Direct Online Services (DOS) is a leading UK eCommerce business specialising in high-quality kitchen worktops and surface materials. Its flagship brand, Worktop Express, is the UK’s biggest online worktop retailer. Since 2008, DOS has grown steadily by combining strong online customer experience with competitive sourcing and its own national delivery network.
The challenge
As the company grew, DOS realised there were gaps in its internal processes for non-stock purchase orders, invoice approvals, and three-way matching. These weaknesses were raised during audits as potential risks.
Even though DOS was using Sage 200 Professional alongside its own ERP system, many tasks were still done manually. This made it harder for budget holders to see what was being spent, increased admin work, and added unnecessary risk around spend control and compliance.
What Direct Online Services said...
“Techsol supported us throughout the entire project, from the exploratory phase through to post-rollout, and were instrumental in ensuring a successful launch and completion. The team’s professionalism, communication, and commitment to achieving our goals were exceptional, and it was a pleasure to work with them.”
Our solution – Sage 200 Professional & Sicon
Techsol has worked with DOS since 2017, originally supporting the implementation of Sage 200. As the business looked to further improve its processes and increase automation, we worked closely with the DOS team to plan and develop this project together. Based on their goals, we recommended using Sicon Approvals and Sicon Document Automation to address the control and efficiency challenges they were facing.
After product demonstrations and project approval, we carried out an onsite solution analysis to prepare for implementation. Together, these tools provide a fully digital process for purchase orders and invoice approvals, ensuring spend is approved before invoices are received and giving clear audit trails throughout.
The result
The new system brings in clear approval workflows that meet auditor expectations and reduce risk. It ensures spend is approved before invoices are processed, gives budget holders better visibility, and cuts down on manual work.
Since going live, Techsol has helped DOS strengthen financial controls, improve compliance, increase transparency, and build confidence in its purchasing and approval processes.
Techsol continues to work closely with the DOS team to make sure the solution delivers long-term value and supports the business as it grows.
