CCE, SAP join forces to improve supply chain
bottlers, is to team up with German software provider SAP to
develop technology designed to improve direct store deliveries,
full-service vending and equipment service for the beverage
industry.
The software will be based on the standard mySAP Business Suite and should facilitate the interaction between field sales, inside sales and logistics functions, reduce associated costs and enhance customer service.
Direct store delivery (DSD), full-service vending and equipment services are key components of bottlers' business operations and profit centres, CCE said. With tight integration between bottlers' back-end IT systems and mobile devices, field sales representatives, delivery drivers and equipment service staff can quickly and more effectively respond to a comprehensive range of customer requests.
By eliminating unnecessary paperwork, ensuring proper cash settlement and minimising wasted cargo space, DSD improves delivery productivity and reduces costs, according to SAP. With DSD, companies also can identify and profitably acquire and manage new customers and market opportunities.
The initiative with Coca-Cola Enterprises will result in enhanced capabilities to manage price lists and promotions in a mass customer environment. Further, merchandising and customer prospecting capabilities will be addressed with new, improved handheld application support, the software maker said.
As for the implications in the full-service vending sector, the venture will help to the service and fulfilment of vending machines, including handheld support for direct upload and download of sales information. SAP's full-service vending capabilities also manage accounting for monies collected from the vending machines for products sold.
SAP will market the new capabilities and functionality which will also be rolled out to other companies and industries to help them improve execution of merchandising, improve pricing and promotion, grow market share, increase customer satisfaction and reduce logistics costs, the company claimed.
"In an environment where increasing consumer and customer satisfaction is key for any company to survive and grow, consumer products companies must be able to meet demand and service requirements on time, according to expectations and as effectively as possible," said Leo Apotheker, executive board member of SAP.
"As an industry leader, Coca-Cola Enterprises represents a partner with business expertise, enabling SAP to further develop its solutions for mobile business and industry-specific capabilities for the entire beverage industry as well as other companies who utilize the DSD process such as the food industry."
"This initiative will help us to better utilise the information gleaned from our daily operations to enhance customer service, improve execution efficiency and grow our business," said Pat Mannelly, senior VP and chief financial officer at Coca-Cola Enterprises.
