Success Stories

Since its independence from its Ohio-based parent company in 1992, Advanced Industrial Products, Inc. (AIP) has made a name for itself as a distributor that responds to and works with its manufacturing customers to ensure success for both partners. AIP rode this reputation to double-digit growth for more than a decade. But as the company grew along with the industrial economy of Kentucky, West Virginia, and Alabama, it found that its Activant Disc enterprise solution wasn't up to the task of managing that rapid growth.

"Our system at the time was challenged in keeping up with the demand for order entry to shipping and receiving," said Lisa Stephens, vice president for business development at AIP.

Speed + Flexibility = Success

So the Lexington, KY-based distributor of electronic, pneumatic and hydraulic components set out to find a package that could grow with the company. "We wanted a package that was capable of handling growth without needing constant upgrades and additions," said AIP President Dennis Stephens. "So we evaluated a few different products with the objective of handling growth more efficiently and effectively."

That objective led AIP to zero in on Activant Prophet 21.

Lisa praised its speed, flexibility, and ability to manage large amounts of information. "The most valuable thing we have in Prophet 21 is the abundance of information readily available," she said. "Each screen holds a wealth of information, and by simply clicking on the next tab, you can find even more information on the customer or part or whatever you are working on at the time.

"Also, the ability to retrieve data quickly via reporting software is a big plus."

Built-In Room to Grow

AIP was also pleased to discover that Prophet 21 lived up to the advance billing it got from their Activant sales representative. "We were told we would be able to do 40 percent more business with our current staff with Prophet 21, and we have," said Dennis. Even as AIP has continued growing year after year, it has not had to add sales staff from the time it went live with Prophet 21 in 2003 until this year.

Nor has it had to add components or upgrades to its solution. "We appreciate that we can do what we need to do without constantly having to buy additional enhancements," Dennis said.

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