Latest Dealer Technologg

(Continued from page 9) cle maintenance. In the Past, manY dealers were not concerned with fuel costs and the wear-and-tear on their delivery trucks. In fact, many thought that overuse of delivery trucks meant a surplus of orders, which meant that business was probably thriving.

Today, dealers need to keep close tabs on their dispatch and delivery process. On-time and accurate order delivery is one of the most important services a dealer can offer. In the past, dispatchers have managed deliveries using paper, whiteboard, or some other manual tracking system. However, the marketplace has become increasingly competitive and customer expectations for delivery times are getting more demanding. A reliable delivery system can be a key differentiator in winning new business and improving customer loyalty.

Dispatch and delivery systems provide dispatchers with an up-to-date view on the status of delivery resources for any given deliverY time-allowing dispatchers and salespeople to commit to specific delivery times with the confidence that the resources will be there to meet that commitment. The software also displays order status information to anyone on the network with a Proper security clearance. A tracker module combines global positioning system, mobile phone, and Internet technologies to show the precise location of trucks at any given time.

Bringing lt flll Together

Running a LBM supply business can be a very complicated job. A truly streamlined and efficient yard must fire on all cylinders to maximize profits. For example, it does not matter how well you are managing human resources and inventory if the warehouse is not sending out the correct orders in a timely fashion.

Many forward-thinking dealers are taking the opportunity to invest in these new technologies during this slow period in the market. The investment will not only help them weather this challenging market, but also position them for accelerated growth when the economy turns around.

- Steve Bieszczat is senior vice president for marketing at Activant Solutions, Livermore, Ca., a provider of business management solutions for LBM dealers and distributors. He can be reached at ( 888) 463 -4700 or info@ activant.com.

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