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<<Broker Reporting Systems
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| These days, food brokers and merchandising companies operate some of the most sophisticated field reporting systems based, in a number of cases, on hand-held data capture units. Alliance Marketing Corporation (AMC) pioneered the use of hand-helds with their SMS reporting software system. AMC field team members are able to download data from a main frame database when they log-in to the system allowing them to automatically retrieve the latest authorised range for use when working in the store. New national in-store merchandising group Merchandisers Plus, has been formed from existing food broking companies. An initiative of Terry Downes of Downes Sales Brokerage, the group is using the Nat-Link reporting system which is owned by Dave Jewry Marketing. The system, developed by Dave Jewry in 1990, has been constantly updated using latest programming language. It holds specific records with indvidual files generating summary reports that give a total sales management overview. Dave Jewry has considered the option of hand-held data capture and whilst this is possible with the software he has so far resisted the temptation. "We want our people to actually merchandise the stores not just be data collectors" he told AFBD. Strikeforce Australia has commissioned a purpose-built field data capture and reporting system, which is in the final stages of trial in its NSW branch. It is anticipated a national rollout will be undertaken this year. The DAWA system will be Internet based, allowing direct access for the broker, his staff, and the Principal alike. Information such as distribution by product, store, and chain, pricing, promotional compliance, and responses to field enquiries, will all be accessable via the Strikeforce Internet site, following the national rollout. Naturally, access will be restricted. In utilising the latest technology, the DAWA system is adaptable to a number of data collection mediums, including, hand-helds, and digital entry. |