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Monday, October 23, 2017

New 2017 Mid-Year Supplement Guides Available

The 2017 Mid-Year Supplement is now available. This guide provides everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.

Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services, this 12-page Supplement Guide provides valuable, independently researched information, including:

•  Detailed software company information
•  Vertical markets identified
•  Highlighted functions and technology features
•  New developments to the software package
•  Graphs of the user range
•  Basic entry price point
•  Sales channels (how and where the software is sold)
•  Company contact information

Visit the Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services Distribution & Manufacturing Software Guides website to learn more about these services and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.

http://www.software4distributors.com/vendor/resources_ind_distribution_supplement_login.aspx

http://www.software4distributors.com/vendor/resources_ind_supply_supplement_login.aspx

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Featured in the 2017 Software Guides: How To Create a Digital Transformation Scorecard

by Jeff Gusdorf and Todd Snover


Digital Transformation is the use of technology to radically improve the performance and reach of enterprises.  Transformation means that digital usage enables new types of innovation and creativity rather than simply enhancing and supporting traditional methods.

There are three components to digital transformation (a) Improving and creating a consistent customer experience (b) automating or improving processes by using digital technology and (c) rethinking/recreating business models. Companies must tackle the customer experience and process automation together to be able to achieve digital transformation.

It is important for distributors to recognize that the technology landscape has permanently changed and they need to accept:

1) Old legacy green screen systems have out lived their useful lives and need to be replaced. The fact that your data entry clerks can slam in orders quickly doesn’t offset the training costs for new staff, costly, and inefficient screen churn, poor reporting capabilities, and a long, long list of other costs and limitations that are inherent in these systems.

2) Systems of engagement that are customer facing such as CRM/SFA, customer portals, and social media interactions must exist and must integrate with your traditional systems of record (ERP System). (Geoffrey Moore coined the terms “system of record and engagement” which have become accepted phrases. Google him to learn more.)

3) Access to email and business data from your mobile device is critical. This empowers your sales people with customer information at their fingertips or alerts your managers when specific events (late shipments, customer on credit hold, orders that exceed a specified dollar amount) occur. In an always connected world, this functionality is a must.

4) E-commerce is a critical component of your sales process and must include many B2C features that satisfy the business user. Integration with your ERP system must exist, so that product data can be standardized and transaction can be efficiently processed.

The 2017 Software Guides are the only software selection guide specifically developed for the unique needs of the distribution and manufacturing community. The new editions are designed to assist you, the Wholesale Distributor and Manufacturer, evaluate, compare and analyze software to determine which products fit your operation.

Learn more at: http://www.software4distributors.com/vendor/resources_index.aspx

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Leaping into the Cloud and Grow with QuickBooks Training

Brown Smith Wallace and Intuit teamed up to bring you hands-on training and valuable resources to help you get the most out of QuickBooks Online.
Leaping into the Cloud
Technology is changing how small businesses approach bookkeeping, and with many accounting systems moving into the cloud, now is the time to take advantage of these innovations.
This training session provides hands-on training and insight into the tools that will help you automate manual tasks, eliminate time spent on administrative duties and get the most out of your financial information.
Along with guests from Intuit QuickBooks, representatives from Expensify, Zenefits and other apps will be available to show you how to utilize all of the resources at your disposal.
Grow with QuickBooks
Accounting software like QuickBooks Online can give your small business the freedom it needs to break away from menial tasks and focus on growth. However, cloud-based accounting systems and apps can only help improve your workflow if you let them!
Join Brown Smith Wallace as we introduce you to key members of the Intuit community, including QuickBooks Online ProAdvisors and valuable third-party apps, and learn how QBO users like you have gained time and peace of mind through integration. Professionals help guide you toward the best system for your small business.
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