Phoenix, AZ December 13, 2013 – As a leading provider and thought leader in Trade Promotion Management (TPM) solutions, AFS Technologies reveals its Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry predictions for 2014. In the New Year, everything from mastering the world of mobile apps and Big Data to improving execution at the retail level will be key forces in shaping the world of TPM.
Experts from AFS Technologies hosted an educational webinar for Food, Beverage and CPG professionals to recap the current state of the industry and share insights on what’s to come. According to AFS Technologies, the trends that emerged in 2013 will be amplified in 2014 in an effort to secure success in a supply chain operating at a higher sophistication level. The Trade Promotion Report: 2013 Trends and 2014 Predictions webinar presentation is now available for download, along with a complimentary whitepaper on the topic.
The following are key highlights, trends and predictions discussed during the presentation.
Mastering the World of Mobile Apps
Consumers have clearly embraced mobile technology and the world of apps, which means true 1:1 marketing is now attainable. Manufacturers who can align themselves with retailer strategies, as well as incorporate trade promotion programs into mobile, will gain a competitive advantage.
Getting the Most Out of Trade Spend
Three out of four manufacturers cite improving trade promotion effectiveness as the biggest business challenge in 2014. Areas of focus will include how to more accurately measure the lift of TPM programs, as well as optimizing how to best spend future dollars. Many will turn to predictive analytics to forecast customer behavior to ensure the best trade dollar investments.
Empowering Field Teams with Tablet Technology
Technology is changing the way field teams execute activities at the retail level. More representatives in the field will be armed with tablets and the ability to send real-time data on promotion compliance, out-of-stocks and new orders to office headquarters. Manufacturers who empower brokers and dealers with this type of field technology will also gain favor.
Jettison Underperforming TPM Tools
Given the affordability and first year ROI of today’s Software-as-a-Service-based Trade Promotion Management solutions, as well as the lack of stickiness due to weak integration, underperforming tools such as spreadsheets and ERP modules will be replaced.
About AFS Technologies, Inc.
AFS Technologies, Inc. is the leading provider of business enterprise and on-demand software solutions designed to meet the unique requirements of the Consumer Packaged Goods, Food and Beverage, and Financial segments. With over 25 years of industry experience, the global company now serves over 1,500 customers in more than 40 countries with cutting edge technology designed to optimize the order-to-cash flow cycle and improve efficiencies across the entire supply chain. AFS solutions are utilized by manufacturers, distributors, broker/sales agencies, third party logistics providers and retail operators. These industry trading partners rely on AFS technology applications to automate business processes, optimize trade promotion management, reduce costs, increase sales and margin performance, support regulatory compliance, enhance field salesforce efficiencies, and drive collaborative commerce through data synchronization. All AFS solutions utilize service-oriented architecture (SOA) built with Microsoft .NET framework technology. AFS solutions interface with existing non-AFS systems and offer true deployment flexibility that allow customers to upgrade specific elements of the software without affecting the rest of the system. AFS products are also available as fully integrated end-to-end solutions or as individual modular applications. AFS offers customers true deployment flexibility through traditional licensing or subscription-based programs, from on-premise to on-demand solutions in the cloud. For additional information, please visit www.afsi.com or call (602) 522-8282.