Dale Lee Distributing, an Anheuser Busch Distributor, was looking for the key to connect their AB software to their salesmen in the field. They needed a full-sized rugged Tablet PC that was compatible with the AB sales force automation software.
When we were trying to pair our Mobility selling solution with a particular device, what we were looking for was something that was easy to use, rugged and had extended battery life. Ah, the MobileDemand unit seemed to fit our needs. They help us to collect more data and become more efficient, help us to do a number of things, including keep track of code dates and freshness and price to consumers.
We first implemented the xTablet solution in 2004 to replace a PDA application on our presales side and the old Norand Bricks, the 6220s on our pedal and delivery side.
Over 200 beer wholesalers nationwide have implemented the xTablet in their sales and delivery. The integrated keypad on the xTablet enables quick number entry which is essential to efficiency.
When we used the bricks we were, you know the guys got very used to entering product codes in, in that, that standard keypad method of entry, so this really helped with the transition and shortened the learning curve.
Were currently running our mobility selling software and were also running some shelf set, plan-o-gram software, code date tracking, and we use power point files to display POS to our customers.
We chose the xTablet because of its durability, its battery life, and the integrated numeric key pad. I cant imagine the time wasted by our IT department if we were using a non-rugged device.
A great example of the durability of the xTablet is we had a, an incident where a salesman dropped the tablet down a flight of stairs, and um, was able to pick it up and keep on working, much to the amazement of the store manager. Another incident was we had a salesman take off and left it on the hood of his car, the roof of his car, and uh, with no damage other than a few dings to the case.
Were able to gain productivity cause our sales team does not need to come to the office in the morning and in the evening unless theres some other reason, such as a meeting, that they need to be here.
It allows us to spend more time with the customer in the market where the salesmen need to be.
With the xTablet, what our salesmen are able to do is leave directly from their house, get right to their account without having to stop in the morning at the warehouse.
Once they get into the store, they can start collecting their inventory and taking their order, spending some time with the manager, and theyre able to send the order directly to the warehouse so that we can begin building loads as quickly as possible. Once all those sales orders are sent for the day, we can route those orders to a truck and get em loaded and uh sort of send those orders to the delivery handhelds.
One of ABs initiatives is to direct the use of full screen devices to become more efficient and better able to sell beer. The xTablet has all the features that are necessary to make the process as efficient as possible, and still withstand the harsh environment of the sales route.
Weve deployed them across our entire presales force. Theyve, theyre AB certified, so they meet the stringent requirements of Anheuser Busch, in that we know that we have a good product.
The efficiencies in Dale Lees field sales force since implementing the xTablet in 2004 have allowed them to add 60, or approximately 20% more SKUs without having to add sales & deliver personnel and equipment.
MobileDemand is doing their part in getting the beer where it needs to be in the hands of costomers and in the fridge!
© 2008 MobileDemand, LC
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@ryan49er1 a salesman dont really know what to order we would get a sheet everyday telling what we need to sell
sweetjuice143 1 month ago
what device is that at 1:02????
paperboy204 8 months ago
This device is only as good as its salesman
ryan49er1 8 months ago
In Boston we still use the ToughBooks, tons of problems since we finally went over to VIP from WCS, but that's to be expected when there is a system change.
iota328 1 year ago
now i no so how much beer u send that really wasnt needed to make numbers lol my salemen sucks i have 18 cases of ambor bock in my store today order he sent lol 4 cases ? i was like u fkin asshole he got mad
jbluntfingers 2 years ago
Our distributorship chose the Panasonic ToughBook on which to run A-B's Mobility. What does the TabletPC do better than the ToughBook? Where does it fall short on the ToughBook's ability?
Not2EZ2BMe 2 years ago