With technological in-novations everywhere one looks, today's floor covering dealer, more than ever, has more options to help him increase his bottom line. And that could not be more important than in today's economic environment.

Even the most successful retailers have inefficiencies, and wasteful spending and operating practices. What generally makes them more successful than others is their desire to reduce as much as possible and even eliminate these costly procedures.

For this reason, the interest in software companies has been palatable. The reason? Most companies reported an increased interest from dealers in two areas: upgrading existing systems and first timers. Some retailers have seen how the technology has helped them become more efficient and profitable, and recognize they can do even more by upgrading or adding on, while others are either still doing everything manually or using generic business accounting software and have come to the realization there has to be a better way.

Paul Wagler, owner of St. Clements Heart & Home in St. Clement, Ontario, Canada, had been searching for programs to do estimating and inventory.  Like many, he admitted to a fear factor in terms of the learning curve and training but also understood "it's something we have to do in order to grow."

Helping retaiers overcome those fears is something software suppliers have had to do since day one. The following is a sampling of the latest offerings from some of the major software companies.

 

BidTech

Erwin Twerdochlib, developer and founder, said the company's new Vision Plus with Integrated Smart Plan (ISP) gives users "a unique measuring and take-off experience, one that provides for every possible mode of input."

With ISP technology, he explained Vision Plus integrates the two types of estimating applications typically used, which means "greater flexibility, superior functionality and more user options than ever before. The technology caters to a universal audience of estimators wishing to employ their own method or style preference."

In addition, Twerdochlib said Vision Plus provides seamless data flow through BidTech's OrderMaster system. "Every work station can access information needed within 15 to 25 seconds. And, with one click, all the data goes to the estimating module of QuickBooks. So, because the data flows through seamlessly, one person who did the takeoff does the work for the entire company."

He noted with Visions Plus with ISP and OrderMaster, a business can 'totally rely on [them] to ensure data integrity between all of its departments. It's an information sharing system, allowing all company personnel to remain organized, reliable and accurate throughout the complete transfer process of project data."

For more information, visit bidtech.ca.

 

CDMS

Adding to its comprehensive software package, CDMS Version 8.07.00 includes a variety of new and updated features to keep retailers ahead of business, said Cathy Welsh, operations manager.

Further assisting dealers with accounts payable (A/P), the enhanced system now creates an A/P Voucher Detail History, which is maintained throughout the A/P module. It can be viewed in the Vendor Account Inquiry Application as well as the new A/P Voucher Distribution Application and allows dealers to print, download or purge the data.

And, on the contract side, the latest version offers several new requested features, which are built in to all selections in the Contract History Inquiry Application, Welsh noted. "While searching through contract pages, users can now easily return to the previous page by clicking the tab on the bottom of the screen," Welsh said. "And, once a contract has been selected and displayed, pressing the "enter" key when done now returns users to the last screen of contract summaries that displayed."

She also listed two new search options that have been added to the application: Invoice Number-allows users to find the contract detail by its invoice number-and Invoice Number with DR/CR Memos-allows users to find all debit and credit memos with a specified apply to number.

"Our system handles all floor covering products with ease, including carpet, vinyl, vct, laminate, hardwood, supplies area rugs and ceramic tile, as well as non-flooring products such as furniture, window treatments, plumbing supplies, lighting fixtures and much more."

For more information, visit cdmspa.com.

 

 Floor Covering Soft

Whether you are in the commercial or residential business, Steven Wang, chief developer and founder, said the new FloorEstimate Pro 2009 Edition (FEP2009) is a valuable tool. He explained, like other programs from Floor Covering Soft, FEP2009 was created to make estimating software easier to use and more affordable.