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War Story
#12
| Business
Type: |
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Wholesale food
distribution
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| Challenge: |
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Lack
of an integrated information system for 20 years |
| Work
Performed: |
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Studied
and documented the system of operation, developed system specifications, a request for
proposal and negotiated the acquisition of a large microcomputer-based system designed for
the food distribution industry.
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| Benefit
Provided: |
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Better
management of pricing and inventory controls
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| Long-term
Result: |
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Business
can be passed on without all the "history" remaining in the owner's head
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The owner of this
business was almost phobic about computers. An earlier attempt at
automation was not successful. However, it was recognized that if
the business did not automate, it would be difficult to have someone
from the outside take over the business as there was too much in the
owners "head". There was inadequate structure to the
business and there were flaws in pricing and inventory controls.
Support for a new system was developed among the staff (and the
owner) and a detailed review of operations was conducted and
documented. Although it took almost two years for full
implementation of the new system (including some delays due to
business conditions and user limitations), the system was
implemented and has enhanced profitability and growth potential.
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