Advantage Sport & Fitness Gains Visibility with SWK and Acumatica

Advantage Sport & Fitness, Inc. (ASF) is a distributor and retailer of professional fitness equipment based in Ithaca, NY, with a second retail location in Greenville, SC, and 35 distribution centers scattered across 16 states. ASF also offers installation, facility planning and design, and maintenance services for all of their equipment. Founded as a "one man shop"in 1987 by John Murray, the current President and Co-owner, Advantage Sport & Fitness now employees 97 people across all of their locations. 

In a world where projects can run from a few thousand dollars to over a million dollars, ASF’s sales and operations teams must keep track of all of the associated moving parts for the whole length of the contract. Obviously, the longer sales lifecycles require an automated solution to streamline their monitoring processes. John began searching for a new system for Advantage Sport & Fitness that would allow his team to gain deeper insight into their activities, especially inventory management.

He also added a few more requirements to the list on the functionality side, including featuring a web-based browser and SQL-based programming. While hosting their software remotely was not the biggest concern, John desired a seamless environment that would alleviate their manual IT concerns and automate the upgrade process. “I didn’t want to run around installing applications on everyone’s computer,” says John.

John and ASF began looking at several web-based software systems simultaneously and came across Acumatica. He connected with SWK Technologies to learn more. “Acumatica seemed to be the best fit for us,” says John. "I liked that it was built on the .NET framework -we’re very familiar with that here. It’s something that we can manipulate...and you can run it on a laptop, desktop, notebook, smart watch, or your phone.”

Once Acumatica went live, ASF found that it streamlined their inventory processes and automated their manual checks. “We are now managing multiple warehouses with complete confidence,” says John, “whereas before we were guessing and, in some cases, had to physically visit the warehouse. The system reflects the reality in multiple states. That was the #1 problem and it’s done a very good job.”

To learn more, visit the SWK 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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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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Mar-Bal Manufacturing Stays Strong With IQMS

Mar-Bal operates four manufacturing facilities in North America and a sales office in Shanghai, China. They manufacture thermoset composite products essential to the appliance, electrical distribution, and industrial marketplaces.

Despite the COVID-19 restrictions, Mar-Bal continues production under the guidelines set forth by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. The Ohio policy, which was one of the first enacted in the US, recognizes the need for critical manufacturers required to continue operation to supply the state and country during these difficult times. Mar-Bal serves multiple industries whose continued operation is necessary to make it through the challenge we all face.

Supply chain fluctuations caused by the pandemic wreak havoc on Mar-Bal’s production scheduling. While they have minimal staff at their administrative headquarters, manufacturing operations are nearly fully staffed with the personnel necessary to produce orders – supervision, production and quality assurance. From their headquarters, despite minimal staff, they are able to centrally process incoming orders using their IQMS DELMIAworks ERP system and EDI (Electronic Data Interchange). These orders automatically update the production schedule and generate work orders to distribute to their widespread manufacturing operations. Remote visibility of orders, inventory, and operations for their personnel who work at home and in-branch locations system has been essential to these continued business operations. The same can be said for forecasting, planning, and scheduling tools that have been critical to their ability to react to rapidly changing conditions.

At Mar-Bal, DELMIAworks manufacturing software has been essential to continued operations during the COVID-19 disruptions.


To read more, visit the IQMS 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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Buffalo Electric Supply Improves Process Control With Savance

In business since 1954, Birmingham-based Buffalo Electric Supply is an independent, full-service distributor of wholesale electrical products and tools for contractors, industrial end users, and the general public. The company’s electrical supply store, which specializes in industrial, commercial, and residential wholesale electrical products, is known for its stocked inventory, flexible delivery schedule, and personalized service.


In order to meet customer needs in an ever-changing market, the company needed a new ERP solution. Vice President Patrick McCarroll explains: "The previous software was run on an older operating system that had no ability to tie into an e-commerce platform in the future."


“We knew we were looking for a future-proof, easy-to-use software package that offered great support from the software provider,” McCarroll says. Other criteria included affordability, copy/paste functionality, and the ability to mass-upload inventory changes. E-commerce, of course, was another important area.


After an extensive search, Buffalo Electric Supply made the decision to select Savance. "Being able to pick up the phone and get an answer in a timely manner is something I very much appreciate when it comes to Savance." McCarroll says. Since implementing Savance Enterprise, Buffalo Electric Supply has seen improved process controls, as well as greater accuracy when it comes to inventory and pricing. The product’s ease-of-use has also lead to staff operating much more efficiently. Reporting is another area where Buffalo Electric has seen major improvements. “Savance made the SPA process with manufacturers much more manageable,” McCarroll explains. "For the cost, you can’t find a better software solution. The service and response time is top-notch."


To read more, visit the Savance Newsroom.

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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Johnstone Supply Grows Sales With DDI

With over 400 independent member locations across the country, the Johnstone Supply Cooperative is a leader in the HVAC/R industry. From the first Johnstone Supply store that opened in 1953, founder John Shank aspired to grow his business among other service-focused individuals. The goal: to share resources, operational benefits, and group buying power. Today, Johnstone Supply is a top business cooperative with stores often passed from one generation to the next. Owners are used to personalized service, consistency, and a solid return on investment.

A thriving member of the Johnstone Supply cooperative for over 40 years, Johnstone Supply – Spokane, WA, prides itself on customer service and self-sufficiency. With a branch in Anchorage, AK, the company has seen little turnover in the past four decades, a testament to its ownership and stability.

The Spokane team knew that the shift to a fully-integrated, highly scalable Windows® ERP would be significant. Spokane implemented DDI System’s Inform ERP in November 2015. Since then, the store steadily generates around 3,000 invoices a month. It’s amazing to have all the tools that can be used to help our company grow. Credit manager Barb Redinger had this to say about the DDI implementation,"We find something new everyday that has helped us with our sales team."


To learn more about DDI System’s Inform ERP Software, and read additional implementation case studies in the distribution industry, visit the DDI Newsroom.

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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CRP Industries Streamlines Inventory With Sage

CRP Industries is an importer and distributor of automotive and industrial products. Its extensive product line spans markets covering automotive replacement parts, high-speed motors, and industrial hoses. The automotive replacement segment services customers such as BMW of North America and Volkswagen of America.

Challenge
The company’s 20-year-old legacy software wasn’t allowing it to keep inventory and service rates in balance, particularly as part numbers and sales volumes increased over the years. The business drivers for change centered on the company’s desire to improve inventory fill rates while reducing inventory levels, ship orders faster and with greater accuracy, and reduce costs and streamline operations by automating more processes, particularly in its finished goods warehouses.

Solution 
Sage X3 was selected for its robust order fulfillment capabilities across sales, picking, shipping, invoicing, and procurement. It offers comprehensive warehouse location management features and automated data collection capabilities that support key transactions such as physical counts and inventory receipts right out of the box. In addition, Sage X3 provides production capabilities that are readily scalable to CRP’s light assembly operations.

Results
Order cycle times are significantly improved with most orders going out the same day. Visibility into real-time information allows the company to manage exceptions and adjust quickly to changing customer needs. New labor-tracking capabilities provide visibility into labor costs for each warehouse, enabling CRP to determine actual profit per order. Better forecasting helps the company reduce stock levels and optimize its inventory holdings.

“With improved visibility into real-time information comes the ability to manage exceptions better and adjust quickly to changing customer needs.” Daniel Schildge Vice President CRP Industries

 To learn more, visit the Sage Newsroom.

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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Berkshire Blanket & Home Streamlines Tax Compliance With Avalara

In 1993, one man made a blanket. Almost thirty years later, Berkshire Blanket & Home Co. is the biggest company in its category, supplying more than 130 million premium-quality products - blankets, throws, soft home goods - to top retailers around the world.

For as long as Berkshire sold primarily to tax-exempt retailers, its sales tax obligations could be managed manually with a home-grown matrix. But when the company got serious about consumer ecommerce, it quickly found that its home-grown approach was a risky and inefficient way to manage sales tax.

Berkshire’s finance team was accustomed to dealing with wholesale transactions but the introduction of an online retail business a number of years ago, brought with it a new set of tax headaches.

Tax challenges:

• Rapid growth, increasing complexity
• Manual, time-consuming processes
• Increasing compliance risk

Emily Pfeiffer, Vice President of Marketing and Digital, who was brought in specifically to build the company’s online retail business. When the company switched to a new ecommerce platform, Emily knew the old sales tax matrix had reached the end of its useful life. “We had to find a new system to manage the tax,” she says.

It didn’t take Emily long to land on Avalara’s suite of products as the right solution. “AvaTax, in particular, is the Cadillac of its category, and has been for years,” she says. “It’s what you should be using if you just want tax handled.”

And what of the integration with the company’s ecommerce and order management systems? “It’s absolutely seamless. In fact, we recently changed our ecommerce platform system to Shopify Plus. A key factor in that decision was that it features built-in integration with Avalara’s software. We just set it up once and forget it. And Avalara was more of a partner than we expected during the transition, offering us the support we needed.”

Results

• Simplifying business complexity
• Confident tax compliance
• Enabling bold growth plans

“Having Avalara means I don’t have to hire someone just to monitor and adjust our tax settings,” Emily says. “None of us wants to be in that business, and we love being able to trust it to Avalara.”

To learn more, visit the Avalara Newsroom.

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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