Pepsi NEW
You are familiar with the Pepsi Challenge, but are you familiar with the day-today
challenges of a Pepsi distributor? Pepsi-ColaŽ Bottling Company of
Northeast Wisconsin (Pepsi NEW) is a Pepsi distributor that is turning its
challenges into results. Pepsi NEW is an independently owned Pepsi
distribution franchise located in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Its 90 employees
distribute over 300 products to over 2,500 customers throughout a multicounty
territory in Northeast Wisconsin. "We are committed to customer and
employee satisfaction," says Pam Vollmar of Pepsi NEW. "That is why we
decided to take a look at ways to utilize new technology to improve efficiencies
and reduce costs."Pepsi NEW sells its products in a route sales model. Their route sales force is responsible for bringing the warehouse to the customer in anticipation of its customers' needs. They are also responsible for customer invoicing and reconciliation of the products at the end of the day. Each route involves a threeday manual process that creates duplication of effort between the route salesmen and the front office re-keying all the data. The manual process often opens doors for errors that could potentially create customer satisfaction issues and negatively impact productivity, including a delay in invoicing. The business challenge that Pepsi NEW wanted to address was finding a way to create more accurate and professional customer invoicing, and sales automation that would allow route salesmen to have more time for new product introduction, in-store displays, promotions and activities that help increase sales and profits for their customers.
Pepsi NEW met with Logicalis to determine what type of solutions were available to address their need. "Logicalis has been a trusted partner for a long time. We knew we could count on them to help us find a solution that would work," stated Ms. Vollmar. With the unique work environment of a delivery truck, the solution would also need to be wireless. Logicalis proposed a wireless order entry system that allows Pepsi's route salesmen to enter their sales during route delivery directly into a PDA type device which syncs wirelessly with internal systems and eliminates paperwork and re-keying of information. "We helped Pepsi find a solution that would fit into their current infrastructure, was easy to use and reliable," stated Bob Verheyen, Director of Consulting for Logicalis.
The Wireless Order Entry system is a JavaT-based solution that allows Pepsi to utilize open standards and build upon its existing infrastructure and software environment. The solution is built with IBMŽ WebSphereŽ Studio Device Developer utilizing IBM DB2Ž EveryplaceŽ Software and HPT iPAQ Pocket PC's. The route salesmen can sync with the DB2 Everyplace server from anywhere in the warehouse to get load data, orders, new customer information and pricing data. When the driver makes a delivery, the Pocket PC is used to display the order for the customer. The driver completes the order by selecting the Pepsi products and makes any necessary adjustments on the Pocket PC. The Pocket PC also allows the driver to capture a signature from the customer right on the spot for final order approval. Next an invoice is produced and printed on a mobile printer that is mounted in the driver's truck. The invoice is handed to the customer, ready for payment. When the driver returns to the warehouse in the evening, he syncs to transfer the final customer invoices and load data to the server.
"This solution will impact our entire organization," stated Ms. Vollmar. "Pepsi NEW will benefit in cost savings from eliminated paperwork, a more professional image, and additional time available to increase sales. Our customers will benefit from receiving a higher level of service from the route salesmen, and more professional invoices with fewer errors. Our employees will also benefit from time savings and a more productive work environment."
This innovative solution gained recognition when IBM selected it as a finalist for its IBM Beacon Award for e-Business on-Demand Innovation Solution for 2004. "We are pleased that our joint work with Pepsi is being recognized," stated Mr. Verheyen of Logicalis. "We plan to continue to build on the success of this project to help other organizations."
