Cole Paper's rapid implementation of IBS software
Press Release Jun 04, 1999
IBS to Provide Cole Papers with Rapid Implementation of IBS' Software System. New IBS Product Diminishes Implementation Time And Delivers An Information System With Complete Functionality.
International Business Systems (IBS), the worldwide leader of wholesale distribution software for the IBM iSeries (AS/400), announced today the licensing of IBS' Demand Driven Supply Chain Software to Cole Papers, headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota. Cole Papers is a $45 million paper distribution company with over 10,000 products which are readily delivered to customers throughout the Midwest from ten stocking and sales locations. In addition to an expedited implementation, IBS will provide a Y2K compliant system and a suite of fully integrated Distribution modules that aim to enhance functionality within the business process.
"The depth of IBS software provides for a full range of functionality within an enterprise resource planning framework. An example of this is proven in our need to execute rapid transfers of products to meet the varying demands within each of the operational areas. The needs of Cole Papers can be successfully met through our range of modules," says senior sales representative Mark Hockridge."The IBS software will enable them to add increased efficiency and value to many of the operations that matter most to a customer oriented firm, such as enhanced customer service, Inventory Management forecasting, and knowledge management information."
Cole Papers selected IBS software not only for its wide range of modules, but also for its ability to introduce new functionality as required by the business. Although their web site already offers customers the ability to gather product information, the Internet Connection Manager module empowers Cole Papers with the ability to expand into e-Commerce at a minimal investment. IBS' Internet Connection Manager also extends Cole Papers the option of scaling their e-Commerce and is designed to accommodate the constantly changing business needs of their customers.
"The IBS software package will infuse an entire range of our services with technologically advanced capabilities. We can now take advantage of advances in the functionality of our information systems over our previous system, along with allowing us to become Y2K compliant. The company also expects dramatic increases in the efficiency of its retrieval capabilities and Inventory Management by taking advantage of Distribution Resource Planning (DRP) and inventory forecasting," says Mark Stenseth, Controller/PM for Cole Papers. With ten stocking locations, the ability to accurately predict and stock its warehouses to meet demand is essential in order to maintain the proper inventory balances. IBS software enhances DRP and inventory forecasting functionality by calculating the purchasing requirements for each stocking location. This in turn allows Cole Papers to manage the supply chain system by informing suppliers of their needs."Ironically, the market for paper goods is expanding in conjunction with the spread of electronic commerce, despite the predictions of many analysts who foresaw a paperless age. Our ability to take advantage of unpredictable market changes such as these forced us to seek a software system that can rapidly adapt to meet static demand schedules. Included in that demand for flexibility, Cole Papers desires an information system backed by a company that would continue to support us in the long run."
IBS is a company with a sense of history that allows them to look at the distribution industry in the long run and create immediate business solutions for established companies that desire to maximize their profitability. Given a common legacy, Cole Papers demands solutions appropriate to both the present and the future in order to maximize the services offered to their customers.
This is essential for a company that caters to a market shaped by customer needs. By analyzing those needs and their own capabilities through knowledge management, Cole Papers can utilize the software provided by IBS to effectively implement a supply chain that allows for maximum business growth.
About Cole Papers
Originally founded in 1918 as "Fargo Paper Company" by Robert Cole as a locally owned paper distribution company, Cole Papers, Inc. became the name in 1987 in honor of the Cole family. As an independent family, employee-owned company, Cole Papers, Inc. celebrated its 80th anniversary in 1998. Cole Papers, Inc. distributes products from ten stocking locations. From these locations, 26 trucks offer local delivery service in Minnesota, North Dakota, central and eastern South Dakota, eastern Montana, northwest Iowa, northeast Nebraska and western Wisconsin. Cole Papers, Inc. is financially strong with a 3A1 Dun & Bradstreet rating. We have excellent banking, credit, audit, supplier, customer and community relationships. We employ 160 people.
About International Business Systems
IBS is a leading provider of business software and consulting services for Wholesale Distributors and Manufacturers worldwide. Customers rely on IBS' suite of software applications to automate demand-driven, supply-chain processes and gain a competitive advantage through improved operational efficiencies. IBS is an IBM Global Strategic Alliance Partner. Corporate revenues exceed $300 Million, and a network of almost 2,000 employees that span over 44 countries. IBS headquarters in the Americas is located in Folsom, California.
For further information, please contact:
Dan J. Wells
Vice-President of Marketing, IBS Americas
Tel: 1 (800) 886-3900
dan.wells@ibsus.com
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