Service Parts Logistics (SPL), Africa's largest IT parts distributor, this month unveiled its brand new, proprietary reverse logistics and parts management software, iSuppli.
iSuppli helps service providers gain visibility of their returned parts and take control from start to finish in their parts management and returns processes, an area widely considered to be a “black hole” for inventory and costs, and generally poorly tracked, as traditional ERP systems have limited functionality in this regard.
SPL is best known in the industry for being the authorised parts distributor, and in many instances the sole distributor, in Africa and the Middle East for major IT brands like HP, Lenovo, Lexmark, Acer, Toshiba and Fujitsu.
Reverse management, while slightly less high profile, is a crucial part of the business. “We have invested six years developing and testing this software, trialling it, adding new features, and now we are finally ready to roll it out across our customer base. It really is incredibly exciting and the response to date has been very positive,” said SPL's chief executive, Steve Cox.
The Web-based software is being rolled out across SPL's customer base for free as of July 2012, and is able to provide real-time information on outstanding parts, returns credits, back orders and other key financial information, as well as the ability to view and print documents, like proof-of-deliveries, live on the system, as they are signed and uploaded by SPL's drivers and couriers.
Another crucial function is the software's online ordering API and Web services tie-in, which grants customers preferential online rates and allows for a seamless end-to-end parts experience online. The software's goal is to enable customers to automate and streamline their processes - by reducing inventory tied up in parts (and lost income in non-returned parts), creating reportable digital records (tracking serial numbers, unclaimed warranties and other key details down to part, machine and invoice levels), improving service levels and staff productivity.
The future includes helping customers to integrate their own various ERP and IT systems into iSuppli's open API (Web service), and enabling them to retain control of their processes, while outsourcing unscalable functions such as on-the-ground warehouse activities, stock ownership and management.
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