ElectricalTrends Tech Vision Series: IBIS Enters Electrical Distribution: Advanced Supply Chain Software™ and Microsoft

This week we’re continuing with our ElectricalTrends Tech Vision Series.

One of the most, if not the most, important piece of technology within a distributor is their ERP system. It essentially is the central repository for a distributor to develop and maintain productivity. Among functions, an ERP system is essential for sales order entry, accounting services (A/R, A/P, etc), managing inventory, processing orders,compressing collection time for rebates/SPA’s and much more.

We’ve reached out to a number of ERP systems and will be featuring them over the next few months. This month we are featuring IBIS‘s Advanced Supply Chain Software for Microsoft’s Dynamics®  AX distribution platform.

Andy Vabulas, Chief Executive Officer of IBIS, shared his thoughts on how IBIS can help electrical distributors can benefit from a new, but experienced, entrant to the electrical distribution industry can help distributors leverage technology as a differentiator.

 Electrical distribution is a channel that IBIS feels can benefit from innovation as only a couple of  companies offer ERP systems to electrical distributors. We believe distributors benefit when there is choice and IBIS, along with Microsoft, offers a unique approach from which electrical distributors can benefit.

Through a combination of the Microsoft platform – Dynamics AX®, CRM, and IBIS’ Advanced Supply Chain Software™, B.I. and Microsoft Office™ which is ubiquitous within distributors, we are positioned to bring great value to Electrical Distributors who are looking for a platform to drive their business to the next level and for the next decade … or more.

Microsoft has recognized the significance of the Electrical Distribution market and has made massive investments in Microsoft Dynamics® AX to serve the financial and operational needs of distributors. Competitive offerings simply cannot match the commitment and resources that Microsoft offers. And IBIS’ and Microsoft’s vision of interconnectedness and future proofing functionality provides an unmatched product road map assuring distributors that Microsoft is investing to support their future.

What does Microsoft bring to the table?

Put simply, less risk and more solution. Microsoft helps customers make business decisions with greater confidence through its familiar Microsoft software suite and by automating and streamlining business processes and connections with customers, business partners, and subsidiaries in a way that helps drive business success. Plus, everyone is familiar with Microsoft Office applications such as Excel and Outlook and those functionalities operate seamlessly, securely and bi-directionally with Dynamics® AX and CRM. And Microsoft thinks about tomorrow. Consider the thoughts that Matt Peterson of Microsoft shared in May on ElectricalTrends. In summary, Microsoft delivers:

• Increased agility
• Fast time to value
• Happier, more productive users
• Lower total cost of ownership (TCO)
• Ideas for tomorrow … today

IBIS and Microsoft feel that market Leading distributors have unique characteristics that set them apart from more traditional distributors. These characteristic include:

• Growing
• Insightful
• Effective
• Responsive
• Collaborative

A Modern Distributor , as defined by Microsoft, can leverage technology to EASILY drive profit, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. Modern Distributors have a business platform that is safe and secure for the next 20 years. And a Modern Distributor gives their team a tool that they can use to make a difference – one that does not hold them back – but one that enables and empowers people while facilitating collaboration within an organization and with customers and suppliers!

Companies today are looking for a strong ROI of their IT investments. Microsoft Dynamics® AX, the Microsoft application platform, and Advanced Supply Chain Software™ contain a rich set of business processes to help accelerate deployment of an ERP solution, delivering a quicker ROI.

Who is IBIS?

By now, hopefully, you’re asking “Who is IBIS?”

IBIS recognizes that your technology platform is one of the most critical investments your company can make. Electrical Distributors need an experienced technology partner to help ensure they unlock all the value and benefits that a platform can provide not only today but for 5, 10 or 20 years into the future.

I.B.I.S., Inc. is that partner. Since 1989 we’ve supported hundreds of clients with over 100 are distributors in a multitude of industries … including some in the electrical and electronic wholesale industry (and Microsoft has over 20,000 AX installs worldwide). You can rely on us to be with you for the long haul and to treat your company’s resources with as much care as you do. We provide business process consulting, implementation assistance, product support and application development.

We have a dedicated team who know the capabilities of these products and the electrical distributors we focus on — and who will work with you to understand your unique requirements.

To learn more about IBIS:

Join IBIS on July 22nd for a free webcast titled:

“5 Strategies to Address Increased Competition and Shrinking Margins.”

We’ll discuss strategies to offset headwinds such as shrinking margins and efforts by national distributors to gain market share.

Register Today for this free webcast.