INDUSTRY SOLUTIONs
Wimsatt Building Materials
Problem
Wimsatt Building Materials, a 10-branch building supply chain for contractors, needed an effective method for ordering and managing office products and printing. The old method involved several vendors, excess administration, and an internal system for distributing office products to the various branches. It was challenging to determine which vendor to utilize, and prices would often change without notification. Without a program in place to manage supplies, orders for “non-approved” items were routine. Also, it was a constant demand on resources to route supplies to the various branches with company trucks.
Solution
Metcom offered a comprehensive print and office product management program, effectively relieving Wimsatt from the burden. The program includes an online portal with branch-specific personalization, and all orders are automatically routed to the approving manager at the main office. Although orders are drop-shipped directly to the specific branch throughout the month, the billing is itemized and generated on a monthly basis. All online items and pricing have been pre-approved by Wimsatt, and prices cannot be changed without first notifying the management.
Impact
Lower overall cost – Wimsatt achieves preferred program pricing which cannot be changed without proper notification.
More control – Management selects which items to offer and upload to the program, eliminating unauthorized purchases.
More effective use of resources – Company trucks are no longer used to distribute office products to various branches, making them more available to deliver product to customers.
Strengthened brand and improved sales – Metcom improved the graphic design.
Less administrative time and hassle – Wimsatt spends less time processing invoices and checks.
More accountability – Metcom is accountable to Wimsatt, standing behind and guaranteeing all products and services.
No cost or hassle regarding returned products – Wimsatt may return any item for any reason (or no reason), at no additional cost.