ARMONK, N.Y. and ATLANTA, Ga., March 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) and Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) today announced that JEGS, a UK-based national distributor of electrical, house ware, DIY, and gardening products, has chosen a combination of innovation software and services from Microsoft and IBM to reach new customers and markets by automating key business processes.

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JEGS supplies a network of more than 5,000 independent retailers in Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, as well as local and trade customers and electrical contractors. The company is recognized as an industry leader in customer service, winning the prestigious British Hardware Federation Direct Diamond Supplier of the Year Award in 2010, in recognition of its high service levels. JEGS wanted to continue to improve its competitive advantage on service by further enhancing its internal processes, increasing productivity, and enabling staff to focus on customer support rather than administrative work. However, the planned business transformation was hindered by the limitations of its existing IT systems.

Processes like tele-sales, purchasing, warehouse logistics, finance and its commerce platform were hindering the business to the point whereby JEGS had developed manual processes to support the IT system rather than having an IT system which supported the business. The company wanted to continue to improve its competitive advantage on service by further enhancing its internal processes, increasing productivity, and enabling staff to focus on customer support rather than administrative work.

By selecting Microsoft Dynamics AX with IBM Global Business Services, JEGS has seen ongoing efficiency improvements as the company has grown. Within the first six months JEGS saved more than 600 hours manual time entering sales orders as customers switched to ordering via the website. The fully integrated and scalable platform provided by Microsoft and IBM makes cross departmental collaboration easier than ever. For example, stock transaction processes have been streamlined across business entities leading to greater stock accuracy, The reporting abilities provided enable the opportunity for real time review and analysis, leading to faster reaction to information, greater insight into business performance and the ability to focus on the right areas to achieve the goals set.

"The new solution from Microsoft and IBM gives our company a more comprehensive way of managing our business processes, and makes life much easier for our staff," said Eloise Gibbons, Managing Director, JEGS. "The ease of use, combined with the automation of key business processes, means that our staff spends less time on administrative tasks, and more time catering to the needs of our customers. The more productive we can become, the better the service we can offer - which will help us to maintain and build on our leadership position in this market."

IBM and Microsoft with I.B.I.S, Inc. Helps Drive Innovation for Wholesale Distributors

With today's news, IBM and Microsoft are also announcing an expanded relationship, combining the powerful capabilities of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 distribution solutions with IBM's proven global leadership in delivering integrated, enterprise wholesale and distribution solutions. The relationship also includes plans for IBM to develop and deploy differentiated intellectual property to offer unique, enhanced value to customers around world.

To further enhance delivering integrated and differentiated solutions for the wholesale distribution industry, IBM and Microsoft have expanded collaborations with I.B.I.S., Inc., a leading provider of end-to-end advanced supply chain solutions. The relationship combines the unique strengths of Microsoft, IBM, and I.B.I.S., Inc. for an optimal blend of skills, experience, and technologies to ensure customers get industry-leading solutions that help them reduce cost and complexity, and enable them to always be ready for what's next.

"Businesses need intelligence to help optimize their supply chains and deliver great customer experiences," said Hal Howard, CVP Microsoft Dynamics ERP Research & Development. "Our collaboration with IBM and I.B.I.S. will provide more advanced solutions to customers looking to succeed in today's more connected and competitive global wholesale distribution market."

"IBM's expanded collaboration with Microsoft and I.B.I.S. offers wholesale distributors the innovative business and technology capabilities they need to compete in today's fast paced, customer centric marketplace," said Jill Puleri, Vice President, Global Industry Leader for Retail and Consumer Products, IBM Global Business Services.

More information on the new capabilities offered by IBM Accelerated Distributor Solutions enabled by I.B.I.S., Inc on Microsoft Dynamics AX can be found at http://www.ibm.com/industries/consumerproducts

PR Contacts:

Dana Anastasi
IBM Global Communications
danastasi@us.ibm.com
857-259-0866

Jim Desler
Microsoft Global Communications
jdesler@microsoft.com
425-703-6061

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SOURCE IBM