Rapid Growth Drives Reliable Parts to Upgrade to Iptor

When Reliable Parts of Tukwila, Washington acquired Appliance Parts Depot (APD) of Dallas, Texas in July of 2015, the first major expansion of a new era had begun. As a distributor of appliance and BBQ parts and accessories, Reliable Parts had been operating 30 locations and 3 distribution centers in the U.S., along with 30 locations and 4 distribution centers in Canada. The APD acquisition pushed their number of total U.S. locations to 45, and the new owners were now faced with merging their acquired ERP system into the legacy system Reliable Parts had been using to anchor their business since 1999.

In order to ensure smooth integration of future acquisitions and manage the growing transaction volume that would undoubtedly come with continued expansion, it was time for a major system refresh. After reviewing several products, Reliable elected to upgrade their existing Iptor system to the latest version, partly because the new release proved superior, but also because the overall cost of the upgrade would be considerably less.

The onboarding process was projected to take about nine months. Key tasks during this phase included converting APD’s customer and historical data to the Iptor platform, merging the websites to share information and training APD’s personnel on Reliable’s existing version of the system. Reliable added two key modules to their system, these included PlannerView, a powerful, adaptable, PC- based, graphical planning and information management tool that provides real- time supply chain visibility, and Integrator, a powerful tool to manage systems integration and data management, replication and synchronization. The move to include these modules immediately shortened Reliable’s overall learning curve once the new system was launched.

Says Lowell Millard, Reliable's CTO, “Iptor represents a tremendous upside for us, as we move into new territories. The scalability of the solution is exactly what we need long-term, and the ability to use the system out-of-the-box, without paying programmers to reinvent our solution, gives us excellent flexibility in pursuing new business.”

To learn more, visit the Iptor Newsroom.

New Software Research Guides Available

Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software?

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Read our 2016 Mid-Year Supplements.

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.

For 2016 Distribution Software Guide: http://www.software4distributors.com/vendor/2016_BSW_Distribution_Interactive_Website_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadInteractive&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2016DSG

For 2016 Manufacturing Software Guide: http://www.software4distributors.com/vendor/2016_BSW_Manufacturing_Interactive_Website_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadInteractive&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2016MFG

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

I.B.I.S. Announces The New Release Of Advanced Supply Chain Software™ For Microsoft Dynamics®.

I.B.I.S., Inc., a Sonata Software Company, recently announced the new release of Advanced Supply Chain Software™ for Microsoft Dynamics®. This release adds three new modules to Advanced Supply Chain Software™: Advanced Sales and Operations Planning™, Advanced Procurement Management™ and Advanced Demand Planning™.

With the additions of the three new modules, the software now fully supports best practices planning and aligns with the Plan to Profit business management methodology allowing distributors and manufacturers to meet their most important goal – to protect and increase margins. Progressive organizations are embracing an analytics-driven culture with a destination-focused business management approach.

This release features significant enhancements and improvements such as:
◾Sales and Operations planning for manufacturers and distributors by product line, including business impact of promotional events
◾Demand forecasting with industry standard methodologies
◾Smarter buying with a Buyer Console that allows for cost effective consolidation of planned fulfillments driven by vendor minimums and price breaks
◾Lead time management and control over inventory with new calculations for average lead time, economic order quantity with reorder points
◾Vendor sourcing activities tied directly to your selling activities, with end to end margin insight particularly for items not regularly kept in stock (e.g. special or non-stock items)
◾Quote and source new items on the fly, but only release products when you win the sale
◾Advanced purchase and sales pricing with more discount tier options and the ability to have automated selection and pricing of alternate vendors or fulfillment methods, such as drop ships
◾Improved customer service console and robust sales quotation and order management through workflow
◾Automated margin and credit holds
◾New vendor catalog and purchase price update engine
◾Full compatibility with cumulative update 9 for Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 R3

To read more, visit the I.B.I.S. 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 snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.

Read our 2016 Mid-Year Supplements. 

Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group, 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.

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

Eleys North America Navigates Manufacturing Complexity With I.B.I.S.

Elesys is a leader in the development and manufacturing of automotive safety electronic controls and committed to delivering the highest quality products while simultaneously improving the company’s performance.

Elesys North America was operating on an outdated version of SAP that exposed them to numerous business risks and limitations. Elesys’ goal in implementing a new solution was not just to replace the old system but to focus on implementing a solution that could help drive significant business improvement, improve user efficiency, increase automation, improve quality, and improve customer responsiveness.

I.B.I.S. and the Microsoft team suggested Dynamics® AX as the clear leader in helping Elesys accomplish their goals with a new system. Elesys was confident that I.B.I.S. is the premier partner for implementing AX in complex manufacturing environments like theirs. “The I.B.I.S. team is made up of manufacturing experts. They really knew our business and helped us achieve our goals with the implementation of Microsoft Dynamics® AX. We have a scalable, supported solution and a true partner in I.B.I.S.,” said Mike Price, Vice President of Administration at Elesys North America

As a result of the implementation the follow benefits were realized:
◾Improved user efficiency.
◾Process Automation.
◾Higher Quality Products.
◾Improved Customer Responsiveness.

To read more about I.B.I.S. and their solution for the manufacturing and distribution sectors, visit the I.B.I.S. Client Success blog.

The Brown Smith Wallace 2015-16 Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guides are currently available for download. Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.

Click to download the: 2015 Distribution Software Guide

Click to download the:  2015 Manufacturing Software Guide

 

To copy and paste into a browser, use the following:

 

2015 Distribution Software Guide: 

http://www.software4distributors.com/vendor/2015_Interactive_Distribution_Guide.swf?utm_source=DownloadInteractive&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2015DSG

 

2015 Manufacturing Software Guide: 

http://www.software4distributors.com/vendor/2015_Interactive_Manufacturing_Guide.swf?utm_source=DownloadInteractive&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2015MFG

 

James M. Pleasants Company Gains Key Insights With I.B.I.S. Advanced Supply Chain Software™

James M. Pleasants Company (JMP) has recently announced that it is now leveraging Advanced Supply Chain Software™ to augment and round out Microsoft Dynamics® AX technology.

With more than fifty years’ experience and the representation of more than twenty lines, JMP has the distribution expertise and products to provide integrated hydronic, steam and condensate systems. However, system speed and Customer Service response time based on access to information was slowing the JMP team down. All the while, visibility into key information like past quotes and product status was lacking. When the longstanding distribution sales company saw challenges in keeping pace, they knew immediate action was required.

Advanced Supply Chain Software™ powered by I.B.I.S., Inc., was selected in part because the JMP Customer Service department saw immediately how the system could help them to serve clients better by providing faster response time to needed information. Additionally, I.B.I.S., Inc. is a provider of Microsoft Dynamics® next-generation supply chain software and services with 26 years of helping midmarket companies optimize their supply chains.

Since the implementation, JMP has experienced the following benefits:
◾Visibility. JMP needed a visual way to see which of their products were on back order, and what was in stock. The color coding feature in Advanced Supply Chain Software™ provides JMP a quick visual into both areas. Additionally, the software brings enhanced visibility into customer payment status, improving credit management.
◾Speed. Previously, a 30 second delay in retrieving information for customer service staff was standard. Advanced Supply Chain Software™ now provides immediate access.
◾Access to Key Information. With Advanced Supply Chain Software™, JMP employees can quickly see past quote information. This functionality was not a part of the prior system.

To read more about the JMP implementation and learn more about Advanced Supply Chain Software™ powered by I.B.I.S., Inc., visit the I.B.I.S. Newsroom.

The Brown Smith Wallace 2015-16 Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guides are currently available for download. Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.

Click to download the: 2015 Distribution Software Guide

Click to download the:  2015 Manufacturing Software Guide

 

To copy and paste into a browser, use the following:

 

2015 Distribution Software Guide: 

http://www.software4distributors.com/vendor/2015_Interactive_Distribution_Guide.swf?utm_source=DownloadInteractive&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2015DSG

 

2015 Manufacturing Software Guide: 

http://www.software4distributors.com/vendor/2015_Interactive_Manufacturing_Guide.swf?utm_source=DownloadInteractive&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2015MFG

 

I.B.I.S. Fosters Supply Chain Collaboration

Modern supply chain management theory emphasizes collaboration – working together with partners for the benefit of the entire supply chain. This makes good business sense. Since the supply chain is intended to operate as a unified team aimed at providing customer value and profits for all participants, it requires that those participants collaborate.

In a practical sense, collaboration involves sharing information and joint decision-making, or at least coordination, on activities to be carried out by multiple parties. It has become a common practice to make point-of-sale data available up through the supply chain to enable more accurate forecasting and distribution planning at the source (manufacturer) and even make that data available to the factory’s suppliers to enhance their planning and support of the factory schedules.

Another common form of collaboration is working together on forecasts. The initial forecast is developed by one of the partners, let’s say the manufacturer, perhaps using data collected by the distributor or retailer. The initial forecast is passed to the retailer, who suggests changes that support planned promotional activities. The manufacturer may suggest changes to the promotion schedule to accommodate more efficient production or distribution.

The end result is a forecast that is a better fit for both production and sales. The retailer is assured of a better inventory plan to support promotions and the supplier is not surprised by unexpected demand driven by promotional activities.

To learn more about I.B.I.S., read case studies, white papers, and view product demos, visit the I.B.I.S. Manufacturing Newsroom.

The Brown Smith Wallace 2015-16 Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guides are currently available for download. Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.

Click to download the: 2015 Distribution Software Guide

Click to download the:  2015 Manufacturing Software Guide

 

To copy and paste into a browser, use the following:

 

2015 Distribution Software Guide: 

http://www.software4distributors.com/vendor/2015_Interactive_Distribution_Guide.swf?utm_source=DownloadInteractive&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2015DSG

 

2015 Manufacturing Software Guide: 

http://www.software4distributors.com/vendor/2015_Interactive_Manufacturing_Guide.swf?utm_source=DownloadInteractive&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2015MFG

 

BRAX Manufacturing Grows with I.B.I.S.

BRAX Ltd. has been an industry leader in collectible ceramic beer steins for over a decade, and the business also specializes in custom manufacturing of licensed and promotional products. Their core products include a range of injection molded drink-ware, stationary and home decor using a range of innovation decorating techniques that include lenticular 3-D, foil and other ‘in mold’ labels. 

BRAX believes in making a fair profit and while doing so are committed to giving a percentage of every dollar made to a range of non-profit organizations. These include Make a Wish Foundation, the Boomer Esiason Foundation, the Miracle League and all youth sport organizations across America.

Combining quality products with consumer-popular corporate philanthropy resulted in BRAX growing at a very rapid rate - and their former enterprise solution simply could not handle the new business being generated, much less allow for continued growth.

In evaluating various solutions, BRAX selected I.B.I.S., Inc. for the implementation and support of Microsoft Dynamics® CRM and GP because of I.B.I.S.’s Microsoft Dynamics expertise. By implementing a very unique system built on Microsoft Dynamics CRM, GP and ISV solutions, and designed for their specific needs, they can now support their growing business.

Since the implementation, BRAX has realized tremendous value in their Dynamics solution. They are now able to directly import orders instead of entering them manually. Additionally, invoicing is processed instantaneously. As a result of these improvements, BRAX has increased their school merchandise market share by 300% and is poised to handle continued growth in the future.

To read more about BRAX and other case studies, visit the I.B.I.S. Client Success Stories news blog.


The Brown Smith Wallace 2014-15 Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guides are currently available for download. Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.

2014 Distribution Software Guide: 

http://track.websiteceo.com/r/160948/www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2014_Distribution_Software_Guide_From_Blog.pdf

 

2014 Manufacturing Software Guide: 

http://track.websiteceo.com/r/160948/www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2014_Manufacturing_Software_Guide_From_Blog.pdf

 

Additional materials: http://www.software4distributors.com/vendor/resources_index.aspx

 

  

Save Money, Improve Service with I.B.I.S. Transportation Management Systems (TMS)

Transportation Management Systems (TMS) are becoming a necessity as companies of all sizes face increasing demand for faster delivery, unpredictable costs, and complex options available from transportation providers.

These day, smaller shippers are able to take advantage of the convenience and efficiency of electronic bidding and tendering and participate in TMS-based transportation management endeavors right along with their larger competitors thanks to TMS packaged software especially designed and priced for the mid-sized market.

Cloud-based TMS can be coupled with optional services that can supplement a company’s own shipping department, adding ‘big company’ capabilities on a as needed basis without having to hire and maintain full-time staff.

Companies that use TMS typically experience the following:
• Reduction in overall transportation costs
• Faster selection, tendering, and delivery
• Increase in operations effectiveness – doing more with less time
• Enhanced transportation options, resulting in better service
• Reduction in unexpected costs and billing disputes
• Improved customer service and delivery performance

To learn more about the features found in TMS solutions, and how I.B.I.S. can positively impact your business, visit the I.B.I.S., Inc. News Blog. 

The Brown Smith Wallace 2014-15 Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guides are currently available for download. Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.

 

2014 Distribution Software Guide: 

http://track.websiteceo.com/r/160948/www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2014_Distribution_Software_Guide_From_Blog.pdf

 

2014 Manufacturing Software Guide: 

http://track.websiteceo.com/r/160948/www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2014_Manufacturing_Software_Guide_From_Blog.pdf

 

Additional materials: http://www.software4distributors.com/vendor/resources_index.aspx

 

 

 

 

Save the Date for Microsoft Dynamics iSight 2013!

Want to continue to increase your knowledge in Microsoft Dynamics? iSight is the annual conference that offers the latest information in Microsoft Dynamics, including product tips, tricks, strategies, presentations, speakers, and more!

A few reasons you don’t want to miss out:
•Keynote session with Kraig Kramers
•Expand your Microsoft Dynamics knowledge
 •Stay on top of the latest information within the Microsoft Dynamics world
•Participate, ask questions and learn solutions
•Network with professionals, users and peers within the dynamics community
 •Registration: $0 = FREE!!

Two dates and two locations this fall:
Atlanta, GA – Georgia Aquarium 8:30am-4:30pm – Tuesday, September 17, 2013 and Charlotte, NC – Location TBD 8:30am-4:30pm – Wednesday, September 18, 2013.

Register online with I.B.I.S. to receive more 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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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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Attending Convergence 2013? Take a Look at I.B.I.S.

Are you attending Convergence 2013, taking place in New Orleans, March 18th to the 21st.? If so, you won't want to miss the I.B.I.S. booth (#2522) in the Expo and Microsoft Solution Center.

I.B.I.S. will showcase solutions including Advanced Distribution Software and DynamicsCare. Stop by to learn more about their solutions and service offerings, plus enter for your chance to WIN a Microsoft Surface! I.B.I.S. will also be hosting a pre-release book signing of Mark Polino’s latest book, Building Dashboards with Microsoft Dynamics® GP 2013 and Excel 2013. A limited amount of free book coupons and Got Mark? t-shirts will be available on a first come basis. You won’t want to miss it!

Learn more and see the complete schedule of events on the I.B.I.S. website.

The new, 2013 Brown Smith Wallace Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guides, are now available.
You can download each one directly, or visit our website to request a copy. Please follow the links below.

2013 Distribution Software

2013 Manufacturing Software

To request these guides, as well as all other materials, visit our website at: http://www.software4distributors.com/vendor/resources_index.aspx

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I.B.I.S. and ERP for Business Leadership

Localization does not have to be a hurdle for your business! In a new video from I.B.I.S. you'll see how you can grow business while expanding operations into new markets and simultaneously leveraging centralized systems, existing investments, processes, and best practices. Read more on the I.B.I.S. website.




The Brown Smith Wallace 2012 Mid-Year Supplements are available. Visit our website to download your copy!

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Advanced Distribution Software Extends Microsoft ERP for Distributors

I.B.I.S., Inc. recently announced the availability of Advanced Distribution Software, a new enterprise software solution designed to meet the ultra-sophisticated needs of today’s distributors. Built on Microsoft Dynamics® AX, Advanced Distribution Software offers seamless integration, real-time information and industry-specific functionality which enable distributors to succeed in a competitive marketplace.

Advanced Distribution Software offers unique extended features, which are available individually or by the bundle: Advanced Revenue Management, Advanced Order Management, Advanced Inventory Management, Advanced Demand Planning, Advanced Fulfillment Management and Advanced Business Intelligence. The software gives users maximum visibility across their internal and external supply chains and allows them to respond quickly and confidently to market changes.

To learn more, visit the Advanced Distribution Software website.

The Brown Smith Wallace 2012 Mid-Year Supplements are available. Visit our website to download your copy!

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What's Your Company's Cost to Serve?

How does your company’s cost to serve customers compare with other distributors?

1. It’s high because we provide the best service, but our margins compensate us for it.

2. Our cost to serve is lower than our competitors. This is our business strategy.

3. I really don’t know, as we don’t keep track of cost to serve.

This article from the I.B.I.S. blog describes methods you use to can control cost to serve in three critical areas: freight cost, cost of extending credit and selling cost. Is your campany at risk for being dependent on larger accounts for all of its profits? Are you ignoring the opportunity to make smaller orders profitable?  Read more...

The Brown Smith Wallace 2012 Mid-Year Supplements are available. Visit our website to download your copy!

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Leading Your Company Through Strategic Planning

The notion of a serious planning effort means different things to different people. Does “strategic planning” conjure up the notion of military battle plans, mountaintop retreats, huge corporations or expensive consultants? How about a 2-day meeting with your top leaders, with good preparation and a strong commitment to fix what’s broken and come up with two or three ideas that will launch the company toward a “BHAG” (big hairy audacious goal)?

There are three essentials to getting your first (or renewed) strategic planning project started: get the leaders involved; create a rigorous process to explore new initiatives; execute the initiatives by building them into the way you do business.

Read more on the I.B.I.S. blog.

The Brown Smith Wallace 2012 Mid-Year Supplements are available. Visit our website to download your copy!

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Is It Time To Refresh Your ERP System?

IndustryWeek recently interviewed Andy Vabulas, CEO of  I.B.I.S., a Norcross, Ga.-based enterprise business solutions provider- to discuss some of the challenges companies are facing in terms of their ERP system. Learn more about how I.B.I.S is helping manufacturing companies leverage their high tech tools to optimize performance and maximize efficiency and read his suggestions for best practices for ERP software deployment.

Read more on the IndustryWeek blog...

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Patience Rewarded for Distributors as Manufacturing Returns to the U.S.

What do you think about the resurgence of American manufacturing?    

1. We expected the rebound.
2. We’re a little surprised – but very excited about it!
3. We feel it’s a statistical aberration that isn’t real.

In this article from I.B.I.S., read about the three major trends affecting wholesale distributors who depend on manufacturing customers for much of their livelihood. The movements are industrial vending, electronic commerce, and the return of manufacturing to America.

Read more...

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