Dealer-to-vendor (D2V) interfaces allow for the easy exchange of information between the equipment dealer's ERP system and the supplier's system(s). Equipment dealers often quickly recoup their investment in D2V interfacing by providing some significant benefits.
Examples of D2V interfacing
In today's digital world, the possibilities for sharing information with others are endless. Through D2V interfacing, equipment dealers can easily and securely exchange information with the manufacturer or supplier. Daily processes are fast, easy and error-free as a result. A few examples:
- Sales Quote Configurator Interface: After completing the equipment configurator on the manufacturer's website, import the configuration directly into your own ERP system and automatically generate a sales quote for your customer. Fewer errors, no double entries and time saved.
- Parts Order Interface: Send a parts order directly to the supplier's system. You can also import and print the order confirmation. This interface allows for real-time checks on price and availability.
- Return Order Claim Interface: Enter return order claims directly into the supplier's system. This turns handling return order claims from a complex, time-consuming process into an extremely simple task.
The benefits for equipment dealers
The Return on Investment of interfaces is often high because the investment is limited and the benefits large:
- Time savings: D2V interfaces make everyday processes much faster. By automating processes correctly, manual data entry and duplicate entries (in the ERP system and supplier system) are no longer necessary.
- Fewer errors: Manual processes tend to produce more errors than automated processes. With D2V interfaces, it is important to properly check and test the setup. If everything is done correctly, many potential errors are eliminated.
- Process optimization: With D2V interfaces, common business processes become faster and easier. Think of parts that are ordered faster and equipment quotations that reach the customer faster. This benefits the performance of the entire organization.
D2V interfacing is bidirectional
If your equipment dealer's ERP system is capable of interfacing with other systems, you're already a long way off. However, interfacing is always a two-way street. That means an interface can only be established with the full commitment and cooperation of the supplier. If your vendor is willing to make interactions and transactions with your organization easier, you can take the plunge together.
Philip van Kemenade is marketing manager at Dysel and has daily contact with end users of software.
