Many distributors understand the distinction between improved warehouse operational processes and bar coding, but the overwhelming majority of distributors still ask for bar coding solutions when they really mean to ask “Can you offer me a solution to improve my warehouse operations, seamlessly integrated with Microsoft Dynamics… and I’d also like to automate the data collection from my warehouse so that I can improve data integrity, speed up dock to stock times and improve the order to cash cycle.”

We just released this great case study about successful operations at Colorbok using Accellos and vSync EDI, shipping and warehouse solutions for Microsoft Dynamics.  We also took the opportunity to tag on a video case study that was done back when Colorbok was using Microsoft Dynamics GP version 8.0.  Enjoy

Just for Accellos WMS Microsoft Dynamics customers –  Accellos introduces a new module that can improve picking efficiency by up to 30%…dramatic results for your bottom line!

What if your warehouse management solution could automatically configure the best possible route for your pickers to take, and direct them with the most efficient path with no additional training? If you are a case pack or unit pack distributor, up to 60% of your warehouse labor costs can be tied up in the pick and pack process.  Think of what could be by simply reducing your picking time by 30-40% with a click of a button? Pretty cool huh?  Check it out.

Accellos Selected for Inclusion in 2010 Supply & Demand Chain Executive 100
Accellos EDI, shipping and warehouse solutions help companies attain supply chain excellence during economonic recovery.

Accellos has been selected for inclusion in the 2010 Supply & Demand Chain Executive 100, a compilation of top supply chain technology providers published annually by Supply & Demand Chain Executive Magazine. Accellos’ inclusion in the 2010 issue of the list, “Supply Chain: Back to Basics and Beyond – In Search of the Roots of Supply Chain Excellence,” recognizes Accellos as a leading provider of software and services that help companies in the supply chain space attain excellence during the ongoing economic recovery.   Read the full article

Retailers are focused on balancing tight inventory management and high levels of customer service.  They want to avoid stock outs so as not to lose sales revenue while also avoiding holding too much inventory that is later heavily discounted to move the excess inventory.   Wal-Mart, who is always searching for opportunities to gain efficiencies in their supply chain, recently announced that US vendors shipping to distribution centers must deliver within a four day window leading up to the must-arrive-by-date (MABD). 

Multi-channel merchants like K-Mart / Sears, Target, Costco, Kohls, and several others, are ramping up their online efforts.   Vendors are required to implement EDI to exchange business documents that facilitate cross-channel orders.  Warehouse management and outbound shipping systems have to be tuned to ship to multiple touch points for a single customer account, including drop shipping direct to the consumers address.  The recession forced merchants to focus on effective inventory management which manifested tighter demand sensing throughout the supply chain and information exchange across supply chain partners.  Merchants and vendors inventory on-hand and demand numbers are shared through the exchange of EDI documents and business portals. 

Early Bird Registration for Convergence 2010
Convergence 2010 will be held in Atlanta April 24th through the 27th.  Microsoft is trying somthing new this year by starting the conference on a Saturday instead of Tuesday – which means more time in the office.  Early bird registration ends March 3rd.  For more detailed information and registration visit Microsoft Convergence.

Step up to GP – special incentives for Quickbooks and Peachtree users
Effective Thursday, October 1, 2009, and available until end of business day (11:59pm CST), Friday June 25, 2010 all existing QuickBooks and Peachtree customers are invited to take advantage of a special trade in promotion when purchasing the Business Essential (BE) edition or Advanced Management (AM) edition of Microsoft Dynamics GP.  Contact a Microsoft Dynamcis GP value added reseller near you for details.

Breaking News: Check out the details at MSDynamicsWorld.com or vSync.  This move marks a shift in viewing EDI as not just a point solution but an integrated component of dynamic, agile,  supply chain management.  Stay tuned for more details but overall, an innovative and strategic approach for mid-market companies.  3PLs and Transportation companies will benefit soon too…

While economic conditions improved a hair for some of us…most distributors didn’t fair so well.  However, all indications – the so-called “experts” predict growth in 2010.   That growth is predicted for the global economy, not North America.  So hang on to your hats folks – here’s what we saw in the distribution market space this year and our predictions for 2010.

Many factors come into play when your business partner requests you become EDI capable.  EDI can provide a clear insight into a company’s supply chain operations providing them with better accuracy in ordering and receiving your goods.

One of the many challenges that your business partner faces is having a large number (sometimes hundreds) of vendors communicating business transactions with them.  On average a big box retailer receives hundreds of transactions a day.  Can you imagine if all those transactions were done via mail, fax or email?  Your customer would never be able to efficiently run their supply chain operations, and the manual processing required would cost them millions in lost opportunities, waste and revenue.  This would also create opportunity loss and negatively impact cash flow for your business.  By utilizing EDI your invoices are sent electronically and imported into your partner’s financial system in minutes verses days or weeks, speeding up the payment process and helping you get paid faster.