How Does PDI/InfoServe Work?

PDI/InfoServe focuses on delivering the "business basics" to it’s customers. These basics can then be built upon to further tighten controls. The functional processes included in the core business basics include:

Store

• DSD/Store Receiving

• Inventory Control

• Store Accounting

• Store Manager Workbench/Reporting

• Time and Attendance

Merchandising

• Sales History and Analysis

• Pricebook Maintenance

• Vendor Performance

Fuel Management

• Inventory Management

• Environmental Certification

Store Automation — The business basics of PDI/InfoServe’s services begin with the automation of store level functions. PDI begins by ordering your store hardware and setting up the software to address your company’s reporting requirements. We then test the system for reliability. The system configuration may include information on the employees working at each store, authorized vendors, hose and tank configurations, and/or daily reporting formats. PDI/InfoServe consultants then train store managers on how to enter their paperwork, print store level reports, and transmit data to PDI/InfoServe’s Processing Center.

PDI/InfoServe automates your stores by placing a back office personal computer in each store to serve as a data collection device. The PDI/RMS software has built-in checks and balances to ensure specific fields properly balance prior to managers uploading the information to the PDI/InfoServe Processing Center.

Pricebook Maintenance — If the pricebook option is implemented, PDI begins by setting up the pricebook with authorized products and vendors. Updates to pricebook files are made through the host system at the PDI/InfoServe Processing Center and then downloaded to each location. Changes in the pricebook, such as price changes, promotions, and the addition of new products and/or vendors, will be handled by either the merchandising team negotiating new vendor deals or the changes will be communicated to PDI/InfoServe for entry into the system.

Information Processing — To ensure timely reporting of information, each company establishes an operational time frame in which store managers must complete all paperwork and transmit it to PDI/InfoServe. Once the store information is received by PDI/InfoServe personnel, it is reviewed for "reasonableness" and thoroughness. That is to say, our staff looks for signs that information was not "forced" to achieve balanced fields or that key data is not missing.

If we see a mistake has been made, we directly contact the location in question and help the operator work through correcting the paperwork. The information from all stores is then updated and management reports are placed on the network for pickup by designated employees within the company.

Each operator will be able to review exception reports highlighting what went on in their stores the previous day! Paperwork is updated by our personnel Monday through Friday. This means an operator may enter their store’s paperwork seven days a week, but PDI/InfoServe will update Friday, Saturday and Sunday’s information on Monday.