KSM Stainless Steel Enhances Customer Experience With Shoptech

For many job shops and fabricators, time is of the essence. But there’s nothing quite like working with the entertainment industry to really understand how much a system like Shoptech's E2 can both catapult your business and keep you sane within a time of massive growth.

Lisa Burgess, President and Owner of KSM Stainless Steel Fabricators near Vancouver, British Columbia knows all too well the aggressive time lines the movie and TV show industry will impose on her team’s projects. “Every job is a rush. Instead of weeks to plan, develop and create a custom piece, we sometimes get just days,” said Lisa. " Because nearly everything we do is custom and is requested and then expected so quickly, we field daily calls from our customers asking the status of their project.

Of course, it wasn’t always like that. Like many shops, it was a sea of hand-written notes, spreadsheets and multiple systems that never really worked hand-in-hand. “To answer project status questions back then, we had to go out on the floor, find the order, talk to multiple employees — it was time consuming, to say the least.” As for the growth of the company, Lisa believes along with investments in equipment, implementing E2 was a key factor in their success.

KSM also works with fine artists and businesses as well. “Many of our customers’ projects have small parts and pieces and we still like having a paper that travels with that part as it makes it less susceptible to loss,” said Lisa. “It’s nice that E2 is flexible and can adapt to some of the ‘old ways’ when necessary.” Whether they’re creating blockbuster movie set pieces or an intricate metal puzzle, KSM has found a way to adapt to the unique customers they serve and the impossible time lines they are given.

To read more, visit the Shoptech website.

For the 2019 Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guide:

http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2019_Distribution_Manufacturing_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2019Guide

Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services at http://www.software4distributors.com and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard, visit http://www.software4distributors.com/compare/default.aspx.

Also, read our 2019 Mid-Year Supplements at http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2019_Mid_Year_Supplement_Blog.pdf?utm_source=DownloadPDF&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2019Supp.

Developed through a partnership with 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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eDist Deepens Customer Relationships With SMP

eDist is headquartered in Mahwah, New Jersey with locations scattered throughout the US and Canada to provide business and security solutions to companies in the healthcare, legal, insurance, public safety, field reporting, and corporate sales markets.

eDist uses SMP's Sales Management Plus and MarketPro2. Mike Whalen, executive vice president, is championing the use of SMP at eDist as the company implements new initiatives focused on a deeper customer relationship experience and targeted email marketing programs to deliver content relevant to their customers’ specific needs.

Before SMP, trying to pin the data down AND make it easy to compile and use was tedious at best. eDist tried different methods and software tools, but in the end, those weren’t handling their core needs, and created frustration all around. What their team really wanted was a single solution that allowed them to combine all the customer, contact and sales information so it was easy to analyze and act. Through SMP, the sales team began by profiling the customers they know best with a goal of really getting to know “who” their customers and contacts are on a deeper level so they can communicate about subject matter that’s most important to their customers’ business.

“The reps are using it so much more now that they’re able to see all the reporting capabilities and benefits based on the data they’ve entered into SMP.” says Mike Whalen, Executive Vice President.

Learn more at the SMP 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 2019 Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guide:

http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2019_Distribution_Manufacturing_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2019Guide

Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services at http://www.software4distributors.com and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard, visit http://www.software4distributors.com/compare/default.aspx.

Also, read our 2018 Mid-Year Supplements at 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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Three Ways Tour de Force Uses Tour de Force

Tour de Force provides B2B solutions and tools for sales organizations. Their software solutions were created with sales teams in mind, keeping a heavy focus on SFA (sales force automation). Tour de Force not only helps salespeople at other businesses do their job more efficiently and more effectively, but it's also used within Tour de Force! Everyone in the company, from Accounting to Support, utilizes Tour de Force on a daily basis.

Here are just 3 ways Tour de Force uses Tour de Force:

1. The Front Lines: Sales
We often find ourselves in the same boat with sales staff from our clients – which is why we built the fully mobile Tour de Force Web interface for actionable data that goes where you go. Our sales team can access Leads, Opportunities, and Reports no matter where they are. If you’ve ever seen us at a tradeshow, you’ve probably seen us whip out a tablet to quickly add contact information into our system. Having that option makes it easier for us to follow up on that conversation.

2. The Anchors: Customer Support
With Tour de Force, our customer support team is easily able to pull up customer information while on the phone or onsite and can track down any open support tickets. Our system provides visibility into important information such as upsell opportunities or at-risk customers. Whether it’s increasing your sales or satisfying customers, you're covered.

3. The Nurturers: Marketing
Because Tour de Force was built with detail-oriented people in mind, we’re able to apply endless filters in order to narrow down the perfect email list to use. Any action those contacts take is reflected on their record in Tour de Force, simplifying the follow up process. We also enjoy managing our events and tradeshows in the system and can easily track all items associated with that event such as appointments, registration lists, and expenses.

Visit the Tour de Force Newsroom to learn more about they can do for your business.

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 2019 Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guide:

http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2019_Distribution_Manufacturing_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadElectronic&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2019Guide

Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services at http://www.software4distributors.com and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard, visit http://www.software4distributors.com/compare/default.aspx.

Also, read our 2018 Mid-Year Supplements at 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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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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Activant Solutions Introduces Prophet 21 version 12.0

Enhanced User Interface Drawing Rave Reviews

Activant Solutions Inc. announces the availability of Activant® Prophet 21® software version 12.0.

"Before we began writing code for Prophet 21 version 12.0, we did an in-depth analysis of industry trends, including having extensive conversations with our customers, to determine what features to include," said Kevin Roach, executive vice president of Activant. "Our goal with this release of the Prophet 21 software is to help distributors increase efficiencies in their business, helping them through this recession so they will be positioned to take advantage of the opportunities expected to arise during the economic recovery."

Currently more than 1,500 distributors have invested in Prophet 21 software, making it a leading enterprise software solution for the distribution industry. Prophet 21 version 12.0 builds upon existing functionality and is designed to further assist distributors increase sales, improve customer service and reduce operating expenses. Among the many features in Prophet 21 version 12.0 is an enhanced user interface.

"There are a lot of great features in Prophet 21 version 12 that allow us to streamline our processes," said Michael Dean, IT Manger for Power & Pumps Inc. in Jacksonville, FL. "The search bar and my menu options improve our workflow and make it easier to move through the system."

Jennifer Buschmann, president of EA Buschmann Inc. in Lewiston, ME, agrees: "The updated user interface has a lot of potential for the user to customize screens to fit the individual user’s specific needs," she said. "The extended description view and field chooser features are two features we are extremely excited to have."

Many Valuable Features

In addition to the enhanced user interface, new customer relationship management (CRM) tools provide ready access to information, allowing users to streamline their day-to-day processes while improving customer service.

Attributes of the Prophet 21 software's production order and secondary processing functions have been combined into a labor tracking, job costing process that provides true light manufacturing capabilities. Distributors may assign technicians, track labor costs, and issue necessary material through a series of processes that manage the entire production process, whether the manufacturing stages are completed by the distributor or a third party.

The Wireless Warehouse Management Solution (WWMS) Workbench capability is designed as a tool for the warehouse manager/supervisor to dynamically manage the flow of transactions within their warehouse operation. The workbench is a dynamic list of transactions ready to pick that can be sorted, grouped and moved about in an ad hoc manner. Transactions at the top of the list can be quickly pushed to an available employee. Other warehouse tasks are also displayed and sorted by a user-defined hierarchy and can be pushed to the employee in the warehouse in accordance with that hierarchy. Also, the workbench feature has the capability of dynamically creating group pick tickets, providing a command and control tool for dynamic management of the warehouse picking workload, and providing the capability to push higher priority tasks to available “picking” employees while organizing and balancing usual pick loads. This feature increases the visibility of pickers' tasks, their progress, and their overall performance.

Further enhancing the international capabilities of the Prophet 21 software, Activant has added multi-lingual functionality which allows users to dynamically translate terms used throughout the application. This feature helps increase user productivity by enabling them to use the system in their native language.

To find out more about the Prophet 21 software, visit distribution.activant.com, e-mail distribution@activant.com, or call 1-800-776-7438, press 1.

About Activant Solutions Inc.

Activant Solutions Inc. ("Activant") is a leading technology provider of business management solutions serving retail and wholesale distribution businesses in three primary vertical markets: hardlines and lumber; wholesale distribution; and the automotive parts aftermarket. Founded in 1972, Activant provides customers with tailored proprietary software, professional services, content, supply chain connectivity, and analytics. More than 30,000 customer locations use an Activant solution to manage their day-to-day operations. Activant has operations throughout the United States and Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

For more information, please visit distribution.activant.com.