Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 25th April 2024 Issue no. 1111

Your industry news - first

The original and best - for over 20 years!

We strongly recommend viewing Cleanzine full size in your web browser. Click our masthead above to visit our website version.

'Analytical Solutions' key to future distributor/end-customer relationships

Two words facilities maintenance distributors and their customers are likely to be using much more in coming years are 'analytical solutions.' Analytical solutions involve analysing large amounts of data to address an end-customer's specific needs; typically, this requires the use of computers and web-based technologies.

When used properly, it can elevate a distributor's performance and improve working relationships with customers. It also helps distributors 'tune in' to their customers' needs, bringing to light important business-building information, such as:

* Why certain products are selected
* What products are likely to be purchased in the future from specific customers and why
* Advanced purchasing consistency
* Improvements in the quality of decision-making purchases for both the distributor and client
* Greater transparency
* Overall improvement in customer satisfaction

"Many end-customers are struggling when it comes to making wise product decisions," says Leah Runge, Afflink's eLev8 Marketing & Training Manager. "Using analytical tools provides distributors and end-customers with the information and insight necessary to make the procurement process easier and more effective."

Historically, facilities maintenance purchasing decisions have relied on limited amounts of information on a limited number of specific products. According to Leah, this will not work in the 21st century.

In recent years, however, some facilities maintenance distributors have started using analytical tools, which are expected to become more commonplace in the professional cleaning industry in the future.

"The end-customer is demanding much more from distributors and this will certainly increase in coming years," says Leah. "Today, operating and maintaining a facility is very complex. The use of analytical solutions helps work through this complexity, improve customer care, enhance operational efficiency, and will likely prove to be a cost savings for end-customers as well."

Afflink is a global leader in supply chain optimisation, providing clients with innovative process and procurement solutions to drive efficiencies in today's leading businesses. The eLev8 system helps organisations uncover never-before-seen opportunities and quantify their value to enhance their overall image, promote a healthy workplace, decrease total costs, increase productivity, and satisfy 'green' and sustainable objectives.

T: (800) 222-5521
W: www.afflink.com

12th December 2013