Software Review - April 2011

By Jessica Chevalier

What’s on the minds of today’s flooring industry software developers? Mobile. The creation of software for smart phones and tablets is moving salespeople from behind the desk and onto the sales floor—and it’s creating greater differentiation between the specialty flooring retailers and their big box competition. In addition to mobile technologies, developers are working on programs that can help retailers be more competitive in the post-recession market. In spite of all this, developers still grapple with the most significant battle of all: convincing all retailers to adopt industry-specific software, a challenging task when dollars and time are two rare commodities for small business owners.

MOBILE DEVELOPMENTS
In terms of how mobile software helps specialty retailers set themselves apart from the competition, Terry Wheat, Resource & Financial Management Systems (RFMS) founder and owner of a flooring store in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, says, “My salespeople pick up an iPad or smartphone when the customer walks in.” As the customer browses through the showroom, the salesperson is making selections on the device relating to the customer’s interests, needs, likes and dislikes. They are also collecting the customer’s personal information. This provides the business with true lead management. No longer are contacts misplaced or forgotten—which Wheat reports happens with 40% to 50% of leads when contacts are gathered via pen and paper.

For the complete story on Software for the Residential and Commercial Sectors, see the April 2011 issue of Floor Focus Magazine.

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