Craig's Corner: Why Go Mobile with Tight Integration?

Why Go Mobile with Tight Integration?
Everywhere, distributors large and small are automating their mobile sales functions on mobile computers. But why are they doing this? And, why would they go to the expense of selecting ruggedized equipment with reliable software? And, why is tight integration so valuable?

I was reminded of this question in my recent travels to the Caribbean. I found myself facing a room full of 36 DSD, van sales, route sales staff. Each of them eager to get more work done in a day so they could improve their paycheque. Each of them had just converted to Solid Route Accounting™ - Dynamic 3i Edition in coordination with Janam XP30 mobile handheld computers. And, the main topic of the meeting as set out by their CFO, Troy Beharry was “What suggestions do you have to improve Solid Route Accounting™?”

As a veteran of business system development and as a person who cares deeply about whether or not these folks can achieve their goals using our system, I was feeling somewhat concerned with what might arise in this meeting. Much to my surprise, a comment came forth. A member of the staff claimed, “Now that I’ve used the system for a few days, you cannot take it back from me.” And, the person next to him chimed in “He is our top sales person and visits the most customers in a day of all of us.” My only answer was, “Thank you.” So, as for the sales side, I'd say we scored well with an easy to learn, and easy to use reliable system. However, as a leading developer of route accounting systems, we still look to improve the features and capabilities of our systems with the ideas and suggestions we receive from our clients.

And what about direct integration?

First, what do I mean by direct integration? Direct integration means that your accounting system, in this case SDC’s Dynamic 3i, directly communicates with your route accounting system in the field. Office staff maintain products, prices, and customers in the accounting system and through automatic processes, this information is moved to the appropriate mobile handheld computers. As route sales people take customer orders, make sales, payments on accounts, and returns, inventory is fully tracked and prices are accurately maintained within the accounting system. Finally, when the mobile handheld computers can syncronize, either via the Internet or WiFi, transactions are moved directly into the accounting system without the need for re-posting. In this case, direct integration is proving to be a real time and labor saving approach. Solid is also a veteran at achieving this level of integration with several ERP and accounting systems.

Overall, I would like to congratulate our team of professionals in their achievement in this regard. I would also like to thank the dedicated people at SDC for their work with the client and their professionalism.

Stay tuned for more news of direct integration to other leading accounting and ERP systems.

Sincerely,

S. Craig Fisher, President & CEO

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