Make it count

When talking with wholesale companies, I try to help them focus on everyday activities that can create a competitive advantage for their business. Then we identify where business value intersects with solution capabilities and create an environment that allows D365FO to solve problems and drive value. Along with process automation and business connectivity, one of the common areas I find businesses need help with, is effectively share data throughout their entire business securely and quickly.

Family-owned bookstore chain, Half Price Books hit a growth spurt that sent them looking for a way to innovate their stores and wholesale subsidiary, Texas Bookman. They implemented Manhattan Scale to manage their warehousing needs but still needed a better way to store more product in their already-crowded central distribution center, as well as a more-efficient and ergonomically-correct way to distribute product to their stores.

While major national booksellers have shuttered retail outlets as they try to compete with Internet giants, Half Price Books has seen a remarkable 21st century growth spurt. With 130 stores in 17 states, Half Price Books is the largest family-owned chain of new and used bookstores in the United States. They also operate a wholesale subsidiary, Texas Bookman.

Many wholesalers are aware of how software can impact specific business areas. For example, they are using one system for HR, another for sales, customer service is on another platform, and supply chain using another yet another system. The teams have the functionality to get their day-to-day jobs done, but they don't have a holistic view of their business.

The wholesale industry is facing rapid change. Mergers and acquisitions, product innovation, and the impact of B2C trends on the B2B space, have led wholesalers to feel increasing pressure to transform in order to compete.

It's no surprise that the Boomer generation is reaching retirement age. For most manufactures, this means the retirement of the majority of their workforce and a new generation taking their place.

Summer is here and you’re busting out the sunscreen, packing up the cooler with snacks and heading to the beach.

Know what I’m thinking about? The supply chain processes that went into getting all those products to you.

Manufacturing has come a long way through the years. The Industrial Revolution began back in the late 18th century when power, machinery, and semi-skilled workers were combined. This eventually led up to the first modern factory system.

The Blue Horseshoe Supply Chain Cloud helps you minimize freight costs while meeting customer expectations around package delivery day. With the Supply Chain Cloud's Ship module, you can seamlessly connect your enterprise data to the most common parcel carriers in North America.

IT and Operational Technology (OT) have long been separate. IT focuses on technology support for the back office, OT focused on machinery, equipment, tools, and assets.

With big data, Internet of Things (IoT), and advancements in connectivity, Microsoft discovered that it's more feasible and beneficial to converge IT and OT. Data is shared and gives management a holistic view of their organization.