As a Manager, Why Do We Need to Automate?
Inventory is a major investment. Automation is more time efficient,
professional and profitable than the very best spreadsheets or manual
methods.
As a Buyer, why is OTBW Software Important
to me Personally?
Buyers can acquire a skill that will
produce better results than an expensive monthly vendor. Outside
vendors earn their fees by improving retail performance. You can
become an in-house expert using OTBW and produce even better results.
Possessing a skill that you can demonstrate has direct measurable value
to your employer is a career achievement!
"Open to buy" spreadsheets work - why
should I buy software:
Unless your spreadsheet
calculates every sub classification and updates itself with every
purchase order and every new monthly inventory, it can't possibly be as
accurate and profitable. Our customers include some of the best ex
- spreadsheet users and their results are living proof that otb
spreadsheets are outdated and very costly in terms of margin
dilution.
How Does OTBW Work?
OTBW: Is an online program which can be purchased for a low setup fee
and monthly fee, Has unlimited telephone and email support, Is a simple
fill-in-the-blanks format, Is customized to your shop and
classifications. Updates open-to-buy forecasts dynamically as you make
entries.
What is the Greatest Mistake most Shop
Managers Make?
Failing to mark down and liquidate stale merchandise, which means
continuing to buy into already over-stocked conditions. Any
spreadsheet, vendor or any other "o-t-b" method that permits this is
not an open-to-buy; it is just a decision to continue purchasing without
respect to inventory levels. This is both self-defeating and
self-perpetuating.
The Solution:
OTBW calculates optimum inventory levels for every classification in
every month and constantly updates the purchase forecasts required to
meet those inventory goals. Achieving and
maintaining optimum inventory levels is a powerful way to improve
performance at any shop. It is that simple.
Is it Complicated to Use?
OTBW is a fill-in-the-blanks program that is easy to learn and
manage.
How Much Time Will OTBW Take?
About (1) hour per month data input time, or you can purchase an
“Import Engine” that will do this automatically. No matter how you do
it, you are already spending time planning purchases. OTBW automates
all this planning and eliminates the guesswork!
Can Data be Entered Automatically from a
POS?
Yes. This requires a custom made "Import Engine" that is available
for a programming fee.
Will OTBW Limit my Options?
OTBW gives you more options and more control. Your judgment is always
the deciding factor. OTBW does not manage you - you manage it.
Are the Solutions at-Cost or at-Retail?
Either or both - it is your choice. One click.
Your Buying Goals or Vendor Sales Goals?
Vendors and reps have sales goals. They offer discounts, quotas,
incentives, etc., to persuade you to meet their goals. Open To Buy
Wizard establishes your goals to buy what you need and have it delivered
when you need it.
Then Why are Vendor Reps so Enthusiastic about
OTBW?
(A) Appointments are more organized and time efficient. (B) Buyers
know how much they need and when they want it delivered. (C) Buyers are
not afraid to order in advance, and never have to cancel orders. (D)
With a good sell through (at full price), fewer markdowns, and no stale
stock, buyers will be back next year for more!
I am a Retail Consultant or a Corporate Buyer:
Automation will make your job easier and more time efficient.
Automation is the future and you should be on the leading edge for your
client shops. A 3-7% improvement in retail gross margins is a
significant achievement that you can provide. You can consult with, or
buy for multiple shops and (manage) every one of them remotely.
I am an Executive in a Retail Chain or Golf
Management Group
Management Companies should be the first to embrace new technology
which allows optimized inventory investment, margin improvements, plus
greater employee productivity and accountability.
What about our POS System?
OTBW is compatible with any POS system. End of Month reports are
used to update OTBW once per month. It takes about :06 minutes if done
manually or is automatic with an "Import Engine".
What Guarantee is There?
ONLY
YOU CAN GUARANTEE YOUR OWN RESULTS BY:
A. Creating a good plan
B. Following the plan
Your
shop is your responsibility and only you can make management decisions.
We offer an initial telephone walk through the program, during which we
show you how to fine-tune your plans to your satisfaction, followed by
unlimited no-cost support so if in doubt about how to use the
program, ask us. If you use OTBW as recommended, you will achieve:
1. Better stock to sales ratio
2. Higher Turn ratio
3.
Better inventory balance
4. Better Return on Investment
5.
No overstocking or understocking
6. Higher Gross margins
7.
Better Cash Flow
8. Less stale merchandise
9. Fewer
Markdowns
Improvements are a virtual certainty for even the best managed shops, because objectively computerizing optimum inventory for every classification every month in your shop can’t help but be more accurate.