AG SOUTH LAUNCHES INTERNAL ON-LINE ORDERING

DEENA AMATO-McCOY

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Members of Associated Grocers of the South here can now transfer information between their stores and warehouses in real time with the launch of the wholesaler's on-line replenishment ordering application as part of its electronic catalog system.

According to Steven Edwards, technical support for Associated Grocers, only 60 out of 400 members are currently taking advantage of an in-house program connecting them to warehouse information, but he hopes 200 stores will start using the service to order products.

"Right now members can go on-line to connect to our electronic catalogs to see the amount of inventory in the warehouse, the cost of products and any special deals the warehouse is offering," he told SN.

Last week, the wholesaler added the ability for members to electronically place orders directly to the warehouse via this computer program.

One obstacle the cooperative wholesaler is trying to overcome is getting many of its members to implement computer systems in their stores. "The biggest challenge is getting the other stores up to date with technology, and eliminating their fear of using computers," according to Edwards.

Edwards explained that this project is designed to cater to because, "In addition to giving members the ability to confirm purchases and track shipments, electronic ordering also gives chains the opportunity to define their own group of stores to the warehouse."

Associated Grocers' hopes to implement the use of electronic mail as its next project.