Data Select is a division of Westcoast, the fastest growing privately held IT business in the UK. We have over 20 years of experience and are the only mobile centric distribution partner to have operated in the UK mobile market since the outset.
Head of Marketing at Data Select
As an award-winning authorised Samsung distribution partner, we support a channel of B2B resellers with access to the very latest rugged smartphone and tablet devices, device management and security software, all designed to meet the current and future needs of the supply chain sector.
Solely focused on the UK market, we have provided the mobile hardware and software through our reseller network, to many of the leading businesses operating within warehousing, logistics and transportation. Adam Sweeney, Head of Marketing at Data Select spoke to Warehouse & Logistics News.
What products or services does your company offer?
As an award-winning authorised Samsung distribution partner, we provide access to the complete portfolio of Samsung rugged devices, MDM software and accessories through our network of B2B resellers and in demand in the supply chain sector.
This includes the latest Samsung Galaxy XCover range of rugged smartphones and Tab Active range of rugged tablets. Easy to use, hard to break, the devices are designed to withstand the most demanding environments, whilst keeping everyone connected, productive and protected.
Through our network of B2B resellers, we are able to serve all business sizes from SoHo through to large corporates, across all vertical market sectors.
How did your company react to the Covid-19 outbreak and consequent lockdowns?
As a mobile technology distribution partner, we were able to pivot fast as we all faced fundamental changes to doing business and rapidly moved to a fully operational ‘working from home’ model.
Putting our suppliers, customers, and colleagues at the forefront of what we do, we were able to continue to deliver the great levels of service we have become known for, keep product flowing and were fortunate to still grow throughout this period, as the mobile technology we offer increased in demand.
Over a year on from the start of Covid-19, what lessons has the company and the industry learned from the pandemic?
Having a solid foundation is always important when facing into headwinds and those businesses that were built from the ground up, continually executing the basics well, tended to fair better as they had a good platform to pivot from.
Mobile technology has enabled disparate workforces to remain connected, to have continual lines of communication with their customers, suppliers and colleagues, access to the systems and information they need and continue to deliver, despite the challenges.
UK businesses are resilient and perhaps more agile and more capable than they had given themselves credit for.
Do you think some of the trends that began or were accelerated during Covid-19, such as the increase in e-commerce, will become permanent?
Digital transformation, which was already underway for many businesses, was expedited. E-commerce grew at an incredible rate, as we had to buy online and the entire supply chain that sat behind it, experienced demand like never before.
The need for secure rugged mobile devices across the supply chain was immense. People outside of these sectors also needed this technology as well, as the typical office-based worker, now worked from home, but clearly needed to remain in contact with their customers and colleagues, whilst delivering business continuity.
What products or services will you be introducing in the next year?
We are looking forward to the latest iterations of the innovative Samsung rugged mobile devices and MDM software they have built a solid reputation on, and we are able to take into the channel, as we continue this hybrid working journey.
Securing a mobile fleet of devices has never been more important and Samsung’s ‘secure from the chipset up’ approach across their devices, gives customers the peace of mind that their data is safe and secure. Their Galaxy rugged devices are as responsive and reliable in harsh conditions as they are in the office, with their range withstanding water, dust, drops and knocks with IP68 and MIL-STD 810 standards. And replaceable batteries keep users in the field for longer, making the devices ideal for those operating in the logistics sector.
In what areas are you making technological advances?
Data Select remain at the forefront of mobile technology, whilst not manufacturing devices ourselves, we partner with the world’s leading mobile brands whose smartphones and tablets are specifically built to meet the requirements of those operating in the supply chain.
Each device designed to enhance collaboration, improve efficiencies, deliver greater customer service, lower total cost of ownership and ultimately give those operating within the supply chain, the edge.
What training do you provide for your staff?
We operate a continuous training programme across our business for all and then for those at the coalface, dealing daily with customers and end users, they are frequently trained by our brand partners, often acting as an extension to their sales and product teams with in-depth expertise and knowledge.
What is the company’s commitment to social responsibility?
As a division of Westcoast, we’re committed to adding net zero carbon to the carbon we directly control by 2035 and are developing a Carbon Action Programme.
This provides a benchmark from which we can make improvements, with our key areas of focus covering packaging, energy consumption and use at our facilities, fuel use in the delivery of the products we offer (largely outsourced to delivery companies), recycling and the secure disposal of used products.
A significant portion of the environmental impact centres around our OEM suppliers and partners. As a result, we’re also committed to working with all major suppliers to help reduce their own carbon emissions and promote their most environmentally friendly products and initiatives.
What improvements have you made to your customer service recently?
To continue to deliver the high levels of service that we have built our reputation on, we have taken our proven model and scaled this during the last year to ensure the knowledge we have is transferred effectively to new team members and as we and our customer channel has grown, we have kept an excellent level of service, engagement, and the ability to respond quickly and accurately.
What industries do you believe offer your business the most potential over the next year?
The momentum for hybrid working will not disappear and whilst more people have and will continue to be asked back into their facilities, businesses are needing to consider and implement flexible working practices as today’s workers now expect it.
To be able to compete for talent, the market is seeing candidates making demands for a combination of home, office and anywhere working. This means an increase in the mobile technology needed to deliver it, with smartphones and tablets, coupled with security and MDM (Mobile Device Management) at its core.
This means that no single sector necessarily stands out, instead the opportunity for all verticals to provide opportunities for growth. Finally, as online purchases continue to surpass previous record levels with no signs of moving in any other direction than up, those involved in the supply chain from warehousing to transportation to logistics will continue to experience demand and need credible partners to work with and help scale their operations with them.
How future proof is your business?
As a division of Westcoast, we have access to considerable resources from finance to knowledge, the world’s leading mobile and tech brands and an experienced leadership team, all combining in a sector anticipating growth and opportunity, so we are excited for our customers, suppliers and our futures and being at the heart of the mobile technology sector, we remain optimistic about the future.
How would you sum up your company in three words?
Agile, trusted, experts.
DATA SELECT
0844 249 0792
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