News

Source: Industrial Distribution online

December 5, 2002

In another example of how Trading Partner Connect, Prophet 21's Internet trading network, is streamlining the supply chain, AutoCrib, a leader in inventory management solutions, and Machine Tools Supply, a distributor of machine tools, have formed a trading relationship and are now conducting business electronically -improving customer service and reducing operational costs.

"The trading partnership between AutoCrib and Machine Tools Supply is a perfect example of how Trading Partner Connect streamlines the commerce process for distributors and the companies they do business with," says Chuck Boyle, president and CEO of Prophet 21.

"Both Auto Crib and Machine Tool Supply were early adopters of Trading Partner Connect and are today reaping the benefits offered by the Internet trading network."

Trading Partner Connect has enabled AutoCrib to download restocking orders directly from their vending machines on shop room floors and automatically place purchase orders with its distributors. Bruce Weaver, vice president of AutoCrib, notes a drastic reduction in re-keying errors often associated with these types of transactions because with Trading Partner Connect all information flows from one software system to the next.

"We have also eliminated the need to send tag files back to our AutoCrib clients, saving us time and money," Weaver adds. "Trading Partner Connect sends back an advanced ship notice that takes the place of the old AutoCrib tag system."

Machine Tools Supply stocks in excess of 150 AutoCrib dispensing units in over 30 different locations. The integration with Trading Partner Connect should prove to be a time- and money-saving venture.

"Operationally, a distributor can save about 15 minutes on each account per day," says Andrea Pixley, president of the Costa Mesa, CA-based company. "When you multiply that by multiple accounts per day, the savings are significant," she says.

Perhaps the biggest benefit for both AutoCrib and Machine Tools Supply has been the noticeably improved customer service. Trading Partner Connect has allowed AutoCrib to reassign one part-time employee back to the company's order desk to improve customer service.

"We saw Trading Partner Connect as a chance to provide more value to our client base, since over 70 percent of our customers own a Prophet 21 solution," says Weaver. He adds that his clients have been appreciative of the effort to streamline processes.

"Our customers see this as a very exciting improvement and believe that this solution is key to running highly efficient dispensing systems," he adds.

"Trading Partner Connect is a great tool for reducing operational costs and improving customer service."

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