Sage is a leading provider of business management products and services
that support the needs of more than 2.3 million small and mid-sized
customers in North America.
Business Goal: Efficient and Seamless Software Fulfillment
After closing its manufacturing and fulfillment division in the mid 1990s, Sage needed an outsourced partner who could provide a highly efficient, seamless process for product fulfillment. Experiencing record growth in the earlier part of the decade, it looked to further improve customer service and internal efficiencies. Outsourcing their fulfillment was an integral element of that strategy.
Solution: Premier Fulfillment Company with Advanced Systems and Services
It quickly became clear that EchoData was the logical fulfillment partner of choice. EchoData had already been handling some of Sage's media duplication requirements for several years and had established a reputation for high quality service delivery.
When Sage's needs expanded, EchoData was known in the software industry as a proven third party fulfillment company, with turnkey services, advanced technology and expert staff. They saw the opportunity to go with an outsourced partner they had grown to trust and could meet all of their needs under one roof, including duplication, warehousing, kitting, and fulfillment
Unique Challenges: Real Time Information and Inventory Control
Having divested itself of its fulfillment capabilities, Sage developed the need for real time, critical information on product shipments and inventory. Previously, they relied on their own internal AS/400 legacy system for this information. To meet these real time information requirement, EchoData integrated its state-of-the-art enterprise resource planning system - Manage 2000 - with the client's AS/400 system, enabling tight data sharing between the two environments.
Today, as orders are shipped from EchoData, details are transmitted back to Sage and the appropriate inventory level is adjusted. Through EchoData’s eLink web portal, the client has a window into Manage 2000 to check orders and inventory and generate customized real-time activity reports.
Results: Lower Costs, Highest Level of Fulfillment Accuracy
With EchoData as its fulfillment partner, Sage is meeting its same day shipping requirements at a near 100% percent level of accuracy. Furthermore, EchoData is providing a measurable ROI, leveraging its advanced systems and technology to cut their fulfillment costs in half.
"EchoData handles all of order fulfillment requirements, from replication to printing, daily pick and pack orders for all product related and marketing materials, as well as product updates," says Sage's Operations Manager. "They are truly an extension of our company."
