1. Client-side software.  At Ai2, this is the software solution your salespeople, customers, or other staff will use.  Part of your implementation package is the definition and configuration of the data elements on-screen.  We strive to give each organization their own ‘signature system’ that they can truly call their own.

2. User hardware.  This could range from a Motorola handheld to an iPad or Panasonic Toughbook.  We will either sell you the hardware at a very competitive price or direct you to an easy place to buy it.  For handhelds, we’ll consult with you on operating system, built-in scanner, ruggedization, communication capability and more.

3. The interface.  Our software needs swift and seamless communication to the ERP or “back office” software you already have in place.  We’ve interfaced to dozens of different back office systems, both proprietary and purchased.  After 26 years in business, we know how to get the two systems communicating in an effective manner.  There may be a drop-in interface available for your ERP or one may need to be constructed.

4. The server environment.  There are a few options here.  We can design a server that you purchase from Dell or another top manufacturer.  You can use a server you already own, provided it meets our specifications.  There is also the option for Ai2 to host your server environment in our secure offsite facility.  Hosting is often the best idea for companies with a small or part-time IT staff.  Be sure your server is backed up!

Now that you know what to expect, you’re ready for a software demo and consultation with one of our expert staff.  sales@ai2.com or (800) 835-3200.

Note: For Pigeonholes Content Management app as a standalone, we use an existing server and no interface is required.  You will need iPads and the Pigeonholes software and that’s it.

• The chance to show ProSel’s ability to scan UPC bar codes and other items with a Bluetooth scanner that pairs with the iPad.
• Drayton McLane’s opening speech.
• Meeting customers new and established while having the opportunity to demo our solutions in person instead of via the web.
• Connecting with other technology providers to the industry.  Distributors need access to a great deal of data to manage their sales, and we appreciate the chance to work hand in hand with companies who manage sales out data and other critical functions.
• Our cocktail reception, where 20 winners took home over $2,000 in raffle prizes: an iPad 2 (of course), a 42″ TV, Jawbone Jambox speakers and $1,000 in casino chips.  We’re told that a few winners doubled their money right away on the Paris gaming floor.

Congratulations again to all our winners, and a sincere thank you to everyone who visited our booth.  We’ll have photos and video soon.  Don’t forget to download the free version of our app here:  http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prosel/id416152090?mt=8

The secondary market will probably flood with iPad 1s and 2s when the iPad 3 goes on sale.  We should mention that our solutions for iPad run on all iPads, as long as they’re running iOS 5.

Hardware costs are a large factor in implementing solutions like ours and sometimes the cost of the hardware is the largest part of the investment.  It’s critical to your success that Ai2 continues to help you get the best value for your business hardware purchase, especially if you are planning a large rollout.  Ask one of our experts about your hardware options today.

Visit our booth and attend our cocktail reception and prize drawing!

When you’re looking into Ai2 products, one of our sales reps will walk you through demos of the products of your choosing.  Since our clients are all over the US and Canada, we often need to use GoToMeeting or a similar webcasting product.  GoToMeeting is great, but there’s just no substitute for being side-by-side with someone and seeing the look in their eyes when they “get it.”  When they understand the value of our solutions and the role they play in solving business issues.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, an object is worth a thousand pictures.  The freedom to hand someone a mobile computer, a tablet, or flip a screen around to show them what you’ve just done carries a lot more weight in person.  It becomes a dialogue instead of a monologue, and anyone who’s ever given a presentation knows the value of audience participation.

You also get to shake hands, make eye contact and maybe share lunch.  Who doesn’t appreciate a meeting that comes with pizza?

If you’re in the Midwest, don’t hesitate to consider having one of our reps visit you.  We’re glad to visit anywhere in the US or Canada.  Or look us up if you’re in Chicago – we’re downtown near Millennium Park.  We’ll bring the pizza.

Less than 2 weeks until Vegas! Booth 731 at the AWMA show, then the cocktail party at 5:45. Hope to see you there!

What are wholesale distributors looking for in terms of software?

Software is all about what’s new and what’s next.  Tech companies need to be ahead of the industries they serve.  The two main drivers we see are wholesale distribution industry-specific functionality and the ability to add or subtract certain features to customize a solution.

We pride ourselves on delivering a “signature system” for each client and no two clients use our solutions exactly the same way.  We have a “soft” configuration for our graphic user interface (GUI), allowing distributors to decide exactly what information they want to show, at what time, and to whom.

Distributors need software that’s strong enough for their industry today and flexible enough to handle the additional functionality that tomorrow will demand.

What functionalities are most important?

For an iPad app: one that allows you to scan barcodes with a Bluetooth scanner, quick and easy order entry, fast item lookup to answer customer questions immediately, and an application that helps salespeople recommend products right at the point of order.  Distributors also need an application that sends orders and receives updates quickly and seamlessly from the home office.

For Telxon replacements: dependable communication, order accuracy and compatibility with a wide range of Windows Mobile devices, allowing the customer to select the hardware that they prefer.

What are the biggest challenges in implementing this software?

Interfacing to a back-office ERP system we’ve never encountered before can pose some challenges.  However, with more than 25 years in business we’ve encountered just about every system that’s out there, especially in C-store.  We have several partnerships and there are drop-in interfaces available to some systems.

What are the hottest distributor software innovations geared for the convenience channel?

For retailers, the chances are very good that they shop, browse, chat, read and watch movies on an iPad, so we’re helping distributors connect with a world of users already familiar with that environment.  This makes it easier to introduce an app specifically designed for ordering from a specific wholesale distribution company.  We’re geared toward providing a solution that requires minimal training – those are very popular right now because distributors don’t want to spend time or money training new salespeople or training hundreds of customers on an order entry solution.

What are the benefits of these programs for convenience distributors and their retail customers?

The ability to answer a customer’s question about a product or service right away is huge.  The fact that you do not need to be online to use our apps means you’re never at the mercy of the 3G network.  Using the latest technology differentiates you from your competition as a true innovator.  Anything that can streamline and speed up the order-to-fulfillment process with as little human intervention as possible is going to provide maximum ROI for distributors.  Our solutions give you a total paperless environment that also helps you include multimedia when selling to customers.  You can look up new places to prospect, email customers, FaceTime with your home office and connect to national product databases, right from the iPad.  Imagine going into a presentation with a large national chain.  Would you rather present yourself as a forward-thinking organization that deploys iPads or as one who’s tethered to ancient technology?

What new programs have you introduced this past year?

Two new solutions for the iOS iPad environment: ProSel, a complete sales force automation tool for outside reps or for customers who place their own orders.  Pigeonholes, an enterprise content management app that allows users to organize and sync all their files in one convenient location.  Distributors can now have total control over every piece of information sent to the field.  www.prosel.com and www.pigeonholesapp.com respectively.

What are the biggest benefits of these programs?

Eliminating paper-based processes entirely, reducing printer expense, giving a slick and modern presentation to customers, giving yourself an advertising channel directly to retailers and promoting customer loyalty.  Reducing returns, increasing sales, making it easier to train new reps and customers and positioning yourself as a leader and innovator in your field.

What is involved with implementing this software and what are the requirements?

We can interface to any back-office system in use today, including Retalix, CDR, Turning Point, SAP, Quickbooks and others.  Our veterans help you through every step of the implementation process and we have 24/7/365 phone support available.

What do you foresee in distributor software for the year ahead?

The iPad revolution continues – over 100 million iOS devices are on the street right now – and distributors will be looking for the lowest total cost of ownership that delivers the best functionality for their salespeople and their retail customers.  Distributors will finally be dumping Telxons for good and looking for smarter handhelds that help increase sales and reduce costly errors.

www.ai2.com

• Visit Ai2 at booth 731.  We’re giving away free shoe shines from our good friends at Las Vegas Shoeshine Girl
• See a demo of ProSel for sales force automation, Pigeonholes for content management or our Windows-based suite for improving the sales process.
• Attend our cocktail reception, right after day 1 of the Expo on February 16 at the Paris Las Vegas.  Top shelf open bar and tasty hors d’oeuvres await you.

Looking forward to a great time in Vegas – see you there!

One of our project managers, Lauren Pomerantz, is a very active member of Soldiers’ Angels, an organization dedicated to support for our troops before, during and after their deployment.

Read about Lauren getting the chance to talk about Soldiers’ Angels on the radio.  And don’t forget to thank a veteran today.

Three Important Hardware Factors For Your Mobile Application

Keyboard – There are three main options here: a QWERTY keyboard that you may be familiar with from using a BlackBerry, a standard phone keypad and a 10-key keypad with “789″ across the top.  The 1o-key is what we strongly recommend if your sales reps or customers will be keying in item numbers.

Scanner - There are two main types of built-in scanners: 1D and 2D.  1D reads a straight line like a UPC code and 2D reads a box or target.   Built-in bar code scanners are among the fastest ways to speed up the order entry process and make it more accurate.  If you’re a wholesale distributor, odds are you are using a 1D barcode system, but check with your Ai2 rep to determine the best scanner for you.

Communications – How your sales reps and customers communicate with the home office and sync their database is an essential component of your mobile strategy.  The ways handhelds communicate are:

• Wide area network, similar to your mobile phone.
• Local area network/WiFi – find a Starbucks!
• Active Sync/Cradle – requires a PC with an Internet connection.
• Ethernet – some units support a hub or router connection.
• Dial-up Modem – we recommend avoiding this but some distributors have customers who do not use the Internet or do not use high-speed internet.

Visit the Ai2 hardware section to see all your options for deploying a handheld solution to your outside salespeople or retail customers.