In the highly competitive world of fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) up to date merchandising information is invaluable.

Andrew Data Systems has developed software which enables In Store Sales Services, a sales and merchandising company, to provide its clients with critical information in a fraction of the time it took using its previous paper-based system. The system, which runs on Harrier PDAs from Telecom, tracks where and how merchandise is displayed, stock availability, pricing information and the effectiveness of promotions.

Newly formed Andrew Data Systems is part of the Andrew Group which includes Andrew Brands, a leading marketer of FMCG products for the grocery, hardware, speciality, and rural sectors.

New technology for a new company
“Given our experience and our strong client base we decided to form the new company with the aim of leveraging that expertise to develop IT applications for the sector,” says Andrew Data Systems general manager Vinney Kumar.

The merchandising application – ADSSmart Merchandising – was developed specifically for In Store Sales Services.

The company’s representatives are equipped with a Harrier PDA which enables them to work in an offline mode. Using Telecom’s mobile data network, the reps can remotely access and synchronise with the merchandising application on Andrew Data Systems central server.

The information is collated and forwarded immediately to In Store Sales Services which then provides the relevant reports to its clients.

Keeping information up-to-date
“It’s so much more time and cost effective and means that In Store’s clients can make their business decisions based on the most current and relevant information,” says Kumar.

“This could include checking that a retailer has enough product in stock for an upcoming promotion, information on how a new product is selling according to location or responding to a competitors’ pricing or promotional move.”

Previously representatives were provided with paper survey sheets for each client. These were completed and sent to the central office where the data was input and collated for analysis and then a report sent to the client.

“The new system means there is no double handling of information which, apart from speed, increases accuracy and the software we have developed means the information is already in a report format,” Kumar says.

“While enjoying the benefit of continually lowering administration costs and overheads long term, In Store Sales Services is also able to provide its clients with a better service.

A competitive edge
“Telecom’s solution worked wonderfully. It was simply a matter of plugging it in to our system and away it went.”

Andrew Data Systems is now developing software to enable mobile sales teams to provide clients with products and invoice them on the spot rather than having to forward information to a central office for follow-up.

“Being able to combine mobility with immediate access to centrally held information is providing our business with a competitive edge in this fast moving and highly competitive sector.”

For more information
Orb Communications
0800672266
info@orb.co.nz
www.orb.co.nz

May 2006