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IN DEPTH: Technology Tools

Ponderosa’s Sullivan notes, “The ability to access their ERP software while out of the office is continuing to gain traction among our customers. We’re definitely seeing an uptick in interest as customers becomes more familiar with the technology and smartphones have become ubiquitous.”

Even so, there are limits. “I wouldn’t say the whole experience is moving to mobile applications,” adds DMSi’s Limas. “It might, but there are certain applications that are important to have mobile access for and others that are less important. Deep analysis of sales trends and analyzing data tends to be done in the office, while accessing orders and information is important in the field.”

Cloud Use Still Grows
Mobility also has helped continue the movement of many companies to cloud services. “Use of the cloud is growing,” says Epicor’s Rigby. “There’s so much being pushed to the cloud in all areas that even conservative companies are looking to do away with servers and their IT infrastructure. Well over 50% of our new customers sign on with cloud capabilities. Two years from now, I’d expect 75% of our new system sales will be cloud-based systems.”

LBM Resources

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When it comes to social media, the building industry as a whole has been fairly slow to recognize the impact of this effective marketing tool. Findings and best practices show that one of the best ways to connect with your B2B or B2C audience is through meeting them where they’re at—social media.

ECi’s Maiuri agrees, estimating that 80% of new customers are asking for hosted services. “We’ve been hosting programs for three or four years, and its users grow daily. Some dealers are entrenched in wanting their servers on-site, and there are some parts of the country that still have inadequate connectivity infrastructure to make it work. But that’s changing.”

Adds Ponderosa’s Sullivan, “We’re seeing a growing interest in managed-IT services. People have become generally more comfortable with doing things online, and prices on these services have dropped pretty dramatically. It’s also due to the growth of the services and the marketplace becoming increasingly educated about the concept and advantages of not having the system right on-site.”

computer associates pondersoa softwareComputer Associates’ Ponderosa Software has joined with Masonite Corp. to create an ERP interface for the Xpress (MAX) ConfiguratorSM, Masonite’s browser-based door-design and pricing application. It allows dealers to design a custom entry or interior door and provide customers with an instant quote at the job site or store.

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