Software manages operations of window/door dealers.
Press Release Summary:
PowerBids Plus Business Manager suite offers 6 business management applications. PowerDesk allows all PowerBids applications to be run from within one application. PowerBooks links to popular accounting packages, such as QuickBooks. PowerLink allows integration/sharing of customer data with MS Outlook or ACT. PowerCode allows receipt of barcode information from manufacturers. PowerQuery adds report generation. PowerBids enables dealers to maintain their own price book.
Original Press Release:
Friedman Expanding PowerBids Plus Dealer System with Six Business Management Applications
Addresses business applications of Window/Door dealers and distributors; leverages core PowerBids Plus system linking dealers to manufacturers' system for error-free quotes and orders.
DEERFIELD, IL, March 12, 2003: Friedman Corporation, provider of enterprise computing solutions for the discrete To-Order Manufacturer, is adding a suite of business management applications for Window/Door dealers and distributors that also interface with its PowerBids estimating and bidding software.
The PowerBids Plus Business Manager suite is the first system designed specifically for managing the operations of Window/Door dealers. The suite is made up of 6 applications designed to provide dealers with the tools needed to address different aspects of the sales cycle, from the creation of the quote through the printing of the final invoice.
"Until now, there hasn't been a software system to address both the business requirements of the dealer and the dealer's ability to link to the manufacturing system," says Alan Russell, PowerBids product manager for Friedman Corporation. "PowerBids is expanding into a single, comprehensive dealer solution that tackles both sides of the equation. The new suite introduces six applications to satisfy the dealer's business system requirements. These applications are linked by a single interface.
The PowerBids Plus Business Manager system is rolling out over the next year and will include the following new applications:
o PowerBids PowerDesk: The core business manager product that allows all PowerBids applications to be run from within one application. A single, easy-to-use interface systematically formats multiple project quotes then provides a summary quote. Dealers will be able to quote windows, doors, cabinets, etc. from within a single application, choosing the manufacturers as needed. Quotes will be contained individually within a single "notebook" as well as produced a summarized bid for all product for a given project. Additional capabilities include project management, commission tracking, and pre-lien information. This application also will be the core application that allows interaction with the following products.
o PowerBids PowerBooks: Links to popular accounting packages, such as QuickBooks, which adds more features throughout the PowerBids Plus Business Management Applications by allowing display of such information as credit limits, total sales, customer account status, and more throughout the various applications.
o PowerBids PowerLink: Allows integration/sharing of customer data with MS Outlook or ACT for access to all PowerBids customer information and quote history. Enables calendar and reminder functions to be utilized with PowerBids Plus.
o PowerBids PowerCode: Allows receipt of bar code information from manufacturers, then allows the dealer to read those codes with their scanner to receive and make their own deliveries.
o PowerBids PowerQuery: Adds report generation to PowerBids Plus application, such as sales reports by sales rep, client or manufacturer, sales tax by tax authority, and more.
o PowerBids: Designed to be the dealer's own quoting system, it enables dealers to maintain their own price book for "other" non-configured products such as glass, mirror, screens, caulking, and more. This application will work for most "sub-contractors" selling products that are dimensional as well as each, per hundred, etc.
Russell adds, "The core PowerDesk application will be designed to help dealers consolidate bids from multiple manufacturers into one quote and allow them access to multiple manufacturers' PowerBids quoting systems from one interface. Each new PowerBids application can extrapolate information from the core system for use throughout the estimating, production, and delivery phases. For example, a dealer can combine the manufacturers' window/door bids with quotes for mirrors, cabinets, shower doors, and other items. The quotes can be very easily combined and summarized as a total project cost. This information can be directly fed into the accounting system to generate a variety of informative reports."
Friedman Corporation acquired PowerBids Plus three years ago to accommodate Window/Door manufacturers looking to integrate and extend their enterprise system capabilities with a dealer system. Integration between Friedman's Frontier® enterprise system and PowerBids Plus is complete.
About Friedman Corporation
Friedman Corporation provides enterprise computing solutions for the discrete To-Order Manufacturer. Friedman's advanced multi-platform technology and modular application design support customized enterprise-wide solutions to meet the unique requirements of the to-order manufacturer. Friedman's integrated single database architecture supplies the foundation for the manufacturer's e-business, remote dealer systems, and distribution channels.
Through the strength of its integrated configurator, Friedman has established itself as the niche leader in high-volume, multi-plant, and complex to-order manufacturing industries. Friedman is committed to strengthening its leadership position by targeting its development efforts on serving key vertical markets with industry-specific requirements. Our technology foundation integrates the use of OS/400, Windows NT, JAVA, and HTML, providing our users with a balance of leading edge technology and vertical product innovation.
Founded in 1980, Friedman began the initial development of its software for the discrete, customer-driven manufacturer and distributor. Today, over 1100 sites worldwide are using the current release of the Friedman configuration based ERP solution.
Friedman is headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, with offices throughout the United States and in the United Kingdom.
For more information, visit www.friedmancorp.com.
Contact:
Alan Russell
Product Manager - PowerBids
(360) 896-8426
arussell@friedmancorp.com
