The addition to K8 follows the acquisition by KCS of software business Datawright, which supplies Kingfisher software solutions for the manufacturing sector.
KCS chief executive Ian Bendelow said the takeover of Datawright was strategic and tied in with distribution market trends.
"As our customers in distributive trades continue to take control of supply chains, they’re looking to differentiate themselves through offering value-added processes, and many as a result require software systems with a manufacturing functionality," he said.
"And our customers will now be able to take advantage of a proven manufacturing module, which will be integrated into the K8 system."
He added that KCS and Datawright shared a "common technology" platform, making the merger of their software more straightforward.
Marketing manager Nell McIntosh said that Kerridge did see applications for the Kingfisher system, which is being re-branded K8 Manufacturing, in the timber and builders merchants sector.
"Many of them already do have some form of further processing or manufacturing facility while others are increasingly looking at adding this sort of operation to supplement their import and distribution activities," she said. "It can give them added value as well as added-control and flexibility in meeting customers’ needs."
She said that the addition of K8 Manufacturing to the existing K8 system would not add to its costs and that Kerridge would provide training ni its use, if required.
Datawright will continue to operate with the same team out of its premises in Tyne-on-Wear, but will trade as KCS Manufacturing Solutions.
