1source Nigeria Introduces ‘e-distributor’ Solution

1source Nigeria, a proudly Nigerian information technology company has disclosed that using a combination of next-generation software and process management has and still helps consumer goods companies keep their sales teams selling longer and more effectively by up to one hour extra a week.

Tagged “e-distributor” solution, which is implemented in collaboration with international technology giants Dell and Microsoft, 1source Nigeria said the new discovery does three things that result in significant gains for manufacturers and distributors:

According to Victor Okigbo, the Solution Architect for 1source Nigeria, at an event to herald the launch of the latest version of e-distributor said: “For a sales-driven business, every additional hour-per-week spent in the field results in an additional N20.5m in revenue at the end of the year – that revenue drives the entire consumer-goods ecosystem forwards – from the factory gate to the small stall in the street selling bubblegum to the major organized retail operation”.

Continuing, Okigbo explained that “First, e-distributor feeds sales data from scores of distribution outlets around the country (think drinks or confectionery distributors) to their key supplier’s head office for analysis. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, E-Distributor Active Field Support manages the installation and monitoring of the distributors’ computer systems, including the day to day management of desktop, tablet and handheld devices. Since many distributors are profitable but relatively unsophisticated, this takes a substantial burden off both the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) company and their distribution partner. Finally, the data presented by the e-distributor system is rendered as basic interactive reports that can help national sales managers and heads of marketing with their targeting and forecasting”.
Okigbo added: “We look at the entire value chain as one entity and when we assess the impact on a mid-sized distribution team, we are driving an additional N2b in annual sales.

It’s modest but significant. Mistakes are often made in the rush to automation. These are Mistakes that can actually introduce friction into the sales process. Many organizations reach the market through distribution partners who may not have evolved their systems to the level that the leading manufacturers are accustomed to. We are in the business of bringing the benefits of Fortune 500 technology to simple business models. We have figured out a way to automate distribution without breaking it.”

Further to this assertion as well as a re-affirmation of their commitment to markets across Africa, Microsoft, Dell and 1Source Technology Partners announced that the new version dubbed E-Distributor DMS, would be available to order for consumer goods business customers in Nigeria and West Africa from December 1, 2015.

Tamara Amobi of 1source Technology Partners substantiated that: ‘e-distributor’ has raised the bar on integration and collaboration; giving the traditional consumer goods distributor the tools needed to work in new ways without the friction usually associated with rolling out such tools. “With our corporate mission to serve as a single point of contact for the IT needs of businesses across West Africa. Since 2008, 1source Nigeria have excelled in the offer of full range of managed services; via tactical utility-level IT tasks. Tamara said.

At the event, key industry stakeholders and analysts all affirmed the uniqueness of ‘e-distributor’.  Ade Sonubi, CEO, Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) said: “e-distributor, while targeted at the consumer goods industry is doubly useful to the distributors themselves by integrating their activities with their key suppliers while providing useful information that helps manage their business better. The solution again shows the advantage of local application developers providing local solutions with a distinctively local understanding while meeting international standards. Early adopters have realized cost savings through workflow automation, easier access to information, improved collaboration with key suppliers and lower costs of compliance,”

Foremost e-distributor customer, Lanre Opesanwo also attest that market analyses which previously took up two weeks to prepare were rendered in minutes and seconds freeing up the company’s technology and marketing assets to focus on creating better products and better routes to market.

Microsoft Nigeria’s Mark Ihimoyan who leads developer engagement for the software giant submitted that: “The modern business environment in Nigeria demands that people have immediate access to information in a reliable and efficient way. These same people are looking for technology to be easy to use, agile and scalable.” He added “we are collaborating with both Dell Nigeria and 1source Nigeria to meet that demand. End-to-end solutions such as 1source’s E-Distributor DMS represent the best of breed approach to delivering value for businesses through the application of superior local knowledge”.

The event which was kicked off by the country manager for Dell Nigeria, Akin Banuso also featured presentations by Microsoft and 1source as well as live product demonstrations, customer testimonials and discussions on aspects of Dell Nigeria’s critical role in the enterprise computing environment led by Olu Akinkugbe and Ololade Olotu of Dell Nigeria.