2014 Top 100 Logistics IT Providers

Inbound Logistics’ annual logistics IT research survey uncovers the latest trends powering the supply chain, and reveals the Top 100 sector leaders.  Read more here: http://www.inboundlogistics.com/digital/lit_top100_2014.pdf

Documenting Your Current Process is a Waste of Time and Money

Documenting your current processes can be a waste of time and money.

When we are preparing the project plan for conducting a selection project, one topic that is always discussed is whether the client needs to document the existing processes before starting the selection engagement. We believe that the answer to this question is “NO”. Let me explain why:

Our research indicates that clients who engage us to assist them with a software selection have know for at least two, and more likely three years, that they need to replace their software. The decision to replace software requires a significant amount of time and money.

During this period of dissatisfaction, various workarounds are added to address the weaknesses of the system. This includes external applications that are bolted on or developed in-house, applications that are purchased and not integrated, workarounds developed using Excel spreadsheets and more. In other systems we see comment field crammed with actionable information since this is the only place that users have for storing this important information. Unfortunately, if users have not read these instructions or follow the instructions errors will occur in handling orders. To prevent this from occurring more ad-hoc systems or procedures are implemented.

Investing significant time and money in documenting and flowcharting doesn’t result in a better set of requirements. At the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group, we have developed process outlines that reflect the standard process flows that the most new ERP packages will follow. We use these outlines to conduct interviews with groups of users to aid us in developing the requirements for a new ERP package. Typically users like to tell us what their software doesn’t do and how hard it is for them to get the right job done on time. These process indexes help us to keep the focus on the process and not the flaws of the current system.

Having a flowchart of the existing system only helps us to understand how dysfunctional the existing system is. It doesn’t help create the vision of the future state of the business. This doesn’t occur until they see demonstrations of new systems and the capabilities that are available to them. Only then can they start to understand the value of the new processes incorporated into the new software.

So if you know your current system needs to be replaced, start by documenting the requirements to achieve the future vision and do not document the past that you want to replace.

Congratulations to the Fall 2009 Virtual Tech Fair Show Prize Winner

The Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group would like to congratulate our show prize winner for attending the Virtual Tech Fair on October 14 and 15, 2009. Suzanne M Lomas from The R.M. Wright Company Inc. received a Nikon CoolPix S630 Camera, Camera Bag, and 2 year warranty.

Suzanne first heard about the Virtual Tech Fair event from an email sent by the Consulting Group and decided to register after a partner suggested it. Their company had recently implemented a system and was curious about other software that is available to the industry. Suzanne said, “I like the idea of Virtual Tech Fairs and the setup. I was able to easily familiarize myself with the format. I think chatting and networking with others will become a common venue for these types of events.”

Suzanne found the industry experts and topics at the Virtual Tech Fair to be interesting. Educational presentations available to attendees included “Using Best Practices to Accelerate Business Performance” presented by Barry Lawrence (Texas A & M University), “Top Technology Trends Transforming Distribution and Manufacturing” presented by Corbin Ball (Corbin Ball Associates), “Value of Strategic Pricing for Distributors” presented by Dan Kaminstein (Activant), “Software Selection Studies” presented by Steve Epner and Jeff Gusdorf (Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group), “Information Technology in Today’s Distribution Environment” presented by Rodney Winger (Epicor), “Enterprise Explorer Overview” presented by IFS, “Leading the Changing Distribution Industry” presented by Gary Rippen (Infor), “Sustainability for Business Sake” presented by Larry Negrich and Jennifer Pollard (Microsoft Dynamics), and “How to Reduce Material Levels and Manage Production Schedules More Effectively” presented by Pete Zimmerman (VAI).

Not only did attendees like Suzanne enjoy learning more about industry topics but they were able to interact with leading software companies. Companies who participated included Activant, Epicor, Infor, IFS, Microsoft Dynamics, and VAI.

Even if attendees did not have the time to attend the event the two days it was broadcast live, they still have the opportunity to view the booths and presentations through the archive. Suzanne felt like an event like this helps in the research of different software packages. If you would like to learn more then visit www.virtualtechfair.com.

About The Author
Sara Nelson is a senior consultant and marketing coordinator in the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group. She is responsible for developing content for the software distributor website, generating leads and traffic, writing articles for industry publications, and creating marketing materials. She has experience in web development, customer relations, coordinating marketing campaigns, and designing print materials. She is a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing.

About The Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group
The Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group has been serving the distribution community for more than 20 years through the publication of the Distribution Software Guide, speaking at industry programs, giving free telephone advice to distributors, and providing fee-based consulting services to companies who need help selecting the best software packages for their business. For more information visit www.software4distibutors.com.

For Immediate Release: From the Editor and Publisher of Progressive Distributor Magazine by Rich Vurva

To learn more about researching, evaluating, analyzing and comparing software request the 2008 Progressive Distributor Supplement Guide released this month.
To order a complimentary copy visit http://www.software4distributors.com/pdsupplementguide/default.aspx

A sagging economy has forced distributors to search for ways to streamline their businesses. One way distributors can become more efficient, lower their cost of doing business, and potentially increase sales is to utilize technology.

For example, in our recent annual reader survey, distributors anticipate that while outside and inside sales efforts will remain their primary sales solicitation methods, they expect Internet sales to grow in popularity in the next 12 months. Doing business online not only provides a quick and easy way for customers to place orders, it’s also more cost-effective for distributors because it reduces costly in-person sales calls.

Technology can help distributors streamline their operations in other ways as well, such as providing greater customer access to inventory, speeding the order entry and invoicing processes, utilizing EDI, CRM and WMS systems, and much more.

In order to gain the greatest benefit from the latest technologies, distributors must have reliable software vendors to help them determine the best solutions for their business.

That is why Progressive Distributor magazine is especially pleased for the opportunity to partner with the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group to publish this supplement to the Distribution Software Guide. For nearly 20 years, the Distribution Software Guide has earned a reputation as a reliable resource for detailed information that helps distributors make informed choices when it comes time to upgrade their distribution software packages. Our hope is that this valuable supplement will enable your business be better equipped to succeed in a challenging economic environment.

About The Author
Rich Vurva is the Editor and Publisher of Progressive Distributor Magazine, which reaches 37,000 executives and salespeople at industrial and contractor supply distribution companies.

About The Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group
The Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group has been serving the distribution community for more than 20 years through the publication of the Distribution Software Guide, speaking at industry programs, giving free telephone advice to distributors and providing fee-based consulting services to companies who need help selecting the best software packages for their business. For more information visit http://www.software4distibutors.com/.

EDITORS NOTE: Permission to reprint is hereby given to all print, broadcast and electronic media. Permission is also granted for reasonable editing, including article title change and customizing for your audience/industry. Please send a copy of the published information to: Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group, Sara Nelson, 10151 Corporate Square, Suite 100, St. Louis, MO 63132

For More Information Contact:

Sara Nelson
314.983.1393
snelson@bswllc.com

For Immediate Release: From the Editor and Associate Publisher of Industrial Distribution Magazine by Jack Keough

To learn more about researching, evaluating, analyzing and comparing software request the 2008 Industrial Distribution Supplement Guide released this month To order a complimentary copy visit http://www.software4distributors.com/supplementguide/default.aspx.

In a recent survey conducted by Industrial Distribution, distributors told us that one of their top concerns was soaring operational costs. It’s been a continuing problem that has been rising in importance in recent years.

One of the chief ways distributors can reduce those costs is through the use of technology. With the advent of expanded technological software, distributors can reduce errors in shipments; track and control inventory; and improve the manufacturer-distributor relationship as well as the customer-distributor relationship.

Technology can help in all those areas. But finding, evaluating and deciding on which software provides the best solution to solve your specific problem can be a daunting and time consuming task. That’s why Industrial Distribution is publishing this special section. This report, a supplement to the 18th edition of the Brown, Smith, Wallace Consulting Group’s Distribution Software Guide, is the number one source of detailed information for distribution-oriented companies beginning their selection process for new business software.

The guide is designed to provide independently researched information to make it easier for distributors to evaluate and select the right software for their specific needs.

Our survey clearly indicates that distributorships of all sizes will be looking for information on how technology can improve their internal and external operations. We hope this supplement will help you research, evaluate, compare and analyze the tools that are essential to your business operations.

About The Author: Jack Keough has been editor of Industrial Distribution for 21 years. Nine years ago he was also named associate publisher. Jack is considered a leading spokesman for the distribution industry. He has spoken at many industry conventions as well as at national sales meetings. He has also served as a panelist on radio and television and taught journalism at the college level. Prior to joining Industrial Distribution, Jack worked with community newspapers in Massachusetts for 15 years. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts.

About The Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group: The Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group has been serving the distribution community for more than 20 years through the publication of the Distribution Software Guide, speaking at industry programs, giving free telephone advice to distributors and providing fee-based consulting services to companies who need help selecting the best software packages for their business. For more information visit http://www.software4distributors.com/.

EDITORS NOTE: Permission to reprint is hereby given to all print, broadcast and electronic media. Permission is also granted for reasonable editing, including article title change and customizing for your audience/industry. Please send a copy of the published information to: Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group, Sara Nelson, 10151 Corporate Square, Suite 100, St. Louis, MO 63132

For More Information Contact:
Sara Nelson
314.983.1393
snelson@bswllc.com