Anglo Stainless Enhances Management Information With K8 Manufacturing

Anglo Stainless is a manufacturer of stainless steel fittings. The privately-owned company serves around 400 active customers, predominantly in the chemical, oil, gas, brewing and food sectors. From its base in West Yorkshire, England, Anglo Stainless is a well-established supplier throughout the UK, with export sales planned to grow.


Anglo Stainless realized their computer systems were no longer suitable. Duplicated effort was necessary in many areas and although checks and balances were in place, the risks of error had to be reduced to fulfil the need for accurate real-time information. Steve Brooke, operations director said, “We had to increase productivity, make the business run more efficiently and improve traceability of every product. Without investing in IT, growth and development of our business would be much more difficult to achieve.”


A key requirement for Anglo Stainless was a system that could support the company’s combined distribution and manufacturing activities - including a direct, seamless interface between the two. “Ticking all the important boxes, we chose K8 Manufacturing for its rich functionality for all areas of our business, including inter-company trading as standard.” K8 Manufacturing went live and the benefits of giving the business much greater control, accurate management information and improved decision making tools were soon apparent.


Gains and benefits:

• Shop Floor Data Capture capability
• Intercompany trading facilities
• Improved decision-making tools
• Exception reporting for cost control
• Electronic invoice submission
• Control of customer forward orders
• Full product/order traceability
• Consistent sales quotation pricing
• Time savings allow focus on priority areas

To learn more, visit the Kerridge Commercial Systems Newsroom.


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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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Epicor Enables Auto Parts Distributors To Easily Research, Place, and Track Special Orders

Epicor Software recently announced a new feature that enables users of Epicor® Vision® automotive aftermarket distribution software to quickly and easily research, place, and track special orders and drop-ship orders through their suppliers. This new capability—available through integration of the Vision solution with the GCommerce Virtual Inventory Cloud (VIC)—eliminates the need to call a manufacturer for pricing and availability and automates processing of special orders.


The VIC integration enables Vision software users to look up, price, place, and track special orders and drop-ship orders through the Vision solution’s electronic sourcing form. Electronic purchase orders are automatically generated and transmitted to the manufacturer through Epicor Parts Network connectivity, while purchase order numbers, advance shipping notices, and invoices flow back to the user’s Vision software, eliminating time-intensive paperwork.


By dramatically reducing the time and labor commonly associated with special orders, the new Vision software feature can help distributors increase revenue, save time, and provide a better customer experience, according to Jim Scrivner, president of Al’s Automotive Supply, a 14-location distributor serving the St. Louis metropolitan area. “Using the VIC integration on Vision software saves our counterpeople valuable time and helps us make more sales. With this integration, special orders happen seamlessly and get tracked inside Vision software all in one step. We look forward to transitioning to this feature for all major vendors."


Epicor Vision software is a next-generation solution for parts distributors targeting increased operational efficiency, stronger sales and margin growth, and exceptional customer satisfaction and loyalty. The software, which can be deployed either on premises or in the cloud, features world-class customer relationship management (CRM) tools, a centralized database, highly advanced price management and inventory capabilities, accounting, and comprehensive "central services" functionality for businesses that serve both company-owned and independent stores.


To learn more about the Epicor Vision solution, visit the Epicor Newsroom.


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Also, read our 2017 Mid-Year Supplements. http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2017_Mid_Year_Supplement.pdf. 

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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Pequot Tool & Manufacturing Fuels Growth With ECi's M1 ERP

Ask Mark Shervey what he likes about M1 software from ECi Software Solutions and the answer you get is deceptively simple. “Since we moved to M1, we’ve never been down except for planned updates or server maintenance and we’ve never lost data once. And when you need something, they take care of you.”  

When Shervey came on board in 2000, sales at Pequot stood at around $4.5 million. Today, they’re running at $18 million and growing, with a customer base that extends literally from coast to coast. The company operates out of some 83,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space that houses state of the art machining and fabrication equipment. And they recently added another 12,000 sq. ft. to the operation.  

With the exception of some specialized CAD software for programming machines and another program for inspecting parts to eliminate paper on the shop floor, Shervey and his team use M1 to manage just about every aspect of Pequot Tool’s operations—from the initial quote and order through job tracking and scheduling activity on the shop floor to the final invoice. 

Pequot Tool made a commitment to go paperless several years ago and now, thanks to M1, the company is about 90% there, Shervey reports. “We’ve got terminals at every work center and if there’s an issue with a particular part or process, our people can flag it in the system so that it automatically shows up the next time it’s used,” he explains. “Everything is scanned and archived electronically and while we still have a few filing cabinets around the plant, about the only thing our people keep in them any more is their lunch!”

Remarkably, the entire IT department at Pequot Tool consists of one full-time and one part-time employee, supported by an outside consulting company that spends about 30 hours a month on the job, Shervey reports.

“M1 has been a valuable partner for us,” says Shervey. “The software consistently exceeds our expectations and the results speak for themselves. I can’t imagine where we’d be without it and I certainly can’t imagine any reason why we would change.”



Learn more at the ECi Newsroom.


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

 

Also, read our 2017 Mid-Year Supplements. http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2017_Mid_Year_Supplement.pdf. 

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.

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

Johnson Plastics Stays Ahead Of The Competition With VAI

Founded in 1970, Johnson Plastics, a family-owned company, distributes plastic engraving materials, sign supplies and products for personalization throughout the U.S. and to over 40 countries worldwide. Today, the business owns and operates eight warehouse facilities in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas and serves over 20,000 customers.




Johnson was operating on an outdated ERP system that no longer fit its growing business. The company required a software vendor that could easily implement its products and merge each of the Johnson warehouse facilities into one seamless operation, visible on a single computer screen. Because Johnson stocks product in various warehouse facilities, often times, the distributor must coordinate shipping for the entire order from separate warehouses—a complex and cumbersome process without the right software solution.


The ability to deliver products quickly and correctly was among the company’s chief concern in purchasing a new ERP system. Johnson needed a way for staff, no matter which warehouse facility they were based out of, to easily locate and track product, and get it shipped to customers on time.


After a year of research, Johnson found everything it needed—and more—with VAI's S2K Enterprise for Distribution. Since Johnson preferred a software vendor that could also serve as an outsourced IT department and respond quickly to any technical needs that might occur, VAI was the perfect choice. S2K was able to meet Johnson’s precise warehousing needs, and it corrected the distributor’s biggest source of inaccuracy—locating products in the warehouse and shipping them in a timely manner. S2K also provided Johnson with support and integration for all of the company’s software applications including its Web site, credit card, fax and email server. In addition, S2K worked easily with UPS WorldShip™, the system that Johnson uses to ship orders—automatically recording shipping prices and weight, sending the information automatically to UPS, and adjusting Johnson’s records in one fluid process.


Ron Caucutt, Business Analyst, Johnson Plastics, stated, “We’ve doubled our sales since implementing VAI’s S2K. Not only have we added another location, but we are also shipping 40 to 50 percent more orders with the same amount of people, while continuing to increase our customer service levels. The VAI team has access to numerous resources and their response time is exceptional. I was very impressed with how well VAI handled our implementation.”






To learn more, visit the VAI Newsroom.


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

 

Also, read our 2017 Mid-Year Supplements. http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2017_Mid_Year_Supplement.pdf. 

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.

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

Achieve Global Improves Inventory With Blue Link

AchieveGlobal, a division of The Times Mirror Company, coordinates training courses, and provides training materials and supplies. Its customers are mostly found in the top half of the Canadian Fortune 100.


The company has a complex inventory model, with highly configurable kits, bills of materials and third party warehousing. It was therefore critical that the solution be able to supply the warehouse staff with accurate instructions on an automated basis, and provide a limited, real-time interface into Achieve’s order entry and inventory system. In addition, the company has a number of complex, multi-layered customer contracts. These determine pricing based a number of variables relating not only to the customer and product, but also the type of order and a number of other circumstances.


The Solution


AchieveGlobal Canada selected Blue Link and its Solutions Accounting system. By using the strengths of Solutions Accounting and tapping in to the Excel skills already existent at Achieve and the tight integration between Solutions Accounting and Excel, Achieve was able to go live on time with real, up to date converted data, and all the necessary complex business rules were accommodated.


Inventory, kitting and bill of materials requirements were handled using built-in Solutions Accounting features, customized to take account of the company’s complex rules. Limited functionality screens were added for remote access by the third party warehouse. The company’s complex contract structure was analyzed in depth, resulting in a simplified business definition that still provided the same end result, and this definition was then imposed on the Solutions Elite contract-pricing module.


Data from the ERP system was converted by Blue Link and Achieve personnel, working cooperatively, not only saving weeks of manual data input, but also reducing the scope for data errors and preserving transaction history where required.


According to Denise Edwards, AchieveGlobal Canada’s Manager, Fulfillment and Logistics: “Due to the immense flexibility of Solutions Accounting and the knowledgeable staff at Blue Link, we were able to customize the system to meet our needs.”


Carolyn Crawford, Manager, Accounting and Administration, adds: “We found your design; support and implementation team provided us with a quick response, while taking the time to step back and address the business needs.”




Read and learn more at the Blue Link Newsroom.




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

 

Also, read our 2017 Mid-Year Supplements. http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2017_Mid_Year_Supplement.pdf. 

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.

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

Distribution One Offers Guidance On ERP Implementation

Are you stuck on the “When” of ERP implementation? If you’re having difficulty selecting the timing, you are not alone. Many distributors postpone ERP hoping that some sign will reveal the perfect time to implement. The justifications are fairly common:
•We’ll wait until the new fiscal year
•We’ll schedule it for our slow period
•We’ll do it after we finish hiring
•Maybe after the holidays?




Rationalizations drive delays. Yet without the improvements of interconnected ERP software, days, weeks, and months equate to lost opportunities for compounding savings, productivity, and growth. Remember that the longer implementation is put off, the longer your company will be mired in redundant, inefficient processes. Honestly ask yourself these questions:


• Are the sales staff producing at the highest levels using my current system?
• Are the warehouse quantities and locations reliable?
• Is the sales, customer, and inventory data easily accessible for users in or out of the office?
• Are sales and purchasing projections based on real-time data?
• Does my current productivity, pricing, and turnaround deliver maximum competitive advantage?




If you answered “no” to any of these, it’s a good indication that you have already recognized the need for ERP and should make plans to forge ahead. You already know that your current manual method or legacy system isn’t providing the necessary tools for your company to succeed.




For over 20 years, Distribution One has successfully helped hundreds of distributors find their “best time” for the ERP implementation process. To learn more, visit the Distribution One Newsroom.


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

 

Also, read our 2017 Mid-Year Supplements. http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2017_Mid_Year_Supplement.pdf. 

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.

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

 

Nelson Electric Supply Company Gains Functionality With Savance

Nelson Electric is a supplier of industrial automation equipment and services headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin. In operation since 1949, the company has grown to over 50 people, and now features two separate distribution centers in addition to its headquarters and training facility.


The company was running its enterprise on a legacy system originally implemented in 1981 and its warehouse management software was in particular need of updating. Nelson also recognized the need to serve a new generation of customers interested in shopping online from a browser or a smartphone. In order not to disrupt day-to-day operations, any new functionality would have to be implemented incrementally. The company found precisely what it was looking for in Savance's warehouse management and Web store functionality. Savance worked with Nelson Electric to implement the new software quickly and painlessly. "Both solutions integrated seamlessly with our existing ERP system," states Steve Shuman, Nelson Electric's Vice President. "We began to see benefits almost immediately."


Key Benefits of the Savance solution:

• Best-in-class solution with guaranteed quality assurance.
• Enterprise-wide increased visibility, accountability, and transparency.
• Ability to rollout further solutions on an as-needed basis.
• Overall better customer satisfaction.

To learn more, visit the Savance Newroom.


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

 

Also, read our 2017 Mid-Year Supplements. http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2017_Mid_Year_Supplement.pdf. 

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.

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