Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, GCommerce And Activant Solutions Partnership Receive John Fontanella Supply Chain Innovation Award From AMR Research

AMR Research recognizes ROI increase of 2,000% and $17 million in savings.

Scottsdale, AZ (Vocus/PRWEB ) -- The top supply chain innovation award released today by AMR Research, goes to a groundbreaking partnership and automated technology based service solution called The Total EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) Solution. The partnership of Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, (The Alliance), Activant Solutions and GCommerce with its automated service and turnkey connection process has resulted in the partnership capturing the John Fontanella Supply Chain Innovation Award in its inaugural year, having renamed the award in honor of John Fontanella, whose AMR Research legacy was devoted to supply chain innovation. Previous winners included Colgate Palmolive and Salesforce.com.

AMR Research praised The Alliance's unique collaboration in creating The Total EDI Solution (The Solution), for automating procurement between members and vendors of the aftermarket auto-parts program to create supply chain efficiencies for both. Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, one of the nation's largest auto parts program distribution groups, announced the initiative in December 2007, and selected GCommerce to computerize the procurement cycle.

Richard H. (Dick) Morgan, President and CEO of Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, accepted AMR Research's John Fontanella Supply Chain Innovation Award in Scottsdale on behalf of the partnership.

"Despite 21st century successes, our industry is among many in which business management solutions typically had not been automated or online," says Morgan. "Automated electronic information exchange is the only way to eliminate costly errors and delays that come with manual processes. Further, to ensure mutual efficiencies, Alliance members are committed to two-way electronic exchange with the participation of our vendors," says Morgan.

GCommerce works with Alliance vendors and members integrating with Activant and other platforms creating a single solution connecting everyone-- The Total EDI Solution (The Solution).

Alliance members provide parts and services through more than 2,300 retail sites working on 26 different platforms. Prior to the launch of The Solution, 25% of member orders were sent using manual processes (primarily phone and fax), including special orders. GCommerce and Activant developed a relationship that facilitated two-way electronic document exchange, allowing members and vendors to automate manual processes which provided the foundation for enhanced inventory management. Activant Solutions provides document integration for Alliance members who are using their systems.

GCommerce facilitates the connection of the 53 independently-owned Alliance members with 249 vendors, representing 89% of total Alliance Group purchase volume. With nearly 3 million transactions per year, it is estimated the Alliance members will collectively save more than $17 million annually, representing a 2,000% ROI.

"Whether automating manual processes, facilitating two-way electronic document exchange, providing the foundation for inventory management or creating new enterprise partnerships," says Steven Smith, GCommerce president and CEO, "ultimately, our web-based software service saves significant resources for trading partners and provides a service model for many industries."

"We are very proud of our long and successful relationship with the Alliance, Dick Morgan and Dale E. Hopkins (Vice President of Information Technology for the Alliance), who share our vision of connecting the aftermarket supply chain to achieve greater operational efficiency and competitiveness," said Thomas V. Aliotti, senior vice president and general manager of the Activant automotive business group. "The Alliance Total EDI Solution combines Activant's innovative business management and connectivity solutions with GCommerce's established EDI interface between distributors and their suppliers."

About AMR Research Supply Chain Awards
The AMR Research Supply Chain Top 25 identifies companies that demonstrate leadership in applying demand-driven principles to their global supply chains. The goal is to show how supply chain excellence contributes to creating economic value and raise awareness of the importance and influence of the profession. In honor of John Fontanella, who devoted most of his adult life helping companies make the best use of technology in their supply chains, AMR Research annually presents the John Fontanella Supply Chain Innovation Award to the organization that best demonstrates the strategic use of technology to transform their company. The criteria for nominated companies are the following:

• They have a project that launched after January 1, 2007.
• The project delivered quantifiable ROI in 2008.
• The project team consists of the customer, software vendor and a services provider.

About Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance
Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper is part of Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, one of the largest auto parts distribution and marketing organizations in the world. As the source for quality parts and service for more than 2,300 parts stores and almost 2,700 certified service centers throughout North America, the Alliance prides itself on responding to the individual automotive needs of each customer and providing proven, quality service. Visit www.800autotalk.com for more information.

About Activant Solutions
Founded in 1972, Activant provides customers with industry tailored proprietary software, professional services, content, supply chain connectivity, and analytics. More than 30,000 customer locations use an Activant solution to manage their day-to-day operations. Activant has operations in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. For more information, please visit www.activant.com.

About GCommerce
GCommerce, founded in 2000, is a leading provider of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) technology solutions designed to streamline distribution supply chain operations. Their connectivity solutions facilitate real-time, effective information sharing between incompatible business systems and technologies, enabling firms to improve revenue, operational efficiencies, and profitability. For more information, contact GCommerce at (515) 288-5850 or info@gcommerceinc.com.

SOURCE: PRWeb

View original release here: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/05/prweb2472744.htm