Harker's Distribution Selects Software Alternatives to Provide Mobile Delivery Application
Web Posted Feb 11 2006
Sioux Falls, SD - Harker's Distribution, Inc is the largest independent "center of the plate" specialty foodservice distributor in the US, serving over 22,000 customers in 14 states. Harker's operates three manufacturing facilities which produce its "Signature of Iowa" Steaks. Through an integrated route sales and distribution system, Harker's reaches restaurants, schools, hospitals, and other customers throughout the Midwest.
To enhance customer responsiveness, Harker's engaged Software Alternatives to develop a mobile delivery software application to integrate with the custom IBM iSeries/400 enterprise software used throughout Harker's organization. Software Alternatives is a business solutions integrator that specializes in distribution, manufacturing, equipment rental, service, and e-commerce industries. Part of Software Alternatives' philosophy is a belief that an enterprise software solution should be a tool that fits into a customer's business versus modifying the business to fit around a solution.
With that philosophy in mind, Software Alternatives worked to define requirements and help compare hardware vendors, listening to the customer's concerns and working closely with hardware vendors to make sure the solution on the table was right for the customer.
Once the decision was made to go with Intermec 740 Mobile Computers, Software Alternatives began developing the mobile delivery application and working with the IT staff at Harker's to refine the requirements and bring the application to life. Built on the Microsoft .NET Compact Framework, XML Web Services and Microsoft SQL Server CE, the application grew to cover all functions necessary for route drivers needed to provide effective customer service.
The final solution, RouteSafari, was developed for deployment on over 100 of Harker's delivery trucks throughout the midwest. It is a fully featured Direct Store Delivery & Route Accounting application developed and marketed by Software Alternatives.
Harker's Distribution website can be found at http://www.harkers.com
About Software Alternatives
As an IBM Business Partner, Software Alternatives, Inc. provides IBM iSeries products and services for the industrial sector. A private corporation founded in 1985 and headquartered in Sioux Falls, SD, the Company has provided a wide range of integrated business solutions for the distribution, manufacturing, equipment rental, service, and e-commerce industries.