Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/205815
A Closer Look Real-Time Information Equals Real Value EquipSoft offers dealers a low-risk, high value ERP solution to meet their needs. BY JOANNE COSTIN In today's business environment, no one likes to wait for the information they need. Not customers. Not employees. Not suppliers. As a result, real-time visibility into a dealership's operations has dealers excited about ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solutions. EquipSoft's ERP software for the equipment distribution industry is focused on improving efficiencies in rentals, service, sales, parts, and equipment management. Managers get real-time access to business metrics, which ultimately improves relationships with both customers and vendors. Prior to using EquipSoft, Yale/Chase Equipment and Services, Inc., a construction and material handling equipment dealership headquartered in City of Industry, Calif., was on an antiquated batch operating system. According to the dealership's owner, Roger Ketelsleger, once invoices were run for the day, you could not get an invoice out. You would have to wait until the next day when the next batch of invoices would be run. Reporting was also an issue because the system couldn't isolate the performance of different segments of the business. Top left clockwise: (1.) Construction worker pulls up equipment history "We just didn't have easy access to the from the EquipSoft system on his tablet onsite. (2.) Graphic visualizametrics we needed to run a business," said tion of data in the role center of Service Dispatcher within EquipSoft. Ketelsleger. Today, results are broken out for (3.) Forklift operator and manager review real-time inventory in the each of their eight business units, so Yale/ ERP system on a tablet within the warehouse. (4.) Bing mapping Chase managers are able to better identify functionality of customer locations integrated within EquipSoft for problem areas and correct them. "We know if quick, easy contact management. that business unit is profitable or hitting the numbers it should be hitting," he said. "Before what I wanted," he said. A key consideration for Yale/ we had EquipSoft it was impossible to see where the Chase was the system's ability to be changed or added problem areas were." onto. According to Ketelsleger, most of what the firm According to David Pilz, CEO of IndustryBuilt, the needed was available "out of the box" from EquipSoft. makers of EquipSoft, what sets EquipSoft apart is its The balance was customized. deep functionality, combined with lower risk – all at a EquipSoft strives to provide a 90-95 percent out-oflower cost to the dealer. the-box fit for equipment distributor customers. This is To decide on an ERP system Ketelsleger asked 12 accomplished with tailored, configurable ERP software vendors to respond to 250 questions based on the needs that meets industry-specific needs. of his managers. Only two vendors could provide most EquipSoft operates on the Microsoft platform, which of what he needed. "With EquipSoft, I got 95 percent of Pilz says provides a great advantage to dealers. "We 44 | www.cedmag.com | Construction Equipment Distribution | November 2013