The goals included compatibility with existing infrastructure systems and the ability to scale smoothly to meet growth projections in multiple countries. Key solution components include:

• Implement an Electronic Data Interchange system to improve the handling of ordering information with trading partners globally.
• Put in place a Point-of-Sale (POS) system to capture sales and inventory data from retailers across several countries.
• Collect POS data from POS systems to centralized databases via secure Internet data transfer, supporting centralized product forecasting and replenishment.

Among the benefits have been greater speed, accuracy and standardization in trading partner communications, along with better audit trails. Greater opportunities for cost savings and efficiency have accompanied each step in the implementation.

As their business grew they needed a better way of tracking inventory, sales and customer service

The solution was a third-generation point of sale system with features that include bar code data input, web-based access and sophisticated data analysis to support management decision-making. Especially important to this client, this system…

• Records the history of each inventory item from the point of acquisition onward
• Tracks pricing trends, area sales volumes, profitability and service fees
• Provides detailed customer intelligence to support demographic analysis and relationship development

The results to date are evident in improved control over pricing, service and costs that are increasingly critical in this competitive market.