HVACR Distributor Johnstone Supply Strengthens Product Information Management and Adds Services for Member Stores with Enterworks Solutions
Sterling, VA — Johnstone Supply, a top cooperative HVACR wholesale distributor, is currently executing a multi-phase strategy to strengthen the management and multi-channel publication of its product information. Using software solutions from Enterworks®, Inc., Johnstone is building better support for its 370 member stores and improving management of inbound product information from its more than 400 suppliers.
Johnstone began by replacing its existing product information management system, which was narrowly focused on print output alone. Johnstone needed a true multi-channel solution that would provide comprehensive data management, ensure data quality, and introduce enterprise workflow to incorporate Johnstone’s best business practices.
Johnstone selected Enterworks Enable to manage and publish its product information, and today the Enable system supplies the product content for Johnstone’s master catalog, feeds the Johnstone Web site and, through a dedicated portal, delivers the product information directly to Johnstone member stores.
After Johnstone organized its product information with the implementation of the Enable system, the distributor first used the output to overhaul its 1,500-page, 30,000-item master catalog. Before importing the content, Enterworks Professional Services worked with Johnstone to design custom page layouts and create master templates and pages. As part of Enterworks’ ongoing commitment to Johnstone, Enterworks’ Professional Services team trained Johnstone personnel to manage the catalog creation and production process going forward.
In a subsequent phase of their strategy, Johnstone used the Enterworks Portal Framework to implement a Johnstone Member Portal to deliver accurate, up-to-date product information to their member stores. The portal established a dependable, frequently used resource where Johnstone member store personnel can find and research available products. The system also feeds the members’ e-commerce systems to fuel online transactions. Subsequent add-ons to the portal will allow authorized users at Johnstone member stores to manage product information and e-catalog content; create contractor- and region-specific catalogs and flyers; and self-manage their own users, roles, security and other administrative tasks.
“Johnstone Supply dedicates itself to providing the highest quality products and service to our customers,” said Brian Klaus, Johnstone’s director of e-commerce. “We selected Enterworks Enable to ensure that accurate, comprehensive product information is readily available through multiple vehicles to meet customer needs on a national and regional scale. In keeping with our belief that our independent owners make decisions in their own best interest, Enterworks Enable helps give our individual stores the power to customize programs for their local markets – and strengthen their competitive position in those markets.”
“We’re excited about supporting and helping to drive the innovative programs of Johnstone Supply,” said Bob Lewis, president and chief executive officer of Enterworks. “We’ll continue to bring Johnstone and their member stores the master data management and cross-media publishing experience we’ve gained with large multi-channel distributors and wholesalers.”
About Johnstone Supply, Inc.
Johnstone Supply is the leading cooperative wholesale distributor in the HVACR industry, with over $1 billion in annual sales and 370 independently owned store locations across America. Johnstone has regional distribution centers based in Portland, Oregon; Memphis, Tennessee; Allentown, Pennsylvania; Jacksonville, Florida; and Las Vegas, Nevada. The company offers superior customer service, technical advice and training seminars, and prints an annual catalog featuring more than 30,000 HVACR parts, supplies and equipment.
About Enterworks, Inc.
Enterworks Enable software acquires, manages and transforms a company’s product information into persuasive content that drives higher sales and new competitive strengths. By leveraging a company’s products, associated images and videos, brands and other marketing assets, Enterworks Enable delivers powerful selling content accurately and consistently through e-commerce Web, mobile and print channels.
Enterworks customers include some of the world’s largest distributors and wholesalers in business products, electronics, medical supplies, HVAC/R products, hard lines and other industries. These customers use Enterworks Enable to import product information faster, open more selling channels, create regional dealer marketing campaigns, and deliver compelling, customized content to field sales.
Enterworks Enable has become the proven solution for master data management for multi-channel marketing and sales. For more information, visit www.enterworks.com.
