New ASI ContentBridge – use our education and editorial for success
Monday July 21, 2008 | Filed under:
Today we launched ASI ContentBridge - a new product that allows ASI distributors to directly access, integrate and customize all of ASI's educational and editorial content and product and supplier data into their own business applications.
This means that distributors can use ASI's data and information and educational content in their own Websites and business systems. The pricing information, set-up fees and product images are the same quality data that powers ESP OnlineTM and LogoMall Websites.
Distributors using ASI ContentBridge will achieve higher operational efficiency and find more time for selling, by eliminating the need to manually incorporate data into purchase orders and other internal processes. With the most current information available, sales and customer service staff will also be more knowledgeable, leading to increased productivity, cost savings and job satisfaction.
In addition to vital product information, all educational and editorial content produced by ASI will become available digitally - in audio and video formats - to allow distributors to have information at their fingertips about new products, sales strategies and important news from the industry. ASI spends $1.3 million annually to create and deliver educational content, and one of its initiatives is making that award-winning information available anytime and in any format that a distributor needs.
When suppliers update their product and pricing information with ASI, it will automatically be forwarded to distributors who are using ASI ContentBridge to feed their Websites and business systems. In turn, the latest product data will reach distributors and end-buyers faster, increasing sales and saving administrative costs and time.
Data can either be streamed in real-time from ASI's servers, or downloaded periodically through a simple interface over the Internet, and ASI will work with each distributor's information technology team or vendor to customize the service so the data can be used however they wish.
ASI ContentBridge can be used to enhance or build a number of mission-critical business applications, including CRM (Customer Relationship Management), ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) or order management systems. Applications that track what products sales representatives order most and which suppliers they work with more often, can also be built to better project purchasing trends.
Companies can also stream education materials, videos and industry news to sales forces through their Intranet or public Website. As the content becomes available, ASI will also roll out editorial articles, educational videos and multimedia from ASI University and award-winning ASI magazines - including AdvantagesTM, Counselor®, Successful PromotionsTM and Supplier Global ResourceTM. ASI Supplier Performance Ratings will also become available.
For more information, visit www.asicontentbridge.com, or contact Dan O'Halloran, senior vice president of distributor services for ASI, at dohalloran@asicentral.com.
Tell me what you think anytime - post now on the blog or email me at tim.andrews@asicentral.com. For new products from our trade shows, watch my videos on YouTube, at youtube.com/timasitv.