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Management technology helps dealers gain efficiencies: with today's business software, dealers are only a mouse click away from their suppliers.


When Anne Anne, British princess
Anne (Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise), 1950–, British princess, only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, duke of Edinburgh. She was educated at Benenden School.
 Salemo tells dealers how a business management system can reduce their costs and increase their sales and profits, she gets their attention.

"Dealers understand how efficiency saves time and money, and that's what the business management system does," she explains. As president of Charter Software Inc., she guides the company's efforts to supply dealers with a wide array of technology that interfaces with information to and from their suppliers.

The majority of today's ag equipment dealers carry multiple brands. They may extend their retail sales and service to include a variety of other products and services, such as outdoor power equipment, lawn and garden equipment, commercial and light construction equipment, and ATVs plus tools, clothing, toys, and other shelf items. Salemo says that without a business management system, this wide array of inventory means dealers have to send stock orders to multiple suppliers--manufacturers and distributors--one at a time.

"A business management system provides the dealer with one-click information," she said. "After the initial data input, the system reduces the amount of double entries that would otherwise be done by hand."

Charter has been providing software business systems for dealers in the agricultural, construction and outdoor power industry for more than 20 years. The company first developed business accounting systems, which Salemo calls "the backbone backbone: see spinal column.


The part of a network that handles the major traffic. It employs the highest-speed transmission paths in the network and may also run the longest distances.
 of any business management system" and then built coordinated modules to handle other areas within a business.

Charter's cornerstone cornerstone

Ceremonial building block, dated or otherwise inscribed, usually placed in an outer wall of a building to commemorate its dedication. Often the stone is hollowed out to contain newspapers, photographs, or other documents reflecting current customs, with a view to
 product for dealers is DealerWin[TM], a 32-bit Windows-based management system designed especially for dealers. The system has grown to include fully integrated modules for applications throughout the dealership: counter invoicing in·voice  
n.
1. A detailed list of goods shipped or services rendered, with an account of all costs; an itemized bill.

2. The goods or services itemized in an invoice.

tr.v.
 and parts, service clock and work order management, warranties warranties,
n.pl the details of a contract; considered less important than the conditions. Whereas the penalty for breach of conditions is the termination of the contract, the penalty for breach of warranties is payment of damages to the innocent party.
, whole goods, customer profiling, general ledger General Ledger

A company's accounting records. This formal ledger contains all the financial accounts and statements of a business.

Notes:
The ledger uses two columns: one records debits, the other has offsetting credits.
, accounts receivable accounts receivable n. the amounts of money due or owed to a business or professional by customers or clients. Generally, accounts receivable refers to the total amount due and is considered in calculating the value of a business or the business' problems in paying , accounts payable, payroll payroll

a list of employees, their salary rates, tax deductions, amounts paid, payroll tax, long service leave entitlements.
 and rental activities.

How Technology Helps

Since ordering parts tends to be a tedious, data entry intensive task, let's let's  

Contraction of let us.
 use that as an example of how technology can help. First, manufacturers and distributors provide Charter with specifications on how to talk to their systems. Then, through an Internet Internet

Publicly accessible computer network connecting many smaller networks from around the world. It grew out of a U.S. Defense Department program called ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network), established in 1969 with connections between computers at the
 connection, the dealer can electronically interface with the suppliers. It's it's  

1. Contraction of it is.

2. Contraction of it has. See Usage Note at its.


it's it is or it has
it's be ~have
 a simple point and click process:

1. Within DealerWin[TM], key the parts into the parts order

2. Click on the vendor, and then click on the Inventory Query To interrogate a collection of data such as records in a database. The term may also be used to search a single file or collection of files such as HTML files on the Web. However, in addition to obtaining lists of records that match the search criteria, queries to a database allow for  button

3. Via the internet connection, a query is electronically submitted to the supplier

5. Within seconds, the availability of all the parts on the order shows on the screen

6. Click the Purchase Order button

7. Within seconds, the order is confirmed by the supplier, and with some suppliers, includes backorder Backorder is a distribution term that refers to the status of items on a purchase order in the event that some or all of the inventory required to fulfill the order is out of stock.  status.

The order is keyed in once, electronically sent, inventoried when received, and paid by the system, depending on the capability in the business management system. Built-in built-in - (Or "primitive") A built-in function or operator is one provided by the lowest level of a language implementation. This usually means it is not possible (or efficient) to express it in the language itself.  safety features protect the dealer and the manufacturer from identity theft or bogus bo·gus  
adj.
Counterfeit or fake; not genuine: bogus money; bogus tasks.



[From obsolete bogus, a device for making counterfeit money.
 orders. A task that was once time-consuming time-con·sum·ing
adj.
Taking up much time.


time-consuming
Adjective

taking up a great deal of time

Adj. 1.
, has now been reduced to a much simpler routine.

Warranty Module

The latest business system product released from Charter Software is the Warranty Module. Launched this past June June: see month. , the module electronically submits warranty claims to manufacturers, which Salemo says saves dealers many hours of processing and tracking time.

Describing the main benefit of the module, she says, "Users have full accountability The traceability of actions performed on a system to a specific system entity (user, process, device). For example, the use of unique user identification and authentication supports accountability; the use of shared user IDs and passwords destroys accountability.  of warranty claims, including tracking warranty expense by manufacturer."

This first release of the Warranty Module interfaces with John Deere and OPEI OPEI Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Inc.
OPEI Order of Prince Edward Island (Canada) 
 warranty standards. In the future, Salemo predicts that online warranty claim processing will become more prevalent prevalent

widespread occurrence.
 as more dealers demand it of their own suppliers.

"As with the other interfacing modules, this Warranty Module is a huge time saver, which will be recognized by the dealer," she says. "And dealers are open to just about anything that will increase their own efficiencies."

Business Management Systems

Like much of technology, there is a lot of competition among business management software providers. Salemo says the competition keeps the software companies on their toes and results in constantly improving products for their customers.

"As individuals and as a company, we are dealer-driven. Our goal is to help dealers streamline streamline, path of a fluid flowing steadily and without appreciable turbulence. A body is said to be streamlined if its shape offers the least possible resistance to a current of air, water, or other fluid.  their businesses," she says. Charter Software's designers and developers have a thorough knowledge of accounting and dealership management, which Salemo says gives them an edge in developing business management systems.

"Ag dealers have been known to be renegades," Salemo says. "They want to manage their own businesses the way they want, and they don't don't  

1. Contraction of do not.

2. Nonstandard Contraction of does not.

n.
A statement of what should not be done: a list of the dos and don'ts.
 want others controlling it."

Manufacturers who previously only approved their in-house In-house

In the context of general equities, keeping an activity within the firm. For example, rather than go to the marketplace and sell a security for a client to anyone, an attempt is made to find a buyer to complete the transaction with the firm.
 business systems for their own brands are now more open to providing independent business management systems with specifications for electronic integration. Manufacturers and distributors recognize that streamlined integration between their systems and the dealerships' business management systems will reduce costs, increase efficiency and reduce errors for all parties involved. In fact, Salemo says, as these manufacturers and distributors see more advantages of doing electronic business with the dealers, they often will suggest ideas for new integrated products.

Even without electronic integration, a business management system helps the dealer to pinpoint problem areas of their business and gives them the tools to take action to improve them. Off-the-shelf accounting software is limited and not designed to give the dealer the management and marketing tools necessary to grow their business.

Although it is the dealer who makes the final decision about which business management system to use, dealer associations also review and evaluate products available to their members. To date, Charter Software has been endorsed by the following dealer associations: Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers, Mid-America Equipment Retailers, Mississippi Mississippi, state, United States
Mississippi (mĭs'əsĭp`ē), one of the Deep South states of the United States. It is bordered by Alabama (E), the Gulf of Mexico (S), Arkansas and Louisiana, with most of the border formed by
 Valley Equipment Dealers, Northeast “Northeastern” redirects here. For the Boston college, see Northeastern University, Boston.

Northeast or north east is the ordinal direction halfway between north and east. It is the opposite of southwest. See boxing the compass.
 Equipment Dealers, SouthWestern south·west  
n.
1. Abbr. SW The direction or point on the mariner's compass halfway between due south and due west, or 135° west of due north.

2. An area or region lying in the southwest.

3.
, and Canada East Canada East
 or Lower Canada

Region of Canada now known as Quebec. In 1791–1841 it was known as Lower Canada and in 1841–67 as Canada East.
 Equipment Dealers.

"Dealers wear so many different hats in their businesses," says Salemo. "They need a system that allows them to multi-task."

Salemo advises dealers interested in pursuing new business system technology to "have no fear."

"There are many choices in business management system products. The key is to determine which business system best suits that individual dealer's needs," she says.

Charter Software, Inc., 5951 S. Middlefield Middlefield is the name of some places in the United States of America:
  • Middlefield, Connecticut
  • Middlefield, Massachusetts
  • Middlefield, New York
  • Middlefield, Ohio
Middlefield is also the name of a Canadian high school:
 Road, Suite 200, Littleton Littleton, city (1990 pop. 33,685), seat of Arapahoe co., N central Colo.; platted 1812, inc. 1890. It is a suburb south of Denver in an irrigated farm area. , CO 80123, Tel: 303-932-6875, Fax. 303-932-6427
Table of Contents

My Equipment Company 11/21/05 6:14 AM Page
All Open Items (Sorted by ID)
                                        Charge/
Date       Refer   Description          Credit    Payment   Amount Due

BROWN B            BROWN, BILL
02/08/06   189     Counter Invoice      738.47                738.47
02/23/06   162     Counter Invoice       16.47                 16.47
02/26/06   99999   Service charge         5.90                  5.90
                   2/26/06
03/05/06   124     Counter Invoice      175.64                175.64
03/13/06   127     Counter Invoice      140.57                140.57

           Total                       1077.05

CORCAN P           CORCAN, PETER
12/21/05   103     Counter Invoice       35.00                 35.00
12/21/05   102     Counter Invoice       20.25                 20.25
12/22/05   115     Counter Invoice      (55.25)               (55.25)
02/11/06   1231    Whole Goods Ticket   220.45                220.45
02/11/06   115     Counter Invoice       19.00                 19.00

           Total                                              239.45

Unpaid invoices report

Table of Contents

My Equipment Company 11/27/05
Open Orders

Order        Description                Parts   Hours      Labor

302          9120--Seized Engine       265.46   16.36     818.00
305          2640 Setup Tractor          0.00    3.50     175.00
309          955 Tractor               199.13    6.73     336.50
311 RW       773G--Rework on             0.00    5.39     269.50
             repairs on W.O. 311
312          4X2--repairs              149.84    4.63     231.50
313          3400 (1D) set up            0.00    3.60     180.00
316          20010 (Toro)--bent axle     0.00    0.43      21.50
317          6125 (White)--repairs       0.00   15.62     781.00
MAR2006BRK   Breaks                      0.00    6.13      91.95
MAR2006EXC   Excess Time                 0.00    0.00       0.00
MAR2006FLT   Flat Rate Adjustments       0.00    0.00       0.00
MAR2006LOY   Loyalty                     0.00    0.00       0.00
MAR2006SHP   Shop Maintenance            0.00    8.67     433.50
MAR2006SLS   Sales Support               0.00    0.00       0.00
MAR2006TRN   Training                    0.00   10.22     511.00

                                       614.43           3,849.45
                                                81.28

                                        Add
Order        Description                Chrg      Total   Estimate

302          9120--Seized Engine        0.00   1,083.46       0.00
305          2640 Setup Tractor         0.00     175.00       0.00
309          955 Tractor                0.00     535.63       0.00
311 RW       773G--Rework on            0.00     269.50       0.00
             repairs on W.O. 311
312          4X2--repairs               0.00     381.34     200.00
313          3400 (1D) set up           0.00     180.00       0.00
316          20010 (Toro)--bent axle    0.00      21.50       0.00
317          6125 (White)--repairs      0.00     781.00       0.00
MAR2006BRK   Breaks                     0.00      91.95       0.00
MAR2006EXC   Excess Time                0.00       0.00       0.00
MAR2006FLT   Flat Rate Adjustments      0.00       0.00       0.00
MAR2006LOY   Loyalty                    0.00       0.00       0.00
MAR2006SHP   Shop Maintenance           0.00     433.50       0.00
MAR2006SLS   Sales Support              0.00       0.00       0.00
MAR2006TRN   Training                   0.00     511.00       0.00

                                               4,463.88
                                        0.00

Order        Description                Customer   Opened     Cde

302          9120--Seized Engine        ZEHRINGE   01/14/06   CUS
305          2640 Setup Tractor                    01/29106   SET
309          955 Tractor                HARRIS S   02/12/06   CUS
311 RW       773G--Rework on            DOMIC T    03/11/06   REN
             repairs on W.O. 311
312          4X2--repairs               CORCAN P   02/11/06   CUS
313          3400 (1D) set up                      02/11/06   SET
316          20010 (Toro)--bent axle    ABBOTT T   03/13/06   CUS
317          6125 (White)--repairs      BROWN B    03/13/06   CUS
MAR2006BRK   Breaks                                02/12/06   NON
MAR2006EXC   Excess Time                           02/27/06   EXC
MAR2006FLT   Flat Rate Adjustments                 03/01/06   FRA
MAR2006LOY   Loyalty                               05/04/05   LOY
MAR2006SHP   Shop Maintenance                      02/27/06   NON
MAR2006SLS   Sales Support                         05/04/05   NON
MAR2006TRN   Training                              03/01/06   NON

Open Work Order

Table of Contents

My Equipment Company 11/27/05
Detailed Inventory Value

                                                              Net
Part Num   Desc         Mfg   Bin    OFC   Min   List   Qty   Avg

03H1368    BOLT          JD   2-B    6      20    .07    94    .05
03H1369    BOLT          JD   23-5   0       0    .07    10    .05
03H1500    BOLT          JD   2-B    D       0    .12     2    .09
03H1867    BOLT          JD   2-B    6     200   1.69   203   1.27
08H4225    CAP SCREW     JD   2-B    6     100   2.12   108   1.59
107SE      SPRING        JD   1E07   1      12    .81    20    .51
11M7032    Cotter Pin    JD   A-3    1       0    .15    10    .09
122SE      SPRING        JD   1E22   1       0    .73     5    .46
21H1016    SCREW         JD   2-B    1       4    .05     3    .03
21H1300    SCREW         JD   2-B    7       0    .03     4    .02
22085      U-BOLT        JD   2K85   1       0   1.11     2    .70

           Cost
Part Num   Ext    AvgCost

03H1368     .05      4.70
03H1369     .05       .50
03H1500     .09       .18
03H1867    1.27    257.81
08H4225    1.59    171.72
107SE       .51     10.20
11M7032     .09       .90
122SE       .46      2.30
21H1016     .03       .09
21H1300     .02       .08
22085       .70      1.40
COPYRIGHT 2006 Scissortail Productions LLC
No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder.
Copyright 2006, Gale Group. All rights reserved. Gale Group is a Thomson Corporation Company.

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Comment:Management technology helps dealers gain efficiencies: with today's business software, dealers are only a mouse click away from their suppliers.
Author:Shepherd, Mary
Publication:Implement & Tractor
Geographic Code:1USA
Date:Jul 1, 2006
Words:1776
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