Success Stories

Activant Prophet 21 Improves Customer Service and Lowers Operating Expenses

Founded in 1958 by William Brennan Sr., Brennan Tools and Fastening Systems is located in the heart of the country, St. Louis, Missouri. Brennan's son Bill joined him in 1976, and later bought the company from his father. Brennan Tools provides a wide range of power tools, fastening and anchoring systems, plus cutting and grinding tools to construction supply customers throughout the St. Louis area and southern Illinois.

The company mission of providing service (with a capital "S") to all of their customers continues today under the leadership of Bill Brennan, Jr. A statement on their Web site (www.brennantools.com) clearly illustrates their vision of the future: "The future calls for constant improvement and finding faster, better ways to meet and exceed customer expectations."

A Need to Update and Enhance

In an effort to better serve their customers, several years ago the company began a search for a new computer-based solution that would satisfy a complex variety of company management tasks including purchasing, inventory, billing, delivery, and data gathering and interpretation.

The search began in 1997. With the aid of BSW Consulting, Inc., headed by distribution industry renowned leader, Steve Epner, Brennan began a systematic process of identifying various solutions and vendors and comparing those systems with current and projected company needs.

Although the company had been successfully using a UNIX-based system, Brennan believed the ultimate system should be based on open architecture and operating software that could grow and adapt to future needs. After careful study and deliberation, he decided a Windows NT/2000-based solution best fitted the needs of Brennan Tools.

Before committing to any vendor, however, Brennan wanted to be sure that the selected provider had the service history and the financial strength to assure a long-term relationship. He had become familiar with companies that did not possess the financial strength or the depth of technical expertise to insure survival during rough times. With more than 30 years of experience and a history of dependability in meeting client needs, Activant met his criteria.

Open Architecture and Expandability Key to Decision

Microsoft Windows NT/2000-based Activant Prophet 21 was selected as the best software solution available. Brennan felt that, in addition to easy expandability, the Windows operating system was both familiar and friendly. He considered that an especially important feature for Brennan Tool employees who would need to learn a completely new system without interruption in normal operations. Approximately nine months after the decision was made, the system was up and online.

In reaching a final determination, Brennan Tool Network Administrator, Jeff Withrow, also cites the importance of the Microsoft based SQL Server database which is both versatile and extremely friendly in terms of integration with other products. Withrow cites the ability to easily gather data needed for report writing and for planning purposes as an important benefit of choosing Activant Prophet 21.

A Changing, More Difficult Business Climate

When asked to comment on changes in the industry in the last several years, Brennan says, "The competition is fierce. Margins are declining. It's challenging and I honestly think that some of our competitors are not going to make it...they can't make the investment like we did in a high-power information system."

Brennan also stated that in a downturn, whether shortor long-term, a company has an edge if it operates very efficiently. He believes that companies that have not adapted to constantly increasing demands for higher levels of service, quick delivery of products, and rapid access to information are far more vulnerable to negative economic conditions than those who have "evolved" with the times. There may even be an opportunity to increase market share, and ultimately profitability in a poorer economic climate.

In the current business climate, Withrow believes that the recent implementation of Activant Prophet 21 will enable Brennan Tools to better manage inventory planning and replenishment. Prophet 21's Inventory Management system includes cycle counting features to confirm that inventory counts are accurate.

Other features help to lower carrying costs, minimize excess inventory, and increase customer service levels. It's another way to insure Brennan Tools and Fastening Systems commitment to the capital "S" (for service) in their mission statement.

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