Technology resellers are failing to reap the benefits of integrated accounting and inventory systems, a senior executive of Australia’s largest IT distributor, Ingram Micro, has claimed. The comment was made at the launch of a new reseller software solution that will integrate Ingram’s advanced inventory database system, TechLink, into a combined accounting and CRM system, Jim2 Business Engine, developed by Happen Business.
The new software, which is for the time being offered exclusively to Ingram Micro, is meant to not only cut out the ‘middle man’ in stock tracking processes, but also to save Leading Edge resellers inventory time and staff wages.
The proprietary link between TechLink and Jim2 allows Leading Edge Computers customers to view real-time stock pricing, product availability and place order direct from Ingram Micro’s website – the equivalent of having the distributor’s database “at your fingertips”, according to Happen Business technical director and co-developer, Paul K Berger.
“This is essentially full electronic trading,” he told journalists and analysts at today’s Sydney event.
“It is true end-to-end supply chain management spanning stock feeds, stock pricing, stock availability, automatic updates, and real time stock enquiries.”
But though Happen claims the software saves time and money, costing nothing for the most recent update and between $2,000 and $2,500 for a beginner business, only 50 per cent of Leading Edge franchisees are currently using the system.
“Many distributors are missing out on reseller business because of poor distribution systems,” said leading Edge buying group managing director, Ross Whitelaw.
Happen Computers however claims that it’s not that easy to convince resellers to take on the software upgrade, with a large portion of the remaining 50 per cent’s finances and stock intake managed by “retailers’ wives”, who are essentially the business-savvy parties that Happen needs to convince to take on its system.
Ingram Micro general manager of sales, Gordon Nugent, is confident that the software’s advantages will prevail.
“It won’t just drive customer service, but also operation improvements, and you won’t have to hold as much inventory,” he said.
Leading Edge Computers aims for close to 100 per cent of its stores to have adopted the Happen Business system by 2008.
“Establishing an efficient supply chain is fundamental in any business,” said Whitelaw.
“It’s a bit of a no-brainer.”
Happen will offer its software to other distributors besides Ingram Micro in the near future.