IBM i Solution Edition delivers integrated functionality and rapid implementation for cost savings and efficiency.

Editor's Note: This article is an extract of the white paper "IBS and IBM Optimize ERP for Midmarket Distributors" available for free download from the MC White Paper Center.

Wholesale distribution is a balancing act. Midsize distributors must walk a careful line between satisfying manufacturers as well as customers—and remaining profitable. If a distributor increases its prices too much, the manufacturer may choose to sell its products through a competing distributor or directly. And if the distributor substantially lowers its prices, the organization risks going out of business.

With these limitations on pricing, wholesale distributors seek to maximize profits by optimizing operations. An enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution can help distributors streamline inventory management, warehouse management, and financials to increase efficiencies and profit margins. However, one-size-fits-all ERP solutions can introduce overhead and limit future business growth. Distributors require scalable solutions built to meet their unique needs while enabling them to take advantage of new business opportunities.

Unique Distributors Need Unique ERP Solutions

To help midsize distributors improve operational efficiencies, International Business Systems (IBS) offers ERP software applications focused on supply chain execution and tailored for a diverse range of verticals within wholesale and manufacturing industries. Two IBS applications meet the particular needs of specific industries: the company's IBS Enterprise software solution is designed for wholesale distributors and manufacturers, and IBS Bookmaster caters to book publishers.

IBS software applicationsand IBS Bookmaster are comprehensive ERP applications that provide the seamless integration of specific modules midmarket distributors require to effectively manage day-to-day operations. For example, IBS Enterprise includes functionality that helps distributors meet current and upcoming federal regulations. In addition to general business modules—such as financial management, order entry, and inventory control—IBS offers distributor-specific modules that minimize the acquisition and management costs of the software. Modules such as lot tracking, rebate and return, and e-pedigree can significantly lower operational costs.

To learn more, download the white paper "IBS and IBM Optimize ERP for Midmarket Distributors" available for free download from the MC White Paper Center.

After a turbulent few years, IBS has become a revitalized business with long-tem and profitable structure. Now in its 33rd year, IBS is still the world leader in distribution resource management with offices and partners in over 40 locations and more than 4000 customers throughout the world.

International Business Systems, IBS, was founded in 1978, when Staffan Ahlberg and Gunnar Rylander decided to turn the IT division of Ekonomisk Företagsledning into an independent company. The company’s first major success was a global assignment to develop an order processing system for all of Alfa Laval’s international subsidiaries. This type of close, long-term partnership set the company on a course of exceptionally close cooperation with customers, which is the backbone of the current strategy for recovery.

The company joined the Stockholm Stock exchange in 1986 and around that time established close cooperation with IBM. IBS became one of the leading suppliers of software for the IBM AS/400 (now Series i). In 2001, IBS set a new record by achieving the highest transaction volumes ever recorded in IBM’s testing lab in Rochester, New York for the AS/400.

 

During the second half of last year, IBS launched an extensive program to transform inefficiency and loss into a revitalized operation with long-range profit-able growth. A new organization and an extensive cost-reduction program yielded quick results and the last two quarters of the year were much stronger than the first two. This trend has continued into 2011.

The appointment of Johan Bergs as new CEO and the development of a fundamentally new platform for business has turned the company in the right direction and has created a confidence and renewed focus which is characterizing the new IBS.