WINTER 2016

10 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S

10 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK Dennis R. Cowhey Dennis, R. Cowhey, started Computer Insights, Inc. in 1981 and is currently COB. He served for many years on the Illinois CPA Society Computer Information Systems Committee. He is a frequent author of articles for Industry Trade Magazines. Before starting Computer Insights, he served as Central District Manager for a division of Litton Industries (now part of Northup Grumman). That company offered Inventory Control Systems to Retailers. Prior to that, he was a Credit and Financial Analyst for National Credit Office division of Dun & Bradstreet, Inc. He received his education at Chicago City College and DePaul University. NEW SYSTEM - SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION Customers Are Time Starved In today’s business world having up to date technology is almost as important as having the proper product on the shelves. Customers are time starved and hungry for information. This can take the form of the panicky call that they are out of something so you are expected to know exactly what you have on hand or when you can get it. Or it could take the form of demanding a monthly report of inventory turns at their place by bin location. They might even ask you to forecast for them what to expect as far as their usage goes. There is no end to the list of demands that they make. Information is becoming as important as the product itself. New System Is The Answer With a new system, particularly one designed for the fastener industry, you can be in a position to answer these types of questions easily. It seems like it would be an easy decision to make a change, but it isn’t. Change is hard. There are risks associated with changing to a new system (and a new culture). How can you make the change and minimize the risk? You Need A Plan PLANNING AND TEAMWORK ARE IMPORTANT In order to make a smooth transition, of course you must start with a thorough review of your needs and then you must match them up with the software package that best meets them. Once that decision is done, the planning begins. The senior leadership team should all be on board with the new change. The more that you can have everyone pulling in the same direction, the better off you are. A VAST ARRAY OF INFORMATION CAN BE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS WITH A NEW SYSTEM CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 108