McLane Rolls Out Ordering App

McLane Co. is launching Mobile Virtual Trade Show (VTS), a new ordering application for convenience-store retailers.

Mobile VTS allows operators to place orders using any Apple or Android smart device. The app is an ordering solution with a scrolling feature, detailed product listings, summaries and new items added weekly.

Mobile VTS can be accessed with a McLane login or via popular social media accounts, including Facebook, Google , LinkedIn and MSN. With Mobile VTS, operators can designate the Quick Order process that applies a specific item quantity to all stores and ships products on the first date available, or use a normal ordering method to specify quantities individually.

Franchisees and independents who have limited or no IT resources, or those who do not have or want to use a computer, are expected users of this new technology solution. Supplier community members can also use the application to introduce new items, make site visits or correct issues at the store level. McLane teammates, such as host account managers and independent sales managers, are also expected users of Mobile VTS.

“Retailers today need solutions that are flexible and allow them to address situations in real time. Mobile VTS allows retailers to complete work when and where they choose,” said Deon Johnson, vice president of customer technology for McLane, who unveiled Mobile VTS Wednesday at the McLane National Trade Show at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando, Fla., during an educational session.

Temple, Texas-based McLane is one of the largest supply-chain-services leaders, providing grocery and foodservice supply-chain solutions for convenience stores, mass merchants, drugstores and chain restaurants in the United States. McLane, through McLane Grocery and McLane Foodservice, operates more than 80 distribution centers across the U.S. and has one of the nation's largest private fleets.

A version of this story appeared previously on WGB's sister site, CSP Daily News.