Should Distributors Join Associations To Improve Supply Chain Management?

Joining professional and trade associations can help individuals and businesses flourish in supply chain management. An article from Supply & Demand Chain Executive explains that associations also a useful tool to recruit new talent to the industry.

Why would a distribution organization choose to belong to a supply chain management trade association? Because not being a member says more than choosing to be a member. By not joining, the distributor is sending the wrong message. The distributor is, in effect, telling its employees or the people in its organization that it doesn’t take part in industry activities, it doesn’t want to support industry advocacy, and it doesn’t want to support education and training for its people. In wholesale distribution, trade association membership is vital. Networking is one of the major perks of joining an association, the Supply & Demand Chain Executive article notes. Some of the other benefits include access to industry research, which includes financial benchmarking studies and educational training.

Read the full article on the Advanced Distribution Today website.

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Join Brown Smith Wallace at the PTDA Canadian Conference

Registration for the 2013 PTDA Canadian Conference is now open! Join Brown Smith Wallace and your fellow Canadian power transmission/motion control distributors as you learn together from world renowned speakers, network with your channel partners and recharge for a dynamic year of growth!

Held June 6-8, 2013 at the InterContinental Toronto Centre in Toronto, Canada, you can expect: Innovative Ideas for Immediate Implementation • Industry Showcase • Mike Lipkin of Environics discusses 10 traits of preeminent performers • Michael “Pinball” Clemons, Vice Chair of the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts, talks about the importance of teamwork • Author Joe Ellers uncovers the secrets to selling value rather than price • Market briefings from end-user industries

To learn more and register, visit the PTDA website.

The Brown Smith Wallace Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guides for 2013 are currently available.

You can download each one directly, or visit our main website to request a copy. Please follow the links below.

2013 Distribution Software

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Visser & Smit Marine Contracting Deploys IFS Notify Me

Visser & Smit Marine Contracting (VSMC) as the first IFS Benelux customer to deploy the IFS Notify Me Touch App. As a market leader in offshore cable installation, VSMC, based in Papendrecht, the Netherlands, provides complete specialized offshore marine cables that play a crucial role in transferring electricity, data, and telecommunications. Working on offshore projects in various regions, VSMC needed a way to secure real-time cost reporting in order to ensure control of its international projects.

VSMC decided to deploy IFS Notify Me, a member of the IFS Touch Apps family, enabling project managers to approve purchase orders, expenses and invoices in the field. Eliminating the need for performing these tasks in the office, VSMC project managers and directors will be able to speed up the approval processes resulting in improved project cost control and higher customer service levels. The IFS Touch App will run on Windows 8 tablets, which is the company’s standard device.

To read more about the project, visit the IFS website.

The Brown Smith Wallace Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guides for 2013 are currently available.

You can download each one directly, or visit our main website to request a copy. Please follow the links below.

2013 Distribution Software

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You can also request these guides, as well as all other materials, via our website: http://www.software4distributors.com/vendor/resources_index.aspx

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Benefit From I.B.I.S. Collaboration and Portal Solutions

I.B.I.S. is generating buzz with their Advanced Reporting and Client Portal built with SharePoint 2013. Advanced Reporting allows real-time connectivity to Dynamics ERP and CRM line-of-business (LOB) data systems both on premise and with Microsoft Azure.

Listed below are a few information gaps companies face today:

1.Companies that run several LOB systems, each serving a different department, need or function.
2.Data gaps across different functions (e.g. Sales, Engineering, etc.) that are impacting the company’s overall performance.
3.Complexity and cost associated with connecting the backend systems used by these different departments (CRM, ERP, PLM, etc.).
4.Wanting to have “one version of the truth” available via an easy to use company portal.

With I.B.I.S. Collaboration and Portal solutions, users can now leverage SharePoint Portals to view and edit Customer, Vendor, Account, Order and Billing Information, Make Online Payments and Submit Service Requests. Everyone in the organization can have their own “My Page” complete with full Key Performance Indicators. Companies can overall improve decision–making processes, productivity, and return on investment (ROI) by connecting IBIS SharePoint solutions with their existing Dynamics CRM and ERP LOB systems and have SharePoint serve as the org-wide platform for collaboration and workflow-centric business processes, while utilizing the business data from the LOB systems.

To learn more, visit the I.B.I.S. website.

The Brown Smith Wallace Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guides for 2013 are currently available.

You can download each one directly, or visit our main website to request a copy. Please follow the links below.

2013 Distribution Software

2013 Manufacturing Software

You can also request these guides, as well as all other materials, via our website: http://www.software4distributors.com/vendor/resources_index.aspx

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VAI at WeisarMazars Food & Beverage Forum

VAI will be attending and sponsoring WeiserMazars Food and Beverage Form. For more than a decade, this elite event has been the premier CEO networking event in the New York Metropolitan area. Bringing together illustrious speakers and top decision makers from the leading food & beverage companies in the tri-state area, this event provides an environment in which to forge new alliances and reflect upon best practices.

Visit the VAI website for details and registration information.


The Brown Smith Wallace Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guides for 2013 are currently available.

You can download each one directly, or visit our main website to request a copy. Please follow the links below.

2013 Distribution Software

2013 Manufacturing Software

You can also request these guides, as well as all other materials, via our website: http://www.software4distributors.com/vendor/resources_index.aspx

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Altran tailors branch management with Sage ERP X3

Reconciling standalone management systems at each of its 100 branches while gradually centralising operations in each division, in a nutshell, was the challenge that innovation consultant Altran took on – and tackled with the Sage ERP X3 flexible and sophisticated solution. Altran mapped out the solution’s functional scope to encompass accounting and sales administration, and to interface with the Axys payroll and personnel administration software it was already using. It drafted its specs, and the setup and development followed.

To read more of the case study and solution implementation process, visit the Sage ERP blog.

The Brown Smith Wallace Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guides for 2013 are currently available.

You can download each one directly, or visit our main website to request a copy. Please follow the links below.

2013 Distribution Software

2013 Manufacturing Software

You can also request these guides, as well as all other materials, via our website: http://www.software4distributors.com/vendor/resources_index.aspx

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Access Our 2013 Manufacturing and Distribution Software Guides Today!

The Brown Smith Wallace Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guides for 2013 are currently available.

You can download each one directly, or visit our main website to request a copy. Please follow the links below.

2013 Distribution Software

2013 Manufacturing Software

You can also request these guides, as well as all other materials, via our website: http://www.software4distributors.com/vendor/resources_index.aspx

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VAI at INTERPHEX 2013 Tradeshow

INTERPHEX is the leading annual pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical trade show. Attendees will have networking opportunities, and preview insightful, innovative products and services to solve manufacturing and supply chain challenges. Visit VAI at Booth #3180 and learn how you can leverage S2K ERP Solutions to grow and transform your business.

 

Learn more and register at the INTERPHEX 2013 website.

 

The Brown Smith Wallace Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guides for 2013 are currently available.

You can download each one directly, or visit our main website to request a copy. Please follow the links below.

2013 Distribution Software

2013 Manufacturing Software

You can also request these guides, as well as all other materials, via our website: http://www.software4distributors.com/vendor/resources_index.aspx

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Pacesetter Sports Boosts Customer Tracking with Epicor

Pacesetter Sports started as a specialty tennis and running store, but as the demand grew for other sporting goods equipment, the decision was made to launch a full-service team sports department. As a result of this expansion, Pacesetters made the decision to include team, institutional, and corporate divisions. After 30 years in business, the company has grown to be one of the largest team sports suppliers in Indiana and Illinois and supplies athletes of all ages, sports, and abilities with uniforms, equipment, jackets, team shoes and cleats, coach apparel, hats, cheerleading uniforms, and field equipment.

Pacesetter Sports recently transitioned to a new business management system to assist in the fulfillment of customer requests and the selection of Epicor Eagle has helped the company step up to meet the needs of their ever-evolving business.

To read more about the business case study and how Epicor can help your business, visit their website.

The Brown Smith Wallace Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guides for 2013 are currently available.

You can download each one directly, or visit our main website to request a copy. Please follow the links below.

2013 Distribution Software

2013 Manufacturing Software

You can also request these guides, as well as all other materials, via our website: http://www.software4distributors.com/vendor/resources_index.aspx

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Join Brown Smith Wallace at the 2013 Woodworking Industry Conference

It’s Time to Register for WIC 2013 Conference held April 23-26 at the Marriott Phoenix Tempe at The Buttes in Tempe, AZ.

The Woodworking Machinery Industry Association® (WMIA®) and the Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America® (WMMA®) represent different segments of the industry but for the last 30 years the associations have been working together as well as individually for the industry.

It’s a great environment to meet new acquaintances, grow your company while discussing the future of the industry and at the same time learn about new trends and ideas. Be sure to stop by the Brown Smith Wallace booth to learn about our manufacturing and distribution software solutions!

Learn more about the conference and register online.

The Brown Smith Wallace Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guides for 2013 are currently available.

You can download each one directly, or visit our main website to request a copy. Please follow the links below.

2013 Distribution Software

2013 Manufacturing Software

You can also request these guides, as well as all other materials, via our website: http://www.software4distributors.com/vendor/resources_index.aspx

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Denver Schools Choose Infor Talent Management Software

Infor, a leading provider of business application software serving more than 70,000 customers, recently announced Denver Public Schools (DPS) in Denver, Colorado has become one of the first school districts in the nation to use Infor for talent management.

The implementation is intended to support the district's 2010 Denver Plan, which calls for putting students first by finding and retaining the most qualified teachers for every classroom. As outlined in the plan, the Talent Management suite supports one of the district's top-line goals: strategic management of human resources. With nearly 200 schools, including traditional, magnet, charter and pathways schools, DPS serves over 84,000 students. It has become the fastest-growing urban school district in the country, and DPS is posting the fastest student academic growth among large school districts in Colorado.

To learn more, visit the Infor website.

The Brown Smith Wallace Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guides for 2013 are currently available.

You can download each one directly, or visit our main website to request a copy. Please follow the links below.

2013 Distribution Software

2013 Manufacturing Software

You can also request these guides, as well as all other materials, via our website: http://www.software4distributors.com/vendor/resources_index.aspx

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Join Us at the April NAHAD Meeting and Convention!

Join Brown Smith Wallace at the 29th Annual NAHAD Meeting and Convention, April 20 - 24, at the Gaylord National Resort near Washington, D.C.

NAHAD hosts the only worldwide event dedicated to serving NAHAD Member hose distributors, manufacturers and suppliers. The Annual Convention is a Members-Only event, bringing together over 800 attendees for four days of vital business education, crucial face-to-face business networking, the annual Showcase of Hose Solutions product and services exhibition and exciting social events, all designed to build stronger trading partner relationships and deliver new product introductions and hose solutions.

To learn more and register, visit the NAHAD website.

The Brown Smith Wallace Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guides for 2013 are currently available.

You can download each one directly, or visit our main website to request a copy. Please follow the links below.

2013 Distribution Software

2013 Manufacturing Software

You can also request these guides, as well as all other materials, via our website: http://www.software4distributors.com/vendor/resources_index.aspx

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Request the Latest Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guides

The Brown Smith Wallace Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guides for 2013 are currently available.

You can download each one directly, or visit our main website to request a copy. Please follow the links below.

2013 Distribution Software

2013 Manufacturing Software

You can also request these guides, as well as all other materials, via our website: http://www.software4distributors.com/vendor/resources_index.aspx

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