News Story

DDI System Adds CRM Functionality to Distribution Management Software

DDI System, LLC, the leading provider of software solutions that power the business needs of mid-size and smaller hard goods distributors, today announced that its flagship DDI System Distribution Management Software offers new, powerful Customer Relationship Management (CRM) features that help its distribution-centric customers enhance the levels of service to their respective end-customers.

According to Adam Waller, DDI System founder and president, wholesale distributors have embraced CRM for a long time using a variety of tools such as phone, post-its, faxes and e-mail. More and more are using technology to automate the process further, and tie it into their supply chain operations.

“Small distributors have been doing CRM for a long time without even realizing it, whether it is scribbling down special order preferences on note pads or adding reminders on a calendar,” Mr. Waller commented. “Our technology platform provides distributors with the capacity to achieve even greater efficiencies by automating a range of processes related to customer service. This allows them to manage customer needs and preferences on an individual basis, and deliver unsurpassed levels of personalized service that have become expected in today's business environment – this is what separates average distributors from great ones.”

DDI recently introduced Version 16 of its Distribution Management Software that features a new contact management module with a range of CRM functionality. In addition to providing detailed history, contact notes and scheduling tools for an unlimited number of customers and vendors, the new version includes special order management functionality to automate procurement processes – from the purchase order to the shipping and handling.

“Special orders are a mainstay of wholesale distribution. Inputting, tracking and monitoring these orders has been an arduous manual process – until now,” Waller added.

DDI’s Version 16 includes the capability to build, accumulate and stage special orders. This information is then captured and viewed on a single screen providing distributors with a valuable CRM tool for showroom staff. Vital information includes date/time orders are procured and delivered, PO numbers, and detailed expediting notes. DDI even takes this process one step further by providing order staging labels and expediting reports that segregate the special orders and include notification that an order is complete and ready for delivery. The solution also integrates on-screen text messaging with task and reminder notifications. These notes are automatically directed to the appropriate users, alerting them to changes in status on a special order.

“We are providing our distribution customers with the tools to maintain a competitive edge and simultaneously service their end customers more quickly and accurately,” said Waller. “Our expansive new CRM module provides instant answers to customer service issues and the ability to create professionally formatted price quotes, statements and other documents. Plus, our paperless functionality eliminates the thousands of dollars spent annually on pre-printed forms.”

DDI System CRM Functionality in Action

Schmidt's Wholesale, a 50-user, single location powerhouse distributor in central New York state, has been using DDI System for the past three years. Since that implementation, Schmidt's has continually optimized and expanded its use of the system by embracing advanced technologies such as bin labeling and warehouse locations, and Radio Frequency based bar-coded stock receipts.

According to Schmidt owner Chris Schmidt, the company is taking full advantage of the new DDI CRM functionality including special order management, sales order procurement, critical inventory notification task messaging, and more. “With DDI as the hub of our operations, we plan on further utilizing the CRM and extensive showroom management features as we complete plans to revitalize our decorative bath showroom.”

About DDI System, LLC

DDI System, LLC is the leading provider of software solutions that power the business needs of mid-size and smaller hard-goods distributors. Founded in 1994 by Adam Waller, a technology visionary within wholesale distribution, DDI's success is built upon a personal approach and continuous ability to provide industry-specific, feature rich software that is intelligently priced. The company's DDI System Distribution Management Software transforms reams of business data into concise, decision-making business knowledge and provides instant, real-time access to key business performance measures, using onscreen charts and drill-down capabilities. For more information, visit DDI System at www.DDIsys.com.