For Immediate Release
WAMpro Solution Debuts
Ai2's Latest Innovation to Increase Retailer Rebate Compliance
CHICAGO - September 30, 2011 - Software developer Ai2 today announced the debut of WAMpro™, a rebate compliance tracking module for members of the WAM alliance. The solution runs on the iPad and is designed to replace the paper-based processes that are currently required for retailers to receive manufacturer rebate incentives. The solution was presented for the first time during WAM's annual meeting at Chicago's Drake Hotel. The solution will be presented to distributors with the cooperation of infoBATE, a provider of information management services for the consumer packaged goods industry.
Manufacturers of candy and snack products offer incentives for distributors and retailers to purchase a certain amount of product in a given time. WAM administers these programs for its 23 distributor members, all of whom will deploy WAMpro within the next year. A mobile salesperson will now have instant access to compliance data for every retailer and every program. This data helps the reps identify "at-risk" dollars and get the retailers to their goals. What's more, the sales rep can access planograms, snap a picture for transmission to the home office, and view each customer and each program dollar for dollar.
WAM is currently using a Scantron sheet that has to be manually fed into a machine, similar to the grading of tests in schools. The new approach gives the distributors' outside salespeople the ability to remotely access any retailer's program status. This will help distributors monitor their progress in these programs and increase retailer compliance.
"I'm honored that WAM chose us as the innovators who will help their members by developing this app," said Douglas Katich, CEO for Ai2. "When salespeople can help their retailers by sorting through a mountain of data in a few seconds, they provide tremendous value and encourage customer loyalty," Katich added.
WAM is a private company based in Saginaw, MI. It is engaged in the structuring and implementation of programs designed to increase the sales of manufacturers, distributors and retailers who contract for WAM's services WAM decides which Convenience Products Distributors and which Manufacturers will be offered the opportunity to contract for its services. WAM is not structured as a buying group. Rather, WAM acts as an agent for distributors and the retailers they service with "preferred" suppliers. WAM retains a percentage of the revenue generated from suppliers for the distributor's sales and merchandising efforts. WAM pays each participating distributor its respective share on an annual basis. For more about WAM, visit the company's website.
infoBATE currently provides information management services to manufacturers, distributors and retailers in the consumer packaged goods industry. infoBATE tracks movement of products to retail locations such as convenience store chains, independents, and grocery stores. Their mission is in "helping manufacturers, distributors, and retailers use information technology to develop a sustainable competitive advantage in the marketplace". For more about infoBATE, visit the company's website.
Ai2 (formerly Access International) was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in downtown Chicago. Their applications are used by over 75,000 users each day to capture over 75 billion dollars in sales each year. Ai2 improves the order entry process for some of the nation’s largest distributors in foodservice, convenience store, grocery, beverage, hardware, medical, beauty and industrial supply. For more information about Ai2, visit www.ai2.com.
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Ai2 Media Contact
Ray Walsh
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