Rita Ann, the nation's largest cosmetics distributor, selected Tiva Software's
solution to automate their sales force of 140 merchandisers with the latest
technology for quick and accurate customer order creation and submission. In
addition, text messages can be sent via the new system improving communications
between all of the merchandisers, managers and the home office.
Merchandiser Connect is a revolutionary tool for sales that improves customer
service, order processing and field communication. It allows each Merchandiser
to maintain up-to-date customer information including price books and general
demographic information on a durable Symbol/Palm SPT1550 handheld unit. Each
representative's daily activity consisting of customer orders, credits, and text
messages is captured on the Symbol/Palm unit and transmitted to Rita Ann's host
IBM AS/400 system. As orders are processed, corresponding invoices are sent back
to each device for confirmation, along with any customer changes that might have
taken place since their last synchronization.
Kathy Hanson, Rita Ann's MIS Manager, says "With our new merchandiser's system
from Tiva, which we call the Rita Ann `Rapid' system, we expect to see a
significant improvement in our merchandiser's productivity and a reduction in
our operational costs. Throughout the testing process, we couldn't break the
program. It's a solid, well-designed system. This is an important addition to
our focus on customer service and our commitments to not only satisfy our
customers but to keep them delighted with Rita Ann."
About Tiva Software, LLC
About AmeriSource Bergen Corporation
CONTACT: Tiva Software LLC, Charlotte
Kimberly Ormiston, 704/525-0005, ext. 253
kormiston@tivasoftware.com