UK Luxury Furniture Brand Transforms Operations with a No‑Code Central Database

Overview

As part of the broader workflow transformation at Dragons of Walton Street (DOWS), our team identified a critical need for a centralized product knowledge database. This new system had to serve multiple departments—particularly production—by consolidating all essential data in one place. It also needed to integrate seamlessly with the company’s expanding IT infrastructure, ensuring accurate stock levels, daily production needs, and up‑to‑date information across all platforms.

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The Challenge

1. Fragmented Product Data
   DOWS had critical information—such as pricing, product images, technical drawings, and stock levels—spread across various tools. This lack of a single source of truth led to inconsistencies and errors.
2. Outdated SKU System
   The old SKU system was just a series of numbers, offering little insight into the product (e.g., model, color, artwork) and making it difficult to track new releases.
3. Limited Scalability
   Manually updating product data in multiple places was not sustainable for growth. DOWS required an approach that could evolve with the company, without needing a dedicated development team for constant maintenance.

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The Solution: Dragons Management System (DMS)

Centralized Database & Editing Interface

We developed a custom no‑code solution called Dragons Management System (DMS) using Glide. This platform consolidates all product information—stock levels, pricing, website descriptions, photos, options, technical drawings, packaging data, and more—into a single, user‑friendly interface.

1. Unified Product Information
   One-stop access to everything from pricing and packaging lists to technical drawings. Eliminates duplicate data entry and reduces the risk of errors.
2. Two‑Way Synchronization
   Automatic updates between DMS and other key software like Shopify and Xero. When any information is updated in DMS, it reflects instantly across all connected systems.
3. Real‑Time Stock & Dashboard
   Provides an up‑to‑the‑minute view of stock values, listed items, and other key metrics. Simplifies daily production planning and inventory checks.
4. PDF Packing Lists on Demand
   Allows teams to generate packing lists by selecting order items from a dropdown. Eliminates the need to manually compile lists from multiple sources.

New Human‑Readable SKU System

To address the limitations of the old numeric SKU system, we introduced a parameter‑based approach. Users simply select product attributes—such as finish, model, artwork, and color—from a dropdown, and the DMS auto‑generates a descriptive SKU. This system makes it easier to track product variations and releases.

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Why Glide?

1. Cost‑Effectiveness
   Instead of building from scratch (which could have taken up to 6–9 months), Glide’s monthly subscription model significantly reduced upfront costs and ongoing maintenance.
2. No Developer Bottlenecks
   The user‑friendly, drag‑and‑drop interface eliminates the need for a dedicated development team, enabling rapid updates without specialized coding.
3. Continuous Improvement
   As a third‑party platform, Glide is constantly adding new features and capabilities, keeping the DMS up to date with minimal effort.
4. Scalability & Security
   With SOC 2 Type 2 certification, Glide ensures a secure environment. The platform can easily expand to support new features as DOWS continues to grow.

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Impact & Results

• Faster Development & Implementation
  The entire DMS was built in just one month and implemented the following month—saving substantial time compared to custom development.
• Streamlined Operations
  Having a single source of truth reduces confusion, duplicative efforts, and errors, greatly improving overall efficiency in production and inventory management.
• Enhanced Data Accuracy
  Two‑way synchronization ensures updates are instantly reflected across all systems, eliminating discrepancies in product info or pricing.
• Future‑Ready System
  DMS can easily integrate with additional tools (POS, accounting, or CRM), laying a foundation for ongoing digital transformation.

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Conclusion

By implementing the Dragons Management System, DOWS gained a centralized, scalable, and secure solution that has become the core of their product management and daily operations. We are proud to have delivered this system in record time, with minimal costs and maximum flexibility. MSYS remains committed to supporting DOWS’s continued growth and looks forward to future collaborations to enhance and expand the DMS as their needs evolve.