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Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Phocas Lights Up the Data of AEL Electrical Distributors

Established since 1981, AEL is an electrical distributor based in Aberdeen, Scotland. AEL specializes in the supply of control, automation and hazardous area electrical equipment to the oil and gas, marine, petrochemical, renewable and energy sectors. AEL has grown quickly and organically over the past 5 years and now includes offices in Houston; USA, Tema; Ghana, Baku; Azerbaijan and Atryau; Kazakhstan. Their main customers are drilling contractors, panel builders and offshore module builders. The lack of valuable information was hampering the ability of the management team and business development team.


This lack of valuable information was hampering the ability of the management team and business development team to:
•Organize the customers in tiers
•Report the sales
•Match the sales to specific contacts in the CRM system
•Analyze the customers sales and target marketing activity to the customer or sector
•Analyze AEL’s purchasing record allowing for better management of the store and stock


Because of this, AEL implemented Phocas’s Business Intelligence and CRM solutions. One of AEL’s most interesting and significant uses of Phocas is using the system to analyze their On Time in Full (OTIF) percentages. Their OTIF system works by taking the date from the sales order, the date from the line item, the date the item was receipted into AEL, the date receipted out to the customer and the invoice date. Phocas then uses these dates to work out whether the goods were received into AEL on time, late or early; and it also uses the dates to work out if the goods were received by the customer on time, late or early.


The benefit of using both Phocas CRM and Phocas BI for AEL is that the users can see sales figures and by clicking a button be taken to the person / account in the CRM system and vice versa. This allows the data to be linked and allows for tasks to be set for the business development team depending on the data received. This link makes the role of the business development team easier, as only one system is used, allowing for effective and efficient training.


To learn more, Visit the Phocas Newsroom.


New Software Research Guides Available
Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact sjay@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.


For 2018 Distribution Software Guide: http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Distribution_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018DSG


For 2018 Manufacturing Software Guide:
http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Manufacturing_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018MFG


Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.

Also, read our 2018 Mid-Year Supplements http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Mid_Year_Supplement_Blog.pdf?utm_source=DownloadPDF&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018Supp
Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.







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Wednesday, December 19, 2018

iAutomation Merges Disparate IT Silos With NetSuite

iAutomation, and industrial automation company located in North Attleboro, Mass., needed a new CRM and inventory management system. An acquisition by iAutomation came with a cost: the company found itself saddled with siloed applications running in a fragmented IT environment that provided little visibility. Productivity suffered as staff had to manually access, import and export data across multiple systems, and a lack of real-time client information was causing needless delays and lost opportunities for sales and customer service.


NetSuite implementation spurs widespread improvements
NetSuite has improved iAutomation's business, helping generate double-digit revenue gains and significant customer service improvements. iAutomation now enjoys real-time data access across 11 offices, a streamlined supply chain, optimized stocking, and newly automated sales and purchase order processes.


A platform for future acquisitions
iAutomation's successful adoption of NetSuite served as a springboard to migrate another company it acquired, Action Automation & Controls, to the platform. Its newfound unified data and business processes enable it to quickly extract value from such acquisitions.


“NetSuite has taken our business to the next level by giving us total integration across the platform and a tremendous ability to mine data.” — Al Morrison, Vice President—Operations


To learn more visit the NetSuite news blog.


New Software Research Guides Available
Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact sjay@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.


For 2018 Distribution Software Guide: http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Distribution_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018DSG


For 2018 Manufacturing Software Guide:
http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Manufacturing_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018MFG


Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.

Also, read our 2018 Mid-Year Supplements http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Mid_Year_Supplement_Blog.pdf?utm_source=DownloadPDF&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018Supp
Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.







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Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Distek Gains Increased Access To Business Data With ECi's M1

The management team at North Brunswick, New Jersey-based Distek, Inc., a manufacturer of pharmaceutical testing instruments and provider of testing validation and qualification services, realized that their existing systems and infrastructure weren't good enough to take the business to the next level. A new manufacturing ERP software was needed to support growth.


Information that should be flowing uninterruptedly and in real time throughout the organization took hours or even days to generate and even longer to communicate. “We were running the business on QuickBooks and several different Access databases,” remembers Business Systems and Production Manager Pierre Parks. “I was copying and pasting information into a ton of different reports, and double, triple, and even quadruple entry of the same data was standard operating procedure. And even after all that, there were some key aspects of the business where we still had very little visibility.”


“We probably looked at close to 10 different ERP systems before making a final decision,” recalls Gail Rayner, ERP Project Manager, Accounting and HR Manager. “We took our due diligence very seriously because we knew what was at stake for the company and its future.” Finally, at the end of an exhaustive process that played out over a six-month period, Distek chose the M1 manufacturing ERP system from ECi Software Solutions.


“We selected M1 mainly because it gave us the most bang for the buck but it also seemed more user-friendly than the other systems we looked at and more easy to customize,” explains Parks. “And with M1, we would be able to take our different silos of information and bring them all under one roof. That was a key objective.”


“M1 provided a useful implementation checklist but we also had our own project plan and a project charter that set specific return-on-investment goals that we wanted to achieve,” explains Rayner. Those goals covered virtually every aspect of the business—from improved purchasing, receiving, and production processes through to upgrades in delivery and customer service.


“M1 had an immediate and very positive impact on our production department,” explains Parks. “With M1, when we receive a shipment, it’s seen throughout the system. Our purchasers can see when a part arrives in real-time as opposed to having to wait until the next day like they used to. When we input new orders, we also see allocation to the parts necessary to build those orders right away, whereas before, we might have to wait as long as two weeks. And the reports that used to take me days now get done in 30 minutes with M1.”


Read more on the ECi Newsroom.


New Software Research Guides Available
Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact sjay@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.


For 2018 Distribution Software Guide: http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Distribution_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018DSG


For 2018 Manufacturing Software Guide:
http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Manufacturing_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018MFG


Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.

Also, read our 2018 Mid-Year Supplements http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Mid_Year_Supplement_Blog.pdf?utm_source=DownloadPDF&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018Supp
Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.







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Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Holt & Bugbee Improve Inventory Accuracy With DMSi's Agility

Holt & Bugbee Company of Tewksbury, MA manufactures and distributes rough sawn planks, finish dimension planks and boards and custom finished and unfinished moldings. Their customer base is approximately 2,500 companies. Holt & Bugbee needed an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution that had lumber specific functionality and gave them speed and inventory accuracy. To achieve this, the company turned to Agility, DMSi’s business accounting software. 


Since Holt & Bugbee implemented Agility, they have improved inventory accuracy because of the many lumber specific features. The end tally functionality tool, allows them to efficiently track hardwood unit tallies by the thickness, width and length of every board or by total board footage per length. “We gravitated to Agility because of the inventory functionality, specifically being able to tally lumber,” Bill Robinson, Holt & Bugbee's IT systems manager said. 


Agility’s inventory functionality and accuracy made a big difference to the company, but it was what they could do with that information that really made an impact. The hand-held technology seamlessly brings critical lumber inventory information into Agility for tighter inventory control; from receiving to remanufacturing, all the way from raw green lumber to finished products.


Agility also helped to improve customer service. Robinson states, “Right now, everything is about being able to turn faster. How fast can you ship and manufacture. If you aren’t quick enough, customers will go to someone else – Agility has given us that speed advantage.” 


Agility has helped Holt & Bugbee automate processes. “It has cut a lot of time off processes and taken a lot of manual list implementations out,” Robinson said. “Technology is ever evolving, it never stops. You just have to go with the flow and get there,” Robinson added. “There is a lot of technology that DMSi keeps bringing out to the forefront.” 


Read more, access additional case studies on the DMSi Newsroom.


New Software Research Guides Available
Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact sjay@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.


For 2018 Distribution Software Guide: http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Distribution_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018DSG


For 2018 Manufacturing Software Guide:
http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Manufacturing_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018MFG


Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.

Also, read our 2018 Mid-Year Supplements http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Mid_Year_Supplement_Blog.pdf?utm_source=DownloadPDF&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018Supp
Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.







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Monday, November 26, 2018

First Choice Floral Streamlines Business With Floral Computer Systems

"The SMARTSystem has cut out at least 70% of the time I used to spend buying flowers. On special orders, more than a handful per week used to be difficult to keep up with. Now, I can handle an unlimited number." says Louis Pacanins of First Choice Floral in Dallas, TX.


"We put in the SMARTSystem right before a major holiday and it made a huge difference in our operation. This software streamlined our business so we’re much more cost efficient."


"Using the SMARTSale™ System, I was able to leave early on a Friday for the first time in 8 years. I’ve got all my orders in, I know what I have to buy, and I can go home and spend time with my family."


Read more at Floral Computer Systems.


New Software Research Guides Available
Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact sjay@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.


For 2018 Distribution Software Guide: http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Distribution_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018DSG


For 2018 Manufacturing Software Guide:
http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Manufacturing_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018MFG


Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.

Also, read our 2018 Mid-Year Supplements http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Mid_Year_Supplement_Blog.pdf?utm_source=DownloadPDF&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018Supp
Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.







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Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Conval-Aid Enhances Accounting With Blue Link

Established in 1976, provides a wide range of quality health-care products and services to customers across Eastern Ontario, Canada. This includes new and used hospital equipment and supplies, and medical and home-care provisions. The company also rents out equipment – from shower-chairs and wheelchairs to walkers, daily living supplies and stair lifts. Conval-Aid has evolved from a two-person endeavor to a family-owned company with more than 20 employees, including a service department and outside sales staff. It operates from a head office in Ottawa, Canada.


Challenge
Conval-Aid's original accounting system was increasingly inefficient, especially as third party billing was becoming complicated, with different components being supplied from companies all over the country; this demanded comprehensive internal tracking and accounting abilities. In addition, internal accounting controls were minimal, and internal security control was becoming an issue. Conval-Aid looked at several systems, mostly in the larger, mid-market range. They quickly realized those systems were not only expensive but, more importantly, didn’t offer the customizable features needed for the growing company.


Solution
Blue Link was recommended by both a business contact in the IT market, and the company accountant. After thoroughly investigating the company and its solutions, Conval-Aid decided to ask Blue Link to install its customizable accounting system. An important factor in the decision was Blue Link’s willingness to customize the solution to Conval-Aid’s needs, and to assist with implementing the new system. The company’s complicated third-party billing system needed particular customization, and the shipping system also presented challenges, for which Blue Link created additional customization. In addition, the invoicing process had to be able handle complicated and detailed invoicing structures. For example, certain percentages of a total invoice might need to be allocated to different companies, such as a percentage of a bill being allocated to the Easter Seals foundation because it had sponsored a particular product.


“There were very few problems. Blue Link took care of all the integration into the new system – it all went very smoothly. And Blue Link also did all the customization, and we really liked that.”
– Merrill Ed, Conval-Aid Healthcare


Read  more on the Blue Link website.


New Software Research Guides Available
Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact sjay@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.


For 2018 Distribution Software Guide: http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Distribution_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018DSG


For 2018 Manufacturing Software Guide:
http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Manufacturing_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018MFG


Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.

Also, read our 2018 Mid-Year Supplements http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Mid_Year_Supplement_Blog.pdf?utm_source=DownloadPDF&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018Supp
Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.







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Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Nature One Dairy Expands Sales with Tribridge DXC Technology

Nature One Dairy is an Australian-owned blending and canning manufacturer dedicated to producing high-quality, specialty powdered milk products from grass-fed Australian cows. After experiencing rapid growth in its own country, the company decided to market to nearby Asia, where safe, affordable infant formula is in high demand but difficult to find.


Challenge:
As it expanded its business, Nature One Dairy realized the time had come to modernize to more automated, integrated and efficient processes. The company was still relying on a combination of traditional quality assurance practices, separate accounting and production systems, and considerable manual effort. The most pressing issue was improving the ease and accuracy of stock control to trace the raw materials used in the powdered milk products, since in addition to the base powder, the finished product contains vitamins and other ingredients from a variety of suppliers.


Solution:
Nature One Dairy spent six months exploring various warehousing, accounting and other options before deciding that an end-to-end SAP SMB solution, based on SAP Business One for HANA would best meet its requirements. The company chose DXC Oxygen, part of the DXC Technology global SAP team and the leading specialist SAP solutions provider across Australia and New Zealand, to deliver and customize the solution.


Results:
  • Streamlined, integrated and transparent business processes, with consolidated warehouse, production and accounting systems
  • More accurate inventory and quality control, with traceability from raw materials to finished product
  • Higher efficiency, less production downtime, significant staff time savings, and the ability to better meet customers’ requirements and delivery dates
The company has been able to combine four different parts of the business — raw materials receiving/scanning, accounting, warehousing and production recording — into one system so they work together to give us a final product and a final count, which they couldn’t do previously.


Learn more on the DXE Technology website.




New Software Research Guides Available
Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact sjay@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.


For 2018 Distribution Software Guide: http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Distribution_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018DSG


For 2018 Manufacturing Software Guide:
http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Manufacturing_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018MFG


Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.


Also, read our 2018 Mid-Year Supplements 
http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Mid_Year_Supplement_Blog.pdf?utm_source=DownloadPDF&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018Supp 
Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.




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Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Sikes Paper Captures Significant Cost Savings With DDI

In a world of high speed burnishers and fast-acting disinfectants, the Janitorial and Sanitation industry values anything that saves time and labor. What holds true on the facility floor is equally true in distributor offices and warehouses. The term "speed to market" originated with software companies and referred to getting new products on market shelves as quickly as possible.


For Sikes Paper Company in Atlanta, Ga., its rapid speed to market can be contributed to its implementation of DDI System's Inform software technology. "Our world is all about speed," notes Greg Truitt, vice president and general manager for Sikes Paper Company. "DDI has provided us the technology to literally change our speed to market. That 'Goliath' down the street who is spending millions of dollars, cannot begin to compete with us on our speed and customer responsiveness."


The multi-dimensional features of DDI System's Inform distribution software enables Sikes Paper Company to seamlessly integrate various functions and departments. It delivers speedy solutions for everyone in the company such as the accounts receivable person in the main office, the salesperson working on the road from his car, and the customer service rep in the Dalton branch office.


To learn more, visit the DDI Newsroom.




New Software Research Guides Available
Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact sjay@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.


For 2018 Distribution Software Guide: http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Distribution_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018DSG


For 2018 Manufacturing Software Guide:
http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Manufacturing_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018MFG


Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.

Also, read our 2018 Mid-Year Supplements http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Mid_Year_Supplement_Blog.pdf?utm_source=DownloadPDF&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018Supp
Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.







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Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Wist Office Products Improves Warehouse Efficiency With VAI

Wist Office Products has been serving Arizona businesses since 1955 and is the largest independently owned office supply company in the Southwest. Wist offers over 40,000 products including general office supplies, office furniture and janitorial supplies.


Wist was running an outdated ERP system that presented a number of problems for the distributor. The first primary concern was the system’s lack of flexibility. The software did not allow the company to implement process improvements, and this in turn required Wist to incur extra, unnecessary labor costs. Secondly, errors were common and prevented Wist from acquiring the information it needed for accurate reporting and data analysis.


Still, the biggest challenge was in effectively managing its warehouse operations. As a just-in-time supplier, Wist needed a distribution solution that offered accurate, timely data and automated features to streamline operations and get product out the door for next-day delivery. The company’s old system was simply too outdated to handle this request and required many employees, manually entering data and picking product to make good on its delivery promises. Additionally, since Wist stocks about 1,300 to 1,400 items, but offers over 50,000 products, the supplier required an automated purchasing system that could automatically transmit orders to its suppliers. This was an important and mandatory requirement since wholesalers are an integral part of Wist’s business model.


Wist reviewed several distribution packages before settling on VAI's premier ERP solution, S2K Enterprise software suite. S2K handles next-day delivery and, because VAI has extensive experience working with distributors in every industry, the firm was equipped with the knowledge to design an automated purchasing solution to facilitate seamless communications and integrated operations with Wist’s wholesale partners.


VAI’s S2K for Distribution has helped Wist reduce inventory levels, streamline operations and decrease overhead cost. Now, the company is able to get the up-to-date, high-quality information that it needs to run a competitive business using less payroll hours. Additionally, the company has incurred tremendous cost savings.


Robert Wist, CEO of Wist, summed it up best, “For Wist, the payoff has been substantial. In just 2 years, we’ve recouped the packages implementation costs and S2K has provided a 10% reduction in employee overhead, while gross margins have increased by about 4%-- both considerable benefits for our company.”
Read more at the VAI Newsroom. https://www.vai.net/company/success-stories


New Software Research Guides Available
Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact sjay@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.


For 2018 Distribution Software Guide: http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Distribution_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018DSG


For 2018 Manufacturing Software Guide:
http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Manufacturing_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018MFG


Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.


Also, read our 2017 Mid-Year Supplements
http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2017_Mid_Year_Supplement.pdf?utm_source=DownloadPDF&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2017Supp&gt


Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.



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Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Cosma International Improved Inventory Reporting With Epicor

Cosma International, a wholly-owned operating unit of Magna International, is a global automotive supplier providing a range of body, chassis and engineering solutions to OEM customers. Unsatisfied with the lack of functionality and support for its legacy business management system, Cosma International's operation in Victor, Iowa, searched for an integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that allowed for real-time shop floor reporting and inventory management.


Cosma International selected Epicor CMS for discrete manufacturing and has never looked back. "With our legacy system we were reporting all of our inventory transactions at one reporting station," recalls Andy Hrasky, assistant general manager at Cosma International's Victor operation. "It was on the shop floor, so it was somewhat in real-time. That process required a lot of unnecessary, time-consuming movements."


Key Challenges face by Cosma:
  • Accurate inventory management
  • Lack of electronic data interchange (EDI) capabilities
  • Manual spreadsheet-based production scheduling
  • No visualization of shop floor data
Solution:
  • Epicor CMS, integrated enterprise business system for manufacturing and distribution
  • Epicor Informance, enterprise manufacturing intelligence (EMI) system
Key Benefits:
  • Accurate, real-time, shop floor reporting and inventory management
  • Integrated production scheduling
  • Reliable EDI
  • Near-instant access to key metrics
  • Accurate, finite shop floor information using programmable logic controls (PLCs) and an open connectivity protocol (OPC)


Today, Cosma International has 23 reporting stations on the floor. "The event based reporting system in Epicor CMS is integral to what we do," says Hrasky. "We couldn't get by without it."


To read more, visit the Epicor Newsroom.




New Software Research Guides Available
Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact sjay@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.


For 2018 Distribution Software Guide: http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Distribution_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018DSG


For 2018 Manufacturing Software Guide:
http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Manufacturing_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018MFG


Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.


Also, read our 2017 Mid-Year Supplements
http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2017_Mid_Year_Supplement.pdf?utm_source=DownloadPDF&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2017Supp&gt


Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.



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Wednesday, October 17, 2018

McNaughton-McKay Electric Improves Efficiencies With Savance

Founded in 1910, McNaughton-McKay Electric Company is a wholesale distributor of electrical supplies. Since 2006, the company is 100% employee-owned.


McNaughton-McKay uses Savance Enterprise's Sales Management module. Says Tim Goulet, of McNaughton-McKay, "The benefits we have experienced [since adopting Savance Enterprise] include greatly improved efficiencies at the order entry and processing level. With this new software, we are saving time and giving our customer a consistent, accurate, and professional looking quote."


Benefits experienced through use of Savance:
  • With Savance Enterprise, customer contact information is automatically populated onto the quote and saved off for future quoting and mailing lists.
  • Enterprise allows customers base to send .xls files with hundreds of lines with part numbers and quantities. It turns these into quotes which can then be turned into orders with a click of the mouse.
  • Enterprise prompts users with part numbers that are close, to help avoid input error. There is also the ability to enter a customer's part numbers and cross-reference with the distributor's part number.
  • Enterprise offers the capability to store quotes in a common area to call up for review. It can then be determined if old pricing should hold or to reprice at the current levels.
Says, Goulet, "I feel strongly that this has been the best change in technology since I have been with McNaughton-McKay. [T]his positive outlook is a common feeling amongst everyone toward our new automated process. It saves all of us time and gives us a chance to do what we do best, sell!"


To read more, visit the Savance Newsroom.






New Software Research Guides Available
Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact sjay@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.


For 2018 Distribution Software Guide: http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Distribution_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018DSG


For 2018 Manufacturing Software Guide:
http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Manufacturing_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018MFG


Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.


Also, read our 2017 Mid-Year Supplements
http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2017_Mid_Year_Supplement.pdf?utm_source=DownloadPDF&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2017Supp&gt


Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.



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Wednesday, October 10, 2018

New Viet Dairy Enhances Operations With Blue Ridge

New Viet Dairy recently announced it has selected Blue Ridge Global Supply Chain Planning and Integrated Business Planning solutions to support operations throughout Vietnam. New Viet Dairy is a leading importer and distributor of dairy, food and beverage products and ingredients. Blue Ridge’s Supply Chain Planning (SCP) technology balances customer needs with business realities, including erratic regional demand, seasonality and market fluctuations that frequently put pressure on foodservice distributors.


Among the top-100 largest private companies in Vietnam since it began operations in 1997, New Viet Dairy has more than 700 employees in its eleven locations throughout Vietnam and soon in Cambodia mid-2019, with revenue of more than $300 million.


Blue Ridge’s SCP solution will support New Viet Dairy’s three primary distribution channels:
  • Ingredients: Dairy ingredients are supplied to trusted partners, which include Vinamilk, Nutifood, Dutch Lady, Coca-Cola and Kido.
  • Food Service: Providing a large range of food products for the hospitality industry, including dairy, frozen meat and vegetables, sauces, oil and vinegar, wine and beer.
  • Retail: New Viet Dairy supplies a select range of mid to high-end imported brand-name foods to major and smaller retailers across the country, including Big C, Coopmart, Aeon, Metro, Giant and convenience chains.
The Integrated Business Planning (IBP) solution will support the alignment of New Viet’s revenue and financial plans with its demand supply. Blue Ridge IBP enables enterprises to craft one consensus operational plan that ensures accountability across functional silos.




To learn more, visit the Blue Ridge Newsroom.


New Software Research Guides Available
Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact sjay@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.


For 2018 Distribution Software Guide: http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Distribution_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018DSG


For 2018 Manufacturing Software Guide:
http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Manufacturing_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018MFG


Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.


Also, read our 2017 Mid-Year Supplements
http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2017_Mid_Year_Supplement.pdf?utm_source=DownloadPDF&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2017Supp&gt


Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.



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Tuesday, October 9, 2018

DDI System’s Inform ERP Version 19 Release Powers Distributor Efficiency with More Than 300 Added Features

Sandy Hook, CT – October 2, 2018 – DDI System, a leader in ERP software for wholesale distributors, announced the release of Inform Version 19. Version 19 adds new features, improves performance and offers even greater ease-of-use. The latest release captures more than 300 enhancements and comes on the heels of the company’s 25-year anniversary. DDI’s modern-day solution for wholesale distributors drives operational excellence with customer intelligent tools that help distributors win amidst digital disruption.

Version 19 combines the power of customer connectivity tools with elite operational workflows to gain efficiencies and reduce errors. “DDI’s solution has allowed me to manage my business and double revenue with the same staff,” states Troy Welch, President/CEO of Pumps & Controls. “Inform revealed areas where we have captured huge time savings and greater efficiency. Embedded CRM allows us to communicate between departments such as customer service and sales. In the end, these features have helped our company become a customer service leader.”

The latest version of Inform introduces innovative ‘Drag & Drop’ technology for eCommerce storefronts making it easy for distributors to display their full product catalog online quickly and affordably. Drag & Drop technology gives distributors the ability to customize a web page by selecting from over a dozen pre-built templates. Easily add full size images and insert videos with no HTML coding experience required.

Adding to the release, DDI System introduced EMV ready credit card processing. Point of Sale (POS) transactions will be handled through TSYS, formerly known as Cayan. This convenient payment processing option provides customers lightning-fast chip transactions, card swipes and debit card transactions that are fully-encrypted and tokenized, ensuring cardholder data never passes to POS, e-commerce or merchant systems.

A fresh new interface brings DDI’s enhanced ePod Signature App to another level of innovation. Built-in camera control gives drivers the ability to take and upload pictures to orders as attachments. Drivers can also enter comments relative to refusals, damages, or other delivery related issues for seamless communication.

Inform DC, DDI’s Warehouse Management Solution, continues to evolve with added tools developed to drive efficient warehouse operations. The latest release features instant update & order sharing, next generation lookup, paperless order picking, pick path customization, pulled order locations and special-order staging.

For current users of Inform, DDI’s completely refreshed Online Help File and Training Guides provide easy access to additional learning tools and department focused training. The added features give Inform users a quick way to access the help file and online training while simultaneously working through any given situation.

DDI will be showcasing Inform’s latest updates at several upcoming industry trade shows including FPDA, Virtualrain, ALA, NetPlus Alliance, PRIDE Centric Resources, ISSA, Equity and STAFDA throughout the fall. In addition, the ERP provider is hosting two online demonstrations on October 18th & November 14th. To register for a demonstration, please visit: ddisystem.com/demo or call 877-599-4334 to set up a time for your business specific consultation.


New Software Research Guides Available
Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact sjay@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.


For 2018 Distribution Software Guide: http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Distribution_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018DSG


For 2018 Manufacturing Software Guide:
http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Manufacturing_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018MFG


Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.


Also, read our 2017 Mid-Year Supplements
http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2017_Mid_Year_Supplement.pdf?utm_source=DownloadPDF&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2017Supp&gt


Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.



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Wednesday, October 3, 2018

MITS Helps BJG Electronics’ Sales Exceed Business Goals

New York-based BJG Electronics (BJG) specializes in the distribution of mil-aero, industrial, and harsh environment connectors, connector accessories, and electromechanical interconnect products. BJG has supported the Military, Aerospace, Transit, and Industrial marketplaces since 1979.


BJG had big reporting needs that could not be met by the company’s one-person IT shop said Lisa Hathaway, Manager of Information Systems for BJG. Lisa discovered MITS at a trade show and loved what she saw in MITS Distributor Analytics. “I was thrilled to see that MITS included hundreds of built-in, functional reports right out of the box,” said Lisa. “This meant that time to value was practically instant for us.” Before making a purchase decision, Lisa evaluated a couple of other products, neither of which offered pre-built reports and the same depth of functionality as MITS.


All Field Sales reps use MITS to track their performance against individual, sales team and company goals said Mark Mulle, Global Sales and Marketing Manager for BJG. “If we expect our sales reps to be accountable for their sales and other goals, we had to give them the tools to be successful,” said Mark. “The dashboards and scorecards that came with MITS helped us jumpstart adoption. With very little training, my team was able to drill into their accounts to identify opportunities for growth. They can analyze accounts down to the part number and quickly identify why and where business has been lost. With this information in hand, the reps can have a directed conversation with the customer. All of the data they need to be successful is now at their fingertips through MITS.”




To learn more, visit the MITS Newsroom.


New Software Research Guides Available
Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact sjay@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.


For 2018 Distribution Software Guide: http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Distribution_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018DSG


For 2018 Manufacturing Software Guide:
http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Manufacturing_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018MFG


Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.


Also, read our 2017 Mid-Year Supplements
http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2017_Mid_Year_Supplement.pdf?utm_source=DownloadPDF&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2017Supp&gt


Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.



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Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Heitek Automation Improves Metrics With Tour de Force

Based in Phoenix, AZ, Heitek Automation is an industrial automation distributor. A business decision was made to implement Tour de Force's BYOR Reports. Says Cory Comer, Heitek's Marketing Manager, had the following to say, “Prior to BYOR, our sales metrics came from multiple different locations, making it difficult to see exactly what was going on not only from a corporate level, but from a territory level as well. With the addition of BYOR, not only were we able to create a “dashboard” with all of our relevant metrics, we created the same report for our sales guys so they can track their goals. At a glance, we now are able to view our corporate metrics across three sales categories: bookings, sales, and profits, quickly extract our run-rates and % of our sales goals, our growth rates, and most importantly our gross-margin as a % of our sales (our goal is 30%). In addition, we can quickly see how each territory is performing against its goals, who is leading the pack, compare it to last year and the overall impact on our company’s bottom line. It’s fantastic!”


He also had this to say about Tour de Force's BYOR Industry Sales Report: “This report is especially dear to my heart as the Marketing executive for Heitek. Before BYOR, we were not able to determine our sales as they were distributed amongst industry segments. Early on, I implemented NAICS codes into our TDF Account data, but still couldn’t readily sum the totals in different segments. Now with BYOR, we are able to see our segments, broken out into 2, 3, 4, or 6 digit NAICS codes, compare growth rates in different sectors and validate our target industries against government industry data. This will make target marketing activities much easier, including prospecting, mailing and other activities. I love it!”




To read more, visit the Tour de Force Newsroom.


New Software Research Guides Available
Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact sjay@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.


For 2018 Distribution Software Guide: http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Distribution_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018DSG


For 2018 Manufacturing Software Guide:
http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2018_Manufacturing_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2018MFG


Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.


Also, read our 2017 Mid-Year Supplements
http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2017_Mid_Year_Supplement.pdf?utm_source=DownloadPDF&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2017Supp&gt


Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.



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