Distributors Continue to Invest In Software Despite Economy

Despite the struggling economy, distributors continue to invest in software to better position their business for long-term success.

"While initially, the thought of investing in a new ERP solution in a down economy may seem daunting, if you think about it, there really is no better time," said Steve McLaughlin, senior vice president and general manager of Activant. "With things slow, distributors have time to review all of the options available and make a decision based on their current and future needs. In addition, they can take the time to train on the new system so their staff is ready to hit the ground running when the economy rebounds."

Many distributors are following McLaughlin's advice. In the month of June alone, nearly 40 distributors invested in Activant Prophet 21™, making it the leading enterprise software solution for distributors. As of today, more than 1,375 wholesale distributors have invested in the system.

"We were impressed by the way the Activant team has factored its experience in distribution into Prophet 21," said Kevin Reidl, executive vice president of Hodel-Natco Industries. The Cleveland , OH, distributor recently choose to move from SAP BusinessOne to Prophet 21. "The package has several very nice tools that were clearly developed from Activant’s experience in the distribution industry, and specifically in fastener distribution. The fact that the people at Activant live and breathe distribution shows in the product."

Distributors on legacy Activant solutions are also looking to move to Prophet 21. "Our overall goal, no matter what system we implemented, was to help us improve our customer experience." said Donna Benner, director of operations for The RG Group in York, PA. The company will move from Activant Disc to Prophet 21. "We wanted to get more data out of our solution more efficiently than we could with our current one. We chose Activant Prophet 21 because they do know our business – they’ve been in our industry for a long time – and the functionality of the system was what we had been looking for.”

"While there is no question that tough economic times put a strain on all businesses," concludes McLaughlin, "those distributors that view this slow period as an opportunity will emerge from this cycle stronger and in a better position to take advantage of what comes next."

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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 http://distribution.activant.com

Congratulations to the Distribution Virtual Tech Fair Show Prize Winners

The Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group would like to congratulate all of our show prize winners for attending the Distribution Virtual Tech Fair on April 30 and May 1, 2008. Tom Noonan from AP Wagner received an Apple ipod Touch, David Hays from Teche Electric received a Garmin Nuvi 350 GPS and Don Griffith from Denney Electric Supply received a Sony Playstation 3.

All three winners first heard about the Virtual Tech Fair through an email sent by the Consulting Group’s Virtual Tech Fair Guy. David Hays said, “I was intrigued by the thought of participating in an online virtual event.” Don Griffith explained, “It was easy to get my manager to agree for me to go to this event since there were no costs involved.” Tom Noonan said, “When I saw this event I was excited because it allowed me to get some specific information about several vendors and their products without having to leave my desk. I was hoping to gain a better understanding of the software offerings available and to gain a better insight into the industry.”

Not only did attendees enjoy learning about several vendors in one place but they were also able to continue their education on business. Tom Noonan stated, “The keynote presentations were especially interesting and gave me some helpful ideas on how to get the most out of people.”

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 when it is archived. David Hays explained, “I was unable to plan for the event and if I’d had more time I might have attended more presentations but I may yet attend an archived presentation.”

All of the attendees reported that they were looking forward to the next event like this. Don Griffith responded, “We are not currently looking to change our software provider but at some point we will probably have to and I want to know what is available. That is why attending another event like this is so important to me.” David Hays said, “I would attend this event again because I enjoyed navigating the rich websites and the live aspect made the event more interesting.” If you would like to learn more and to sign up to participate like these attendees did then visit www.virtualtechfair.com.

Great Opportunity For Learning

It is not very often that a whole organization can take advantage of trade show education. Normally, only the top executives get to go and listen. This time it is different. Every company can attend the education sessions at the Virtual Technology Show (www.virtualtechfair.com) for free, right from your own office. Here is the chance to spread the education around your whole organization.

On April 30 and May 1, the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group will host the third Distribution Virtual Tech Fair®. It grows each year and while the booths are worth seeing and the environment worth exploring, it is the education I want to focus on.

My suggestion is to review the programs that will be available and then schedule a time for you and your staff to listen to the speaker. You might bring in lunch and then have a discussion of what you heard. This is a wonderful opportunity that does not come along that often.

Let me highlight the two keynote speakers. All of the other programs are listed on the website, but these two are special.

First there is Richard Hadden who focuses on Employee Relations and Creating a Great Place to Work. He is the co-author of Contented Cows Give Better Milk: The Plain Truth About Employee Relations and Your Bottom Line. His live presentation will be on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 12:00 p.m. central. Followed by a Question and Answer session with the audience.

Richard will discuss why creating a great place to work is one of the best things a company can do for its bottom line. It's no accident that the organizations consistently identified as winners also happen to be some of the best places on earth to work. This occurs not as an afterthought, but as a vital, premeditated element of business strategy.

Especially for any company about to enter (or considering) a conversion, our experience is that contented employees have the easiest conversions. Whatever change is coming to your place of business, this is an important program.

Then we have Ed Oakley, Enlightened Leadership Solutions. He is extensively published and recognized for his work on quickly turning managers into more effective leaders. If you are planning on taking your company through a major change, then you and your staff need the skills and capabilities of leadership. Ed’s live Presentation and chat session will be on Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 12:00 p.m. central.

This presentation puts the challenges of a changing organizational environment into an enlightening perspective. It differentiates management and leadership. Ed clarifies why we must bridge the gap from management to leadership when the environment is changing rapidly. His presentation provides an empowering perspective of personal leadership and guides us through a definition of a model leader.

Remember to register in advance (www.virtualtechfair.com/registration-center/default.htm). You will receive a reminder the day of the show. Do not forget to check out the other education sessions. They are full of valuable information that will help you succeed.

Distribution Virtual Tech Fair, Hosted by the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group

Does your technology system have trouble keeping up with your business? Knowing where you were yesterday does not help with the speed of business today. You need business intelligence about your operations, suppliers and customers at your finger tips. No matter how many work-arounds you develop or how many repairs to your system you make, your competitors are already passing you by. So in essence you are working for your system instead of your system working for you. Having the right system in place, allows you to spend more of your time making great decisions.

While you may have a hunch that you are spending more than you should to support customer’s questions and compete for their business, it may be hard to say at what point the cost of maintenance and upgrades would exceed the cost of a new system. How do you compare budgeted maintenance costs against the unknown costs of a new development? Fortunately, there is an industry-full of expertise that works through the fix-or-buy issue.

You have committed to moving forward and selecting a new system. So, which system should you choose? And how will you decide? Have you ever started searching for a product but did not know where to begin or who to contact? The Distribution Virtual Tech Fair can ease your pain by making it easy to research software and technology solutions online. This event gathers the industry leaders, the up-and-comers, the niche players in one place to answer your questions. Get access to the experts, virtually, and find out how others in your shoes have quantified the risks and benefits of migrating to a new system.

For two days only, April 30 and May 1, 2008 from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Central Standard Time, attendees can meet with leading technology companies and industry experts from the comfort of their office -- live, online, interactive and 100 percent free. This complimentary, event takes the most successful elements of a live trade show and translates them into the virtual world of the Internet. Attendees can enjoy booths filled with Brochures, Fact Sheets, Literature, Whitepapers, On-Demand Presentations, Podcasts and Product Demos. Attendees can select content of interest, view it immediately or upload to their virtual briefcase so they can view it at their convenience.

Communicating and networking at the show is easy. Exhibitors and attendees can email, chat through IM, blog and exchange vCards which can be downloaded directly into Outlook. You can also start a discussion with others in the Show’s Lounge.

During the show, attendees can earn points for great prizes just by participating. The Virtual Auditorium includes educational presentations designed to provide proactive, industry-leading solutions and advice from industry consultants, IT managers, application experts and vendors.

To Register:
Register online at http://www.virtualtechfair.com/

Learn More By Taking A Virtual Tour:
Click here to begin http://www.virtualtechfair.com/virtualtour.html

Embassay Selects Activant As Technology Provider Resource

Plumbing Wholesalers to Benefit from Access to Technology

Embassy Group Ltd., a limited group of premier plumbing, HVAC, and PVF wholesalers, has selected Activant Solutions Inc., a leading enterprise software provider, as a new recommended resource for its members.

"This partnership is further proof of Activant's commitment to the plumbing, HVAC, and PVF wholesale distribution industry," said Steve McLaughlin, senior vice president and general manager of Activant. "We look forward to working with Embassy and its members to continue to develop the technology and services they require to succeed in an ever-changing marketplace."

Activant provides ERP solutions with deep functionality designed specifically to help wholesalers increase sales, improve customer service, and reduce operating costs.

"Part of Embassy's responsibility to its members is to provide resources that will help them strengthen their businesses," said Wally Gumm, president of Embassy. "This relationship provides them with access to the technology that supports that effort."

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, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

For more information, please visit http://distribution.activant.com

About Embassy

Established in 1991, the Embassy was founded on the principle that equal participation by a limited group of Premier Plumbing, HVAC and PVF Wholesalers partnering with the Top Industry Plumbing, HVAC and PVF Vendors would result in a mutually rewarding relationship for all. This union also insures the individual Members' business remains viable in the face of changes, consolidations and chain competitors entering the markets today.

Find out more at http://www.embassygroupltd.com

Activant Introduces Automated Backup Solution (ABS) For Prophet 21

Activant Solutions Inc. introduces Automated Backup Solution (ABS) for Activant Prophet 21™. ABS provides real-time, off-site data backup storage in Activant's secure location.

"Even more than inventory, the data gathered by a distributor's enterprise software solution is the most valuable asset in their business," stresses Steve McLaughlin, senior vice president and general manager of Activant. "Inventory can be replaced, but contact information, order history, accounts receivable information, etc. is irreplaceable if lost or damaged. Backing up data should be as constant as breathing out and breathing in."

"Unfortunately, the daily backup of data can easily be forgotten among all the other things going on in a distributor's business. What is more, backup is only half the challenge; keeping those backup copies in a safe location off-site is the key to recovery when disaster strikes. That is why Activant now offers automated data backup for Prophet 21 users."

Private and Protected

Coupled with your standard backup procedures, ABS provides the first step in your business continuity plan. All you need is a supported VPN device. Activant takes care of the rest.

With ABS, every time a user enters an order or updates the general ledger, the transaction is automatically updated at Activant's secure site. There, the data remains protected and private until needed. Then it can be restored to the distributor's server or uploaded to a production site.

Data When You Need It

No one can predict when disaster will strike. Even distributors who don't live in a region where natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, or earthquakes are a regular threat, something as simple as a lightening strike to the warehouse or someone inadvertently spilling coffee on the server can cripple a business until data can be accessed again.

ABS makes it easy for distributors to keep their businesses running without missing a beat. One call to Activant's support team will get them back in touch with their data and ready to service customers.

Pricing and Availability

Activant ABS is now available. For more information, contact Activant at 1-800-776-7438, visit http://distribution.activant.com , or e-mail distribution@activant.com.

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 www.activant.com.

Successful Business

Good Luck

What does it take to be successful in business? One thought that comes to mind is luck. Lots of people scoff at the idea. They are into planning, strategies, and MBA type learning. For some reason, they treat luck like a bad four letter word. All of those things you can learn in school do help. But, never, ever, discount the value of luck. You may not be able to plan for it, or make it happen on purpose, but when it occurs, it can be a big help in accomplishing anything.

Luck does not happen through a standard process. If it worked that way, it would no longer be called luck. We can build on an old saying. The best way to get lucky is to be ready. To do that you must have 50% perspiration, 30% preparation, and 20% perception.

Starting at the top, without perspiration, you will not be able to take advantage of any luck that comes your way. You have to be in business so someone can offer you the potential. You must know your stuff and be recognized as being good at doing whatever it is you do.

Most people do not get lucky at the start (although there are exceptions to every rule – and in this case everyone will know at least one business owner who hit the jackpot by making a lucky call the first day they are in business). If you look below the surface, even the lucky ones who get a dream contract on day one have worked hard in the past. They have a track record of success from wherever they worked before. They are known in their community and respected for their capabilities and history. That is why they got the lead or the opportunity to propose on a job. Even the luckiest have lots of perspiration in the game.

Perspiration includes spending time perfecting your craft. Work hard at it. Build on opportunities. Make sure that every assignment you accept is done at the highest levels of professional competence.

Build a long list of satisfied and loyal clients who will recommend you to their friends and associates. They may be the first to recognize a lucky opportunity. It is your hard work that leads them to pass the information on to you to do something with it.

Preparation means being ready to accept new opportunities when they present themselves. If you are always working at the limit, if you are up to your eye balls in deadlines, then no matter how good an opportunity is, you will not be able to take advantage of it.

You need to have capacity to take on an additional assignment. You must have planned for the contingency of more work than you can handle yourself. Otherwise, you can never grow, you can not take advantage of luck, and you probably will be too busy to even recognize it when it does occur.

You must also prepare by making sure people know about you. How can a lucky connection happen if no one knows what you do, how you do it, or anything else about you? Write articles, contribute to publications, do presentations, and be visible in your business community. Volunteer, help out, participate, you get the idea. Invisible people rarely get asked to be part of something new and exciting. Be seen. Be recognized. Be available.

Perception is a willingness to recognize an offer. So many of us are “heads down grinders” that we will miss an opportunity if it does not trip us up and clobber us over the head with a 2X4.

An old lesson states that when the student is ready the teacher will appear. The teachers are always out there, it is just the student is not able to perceive the value of the teacher until they are in need, or at least recognize they might have a need. Opportunities are the same. They are always out there. Most of us are too busy to ever recognize them. We spend our lives trying to keep up and miss many more opportunities than we try to accept.

Open your mind. Be willing to stretch your comfort zone. Look and listen to what is going on around you all of the time. Not every opportunity is the lucky one that will change your life forever, but if your eyes are closed, if your mind is closed, if your ears are closed, you will never know when the right idea is waiting for your to respond.

If you have developed your skill, made sure you are known by the proper communities, have an open ear to what is going on around you, then luck will take care of itself. You will find great options and opportunities. Your most important job will be to decide which ones to take advantage of.

We can all have good luck if we align our perspiration, preparation, and perception. Try it and see what comes your way.