Rep Software Provider Profiles

Agency Sales,  Nov 2006  

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On the following pages are profiles of just some of the service providers that feature software packages that are specifically designed for the needs of independent manufacturers' representatives.

In the four years since Agency Sales magazine last profiled rep software provider products and services, the needs of the marketplace have continued to change and become more demanding. A comparison between the information that follows and what the magazine published in its August 2002 issue will illustrate the extent of those changes.

MANA neither endorses nor recommends any software package, as we believe that the profile of your agency, issues specific to certain industries and a variety of other factors may influence your decision to purchase rep-specific software. As with any other major vendor decision, we recommend that you check the references of any firm before you purchase. Ask the vendor to provide you with the names and contact information of at least 10 rep firms that have purchased and are currently using their software. Then speak with at least half of these clients concerning their experience with the product, support and ongoing upgrades.

Becton Schantz, Inc.

3005 Breckinridge Blvd., Ste. 200, Duluth, GA 30096

Phone: (770) 806-4242; Fox: (770) 806-4243

E-mail: shull@bectonschantz.com

Web site: www.bectonschantz.com

Product name: GenWeb(TM)

Customer service contact: Martha Rhodes

Years in business: 25

Employees in technical support: 20

References available

Available hardware platforms: ASP

Price range: Monthly cost per user starting at $162

Services offered: Development, training, support, upgrades

Product description: GenWeb(TM) is a web-based application written for the CPG industry. Their fully integrated suite of products includes order processing, invoice/commission reconciliation and comprehensive reporting. Modules include EDI, objective planning, MDF, bids, bill backs, deductions, forms integration and much more. Efficient transition from legacy systems to the GenWeb(TM) platform is ensured with an experienced team of training, support and development professionals.

Organization summary: Becton Schantz was founded in 1984 and is one of the first companies to successfully implement web-based applications. Today, Becton Schantz is one of the largest application-service providers in the CPG industry. They have over 250 clients ranging from large national and regional companies to small independents. Becton Schantz actively works with clients to develop new solutions and reduce administrative costs. Their webbased model offers low start-up costs and significant reductions in hardware investment.

CELLARSTONE, Inc.

60 E. Third Ave., Ste. 250, San Mateo, CA 94401

Phone: (650) 2864719; Fox: (650) 357-8533

E-mail: qc_sales@cellarstone.com

Web site: www.qcommission.com

Product name: QCommission

Customer service contact: Gopi Mattel

Years in business: 5

Employees in technical support: 10

References available

Price range: $4,000-$50,000

Services offered: Commission solutions

Product description: QCommission is a powerful, flexible sales commission software. It calculates your salespeople's compensation accurately and reduces errors. It integrates with Quickbooks, Excel and other systems. QCommission accommodates payees, products, customers, plans, quotas, etc. in the system. Clear commission statements can be e-mailed directly to the reps.

Organization summary: CELLARSTONE is in the business of providing commission solutions and services to their customers. They also undertake integration projects and custom development.

DDi System

75 Glen Rd., Ste. 204, Sandy Hook, CT 06482

Phone: (203) 364-1200; Fox: (203) 364-1400

E-mail: barbara@ddisys.com

Web site: www.ddisys.com

Product name: DDi System

Customer service contact: Barbara Jagoe

Years in business: 11

Employees in technical support: 8

References available

Available hardware platforms: Windows

Services offered: Distribution software for stocking manufacturers' representatives

Product description: DDi System delivers highquality, easy-to-use distribution management software designed specifically for PHCP distributors and stocking manufacturers' reps. DDi System will dramatically improve your business with its robust inventory management, one-screen customer service features, complete accounting and business analysis tools, plus warehouse logistics, sales force automation and other industry-specific elements.

Organization summary: DDi System is a premier provider of distribution management software for hard goods, wholesalers, including plumbingheating-cooling-piping, industrial, electrical, food equipment and janitorial-sanitary industries. The DDi System was initially developed based on a need for better business practices and innovative technology at a family-owned distribution business.

DistribuTrak Order Management Systems, Inc.

1425 Market Blvd., Ste. 330-191, Roswell, GA 30076

Phone: (770) 993-1155; Fax: (770) 993-6699

E-mail: sales@distributrak.com