STAFDA 2014 Tech Fair

This year, STAFDA’s Technology & Consultants Fair will be a high priority for more attendees as distributors plan to upgrade operating systems for maximum growth during the coming boom cycle of the construction industry.

This year’s Tech Fair will be Monday, November 10, noon – 6:00 p.m., in the Charlotte Convention Center, inside the exhibit hall. The companies listed below were signed up as of press time.

To help you plan which vendors to visit first, the following are previews from some of the vendors exhibiting at the 2014 STAFDA Tech & Consultant's Fair. More vendors have signed on since this list was compiled so please check at the show for a complete list.

48.WS

48WS.com is a website design company that specializes in STAFDA, construction supply and industrial distributors. 48WS.com offers E-catalog and E-commerce websites for a fraction of the cost of distributor in-house management.

“The ‘48’ in our name is the guarantee we give to build a website specifically for your company in just 48 hours,” says company cofounder Dan Tsujioka. “48WS.com can create a new custom site to your specifications, convert your old site or improve your current site. Each site is designed to be easily found, navigated and is guaranteed to grow your sales. We create a professional Internet presence that you will be proud to call your own.”

The three managing partners of 48WS.com bring years of distribution experience and have been specifically involved with website design and Internet marketing to the construction supply industry since 1999. Dan Tsujioka was instrumental in the establishment of The Home Depot and the growth of White Cap Construction Supply. Rik Gagnon led the sales and marketing department at White Cap for 31 years, and Steve Mangione, a licensed CPA, managed White Cap’s Internet initiatives.

Their understanding of the industry and their catalog of more than 1,100 manufacturers, saves distributors thousands of dollars and man-hours compared to launching websites on their own.

“At 48WS.com, experienced management and a professional staff of in-house web designers are always just an e-mail or phone call away to make changes and answer your questions,” Tsujioka says. “As a pre-show special, we are offering a no-charge, no-obligation custom demo site for your company that will be built for you to review at STAFDA. Simply call or e-mail me at dan@48ws.com or (949)795-2095.

If you prefer, see us on day one of the STAFDA Technology Fair and we will have a demo site ready for your viewing the next day.”

BCR Software

Since 1998, BCR has provided a powerful yet easy-to-use business software solution for small wholesale distributors. With affordable personalized support, comprehensive ERP software, reasonable prices and partnerships based on integrity, BCR brings value to the wholesale distribution industry.

“We know that your business software is critical to your daily business operation,” says BRC president, Barry Evans. “When you purchase BCR’s Titan distribution ERP product, you are purchasing a perpetual user license. You will never be forced to purchase a new release to keep using BCR. You own it.”

While BCR Titan software is a complete ERP distribution software solution designed to meet all of the standard operational needs of the wholesaler, BRC understands that each client is different. BRC meets new requirements by enhancing the core product, rather than customizing it, so distributors can move forward to new releases without fear of losing valuable features.

“Our attention to detail, from implementation and data conversion through go-live and after-sale support, is second to none,” Evans states. “With BCR, you are dealing with individuals who know you by name, not a monolithic software company to whom you’re just an account number. When you add that to our industry-low maintenance costs with included software updates, the choice becomes clear.”

dynaMACS

dynaMACS software is specifically designed for manufacturers’ sales agencies. With dynaMACS, your rep agency can analyze sales, pay reps, track commissions, manage customer relationships (CRM) and more.

“For more than 40 years, we have constantly innovated and revolutionized the way sales agencies view sales and commission tracking and reporting,” says April Slepian, dynaMACS marketing associate. “dynaMACS is powerful yet easy-to-use, fast, flexible and reliable. We help sales agencies operate more efficiently, with higher levels of data intelligence and at optimum customer service levels.”

The dynaMACS system modules include:

• Sales IQ: Instantly view sales, commissions paid and performance data. Sort by customer, manufacturer or sales rep, to view information in numerous ways.
• eSi: Process electronic files (like excel spreadsheets) provided by the manufacturer instead of entering data from paper reports. Save hours — even weeks — by eliminating manual data entry.
• dynaMACS Mobile: Sales reps can take data anywhere they go — on the road, at  client office or home. For example, sort by all manufacturers within a territory, and instantly view all customers for that manufacturer ranked according to sales.
• Report Generator: dynaMACS instantly converts raw sales and commission data into meaningful information. Produce summary and detailed reports. Choose from pre-defined formats and or customize your reports.
• Cloud Processing: Data entry and processing is done on the cloud. Opt for the main office to access cloud, or, using dynaMACS Mobile, enable all your reps to see real-time information on the cloud.

Epicor

With 20,000 customers in over 150 countries, Epicor Software provides integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), supply chain management (SCM), and enterprise retail software solutions that enable companies to rapidly implement technology, increase efficiency and improve profitability.

“Epicor Distribution offers a full range of capabilities including order management, supply
chain management, warehouse management, assembly, customer relationship management, supplier relationship management, eCommerce, mobile worker interface, financial management and business process management,” begins Scott Pugmire, senior product marketing manager.

“Epicor Distribution is built entirely on a true service-oriented architecture called Epicor True SOA. Using this approach, ‘services’ are self-contained, platform-independent pieces of business logic that can be used to configure and reconfigure processes, in order to improve integration of applications.”

Epicor Prophet 21 and Epicor ERP version 10 were enhanced in 2014 with new e-commerce platform options, enhanced mobile device support and more robust capabilities in supply chain collaboration, demand forecasting and planning, and vertical-specific essentials for distributors and manufacturers.

“Epicor ERP is available on-premises, as a multi-tenant cloud or as a managed service,” Pugmire says. “The new touch-enabled, intuitive user interface is designed from the ground up to work with touch screen devices, empowering users to work the way they want. Epicor ERP is designed for small and mid-sized businesses that span multiple
companies and countries.”

Epicor Prophet 21 combines the power of Microsoft SQL Server and the familiarity of Windows to provide order management, supply chain and warehousing capabilities on a single business platform. Most Epicor customers have head counts of 11-50 employees. Approximately 200 STAFDA members currently run Epicor Distribution Software.

Distribution One

Distribution One’s ERP-ONE continues to grow to meet distributors’ needs and address industry trends. Still incorporating the core functions of any full-function ERP software system — order entry, inventory management, accounting, a complete CRM module and dozens of other applications — it’s continuously expanding to serve the most cutting-edge features that wholesalers and distributors demand. Specialty tool, fastener and wholesale hardware distributors are the company’s prime user segments.

Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI) is fully supported, tightening the relationship between distributors and their customers – and pushing efficiency to its limits.

“An Executive Dashboard makes data much more accessible and powerful for prime decision-makers,” explains Larry Ward, Distribution One president. “And as for mobile, we’re not just keeping up — ERP-ONE is blazing the trail. The sales force can access CRM on the go, quote pricing and availability, place the order and capture signatures, all remotely. With smart phones and tablets, productivity soars — always staying in sync with the master database.”

Whether a distributor is looking to automate their warehouse, expedite the time from order to shipment, eliminate costly paper trails or just gain insight into which areas are performing and which aren’t – a modern ERP system is a requirement. ERP-ONE is ideal for operations with as few as five users, or hundreds. Implementation is handled by experts who visit the customer location to see the process through to the end.

“And our service and support staff stands by to keep the workforce trained and always up to speed,” Ward adds. “It’s a complete package — built for this industry, with its custom needs in mind. With more than 300 customers on Distribution One platforms, it’s a robust and refined system, ready to begin driving new levels of profitability for any operation.”

PROTRAC

ProTrac software is designed for Windows-based systems using a fourth-generation relational database.

“ProTrac distribution software is built for wholesalers with one to 10 branches and five to 40 users,” explains Mel Carney, sales manager. “Our customers are able to compete head-to-head with larger competitors with ProTrac’s modern and up-to-date features. Our customers do not need deep pockets to purchase and/or support their ProTrac software. As our logo says: ProTrac is serious software for a sensible price.”

ProTrac’s ERP distribution software includes:

• AR, AP, GL and Payroll
• A full inventory control that is integrated with fast order entry that offers extensive look-ups
• A complete purchasing module with integrated replenishment features
• Cloud and local servers are supported
• Electronic invoices, purchase orders and statements can be e-mailed, faxed and printed. An invoice can be printed at the counter and an original invoice can be e-mailed to accounts payable
• A SWOT CRM that is integrated with ProTrac

“At PDSI, we keep our monthly support charges in line with a customer base that has to work for every percent of margin,” Carney says. “Our software upgrades are a part of the normal monthly support contract charges. We offer support until 10:00 p.m., so our customers across the country are able to call when they are working. Our customers can also send new management personnel to our headquarters in Lee’s Summit, Mo. for additional training. This, too, is included in our monthly support contract.”

Sentry Insurance

Sentry Insurance is STAFDA’s preferred carrier for quality insurance programs and services designed for distributors. Sentry helps companies create flexible, custom-made risk management solutions  and provides property and casualty insurance, workers’ compensation, retirement plans, employee group benefits and business life planning.

“When it comes to business insurance, there are a lot of options but having an insurance program that is right for you is critical,” says Jacklyn Johnson, account executive affinity markets. “Sentry is focused on your industry, with specialized coverage tailored to the needs of distributors.”

Sentry provides distribution channel customers:

• Assistance creating custom-made risk management solutions
• Comprehensive online resources through their secure portal, Sentry Connect
• Expertise in the distribution industry’s exposures from their sales, underwriting, safety and claims specialists

Retirement Plans: Whether you already have a retirement plan or are considering one, there are many factors to understand when it comes to delivering a quality retirement
plan to your employees. To help you navigate, STAFDA recommends Sentry as the preferred carrier for your retirement plan. Sentry provides:

• Assistance with developing a benefits package to help attract and retain quality employees
• Help with all aspects of a 401(k) or other retirement solution, making it easier and more affordable for you
• One point of contact so you always know who to call
• Diverse plan options including investment options from well-known firms
• Easy-to-manage participant investment solutions

“With Sentry, you’ll spend less time worrying about insurance and more time running your business,” Johnson says. CS

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Our cover story, Masters of Fasteners, visits Interstate Screw Corp. of metro Miami, which serves the fastening needs of south Florida, the Caribbean and Central and South America.  

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