The Alternative

In today’s competitive environment, executives face the challenge of reducing costs while implementing innovative solutions to increase efficiencies and profits. The expense of acquiring sophisticated systems and the expertise required to operate and maintain them, leave many organizations at a competitive disadvantage.

Even companies with the financial ability to purchase or develop internal systems are evaluating alternative methods to more effectively and economically address the running of business processes. Outsourcing providers optimize efficiency and profitability by driving technology, processes, and disciplines into the companies they serve.

PDI/InfoServe is an outsourcing service that provides store automation, inventory control, merchandising, and management reporting services to convenience store industry chains. Regardless of a company’s size, the services provided by PDI/InfoServe result in tremendous benefits.

Understanding Your Needs

PDI/InfoServe understands the needs of the convenience store industry. Many of PDI’s associates have served as controllers, store managers, and accounting personnel for various convenience store chains. That expertise coupled with PDI’s technology provide unparalleled services.

The Benefits of Outsourcing

Outsourcing may not be right for every company, however it is a strategy that is effectively employed by large and small businesses alike. Executives considering outsourcing generally seek benefits in following areas:

• Performance — Information drives business performance. Performance is defined as productivity. When productivity goes up, costs go down.

• No Capital Investment— The cost of software development and associated license fees are included in the monthly outsourcing service fee. If desired, the cost of the store hardware can also be included as part of the monthly payment.

• Expertise — The development and operation of complex systems requires individuals with specific knowledge and skill sets to efficiently operate them. An outsourcing provider maintains this level of expertise to remain competitive and satisfy customer requirements.

• Reduction in On-Going Costs— By outsourcing business processes, the cost of hiring personnel, training them, and handling employee turnover are eliminated for those positions affected by the outsourcing process. The maintenance of internal systems are also eliminated and the general cost of overhead (desks, supplies, equipment, etc.) is reduced.

• Driving Technology Into Your Business — Technology creates a rapidly changing business environment. An outsourcing supplier must provide a migration path to economically move your company from one platform to another while providing solutions to business issues and opportunities.

• Tools for Tighter Control — Operators are provided management reports to assist in the monitoring of operations and inventories. Daily reports provide exception-based information, such as cash over/short; weekly reports provide trend analysis, and monthly reports provide ranking analysis.

• Tools for Better Performance — Operators can more effectively run their business and enhance sales based on timely and accurate information. Management reports afford quick visibility to performance issues.

• Labor Savings — The system affords efficiencies based on automation processes; i.e. daily closes. This allows the operator to complete paper work in less time than previously required using a manual process.

• Automated Payroll Time-Keeping — Provides accurate calculations of payroll hours that can be tracked by day and by employee.

• Track Accounts Payable Vendor Status — With consistent and accurate entry of accounts payable invoices, operators are able to monitor vendor activity and research discrepancies by invoice.

• Greater Vendor Control — With the implementation of the pricebook, there is greater control over vendors in acceptance of authorized products and the implementation of negotiated prices. This typically allows operators to increase margins through better controls.