising money for incredible causes
This year, our charity initiatives focused on supporting the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance, a cause close to our hearts. Together with our team and community, we took part in a range of fundraising events, including:
- National Walking Month to promote health and well-being.
- A Photography Competition that brought out our creative side.
- An Ice Cream Van Event that was a sweet success.
- A Golf Charity Day and Raffle, which raised hundreds of pounds.
- A fun and festive Halloween Bakery.
- The ongoing Santa Fun Run, which has already raised £360, with more contributions to come.
Through these efforts, we’ve raised an incredible £837 so far, with donations still coming in via our JustGiving page.
Driving our product roadmap
This year, our product roadmap has been more customer-driven than ever. With the reintroduction of quarterly release note videos and the launch of regular customer surveys, we’re ensuring your feedback directly shapes our innovations. These initiatives make it easier for you to stay informed and involved, highlighting how we’re enhancing Orderwise to better meet your needs.
Reflections on 2024, our year in review
"As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself in daily discussions about what Orderwise has achieved in the last 12 months. We kicked off the year with new branding, a fresh look and feel for a modern Orderwise but with the same focus; continued support and success for our software community. In February, we began planning for our roadshows which took place in June, seeing us on the road and back where we most want to be; speaking with you and seeing your success first hand. Across 3 dates, we saw over 300 individuals from almost 180 businesses, each with their own unique experience of our software and an immense sense of pride filled myself and the team to see how Orderwise has supported the growth of so many businesses. The roadshows allowed us to reconnect with you but also gave you the opportunity to connect with each other; something which of course is great to see.
After the summer, we proudly announced the formal launch of Orderwise Cloud; a new offer that is already sweeping through our software community and providing businesses even greater flexibility than before. Of course, 2024 wouldn’t have been complete without activities a little closer to our home and community when in October, we raised over £800.00 for Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance; an incredible team who provide emergency response across our local area and help to save countless lives every day.
November and December show no signs of Orderwise slowing down with Cloud migrations, software go-lives and a number of team and business celebrations still to come. 2024 has been a genuinely momentous year for Orderwise and none of it could have been achieved without our teams, our colleagues within Forterro and, of course, you, our software community; thank you for making this year the success it has been. 2025 is shaping up to be even more successful and innovative but before that, many of us will be taking a well deserved rest and so, on behalf of myself and the wider Orderwise & Forterro teams, we wish you the very best for the festive seasons whatever your plans may be and we look forward to working with you in 2025."
Steve Ridgley, Director of Product, Research & Development and Business Unit Leader, Orderwise
Steve Ridgley, Director of Product, Research & Development and Business Unit Leader, Orderwise