The Netherlands: Nilsson & Lamm to explore new markets with IBS softwareNews & Events 2003-01-10 Nilsson & Lamm, the largest foreign wholesaler of books, travel guides, maps and electronic media in the Netherlands, has chosen IBS' ASW as its new supply chain management solution. Implementing ASW is part of Nilsson & Lamm's strategy to fully prepare itself to address new markets in the second half of 2003.
Nilsson & Lamm is the largest importer and exporter of foreign books, maps, travel guides and electronic media in the Netherlands and currently represents more than 500 publishers. Annually, over one million publications from England, Germany, France, and the United States among other countries, find their way via Nilsson & Lamm to readers in the Netherlands, Belgium and various other European countries.
The growing need for detailed management information roused Nilsson & Lamm hunger for a new ICT solution. "In this fast moving market, where publishers tend to become more large-scale and professional and the independent bookstore is merging into a chain store, we have to show our added value on a daily basis. Therefore we need to put the focus on our best customers. In order to do so, one has to know where the profit is made, which. This is not possible with our current application. With ASW it is,” says Martin Brouwer, Managing Director of Nilsson & Lamm. “Besides that, we have a broad and specialised assortment and we need to be able to identify unnecessary complexity. ASW enables us to scrutinise our supply, eliminate its complexity and concentrate on new markets."
Nilsson & Lamm will use ASW software as a complete central solution for distribution and logistics, inventory management, purchasing, sales and procurement, CRM and business intelligence. “We want to explore the B2B market and are planning to hit the Belgian market in the second half of 2003. That exacts a high technical standard to our application”, says Brouwer. “We did not want any tailor-made software application. We chose ASW as it is a standard solution to which our current FIS2000 can be integrated. It is a great feeling to know that in six months, we will only have to insert our data once.”
“The reason for choosing IBS Consist, IBS’ Dutch subsidiary, is continuity”, says Brouwer. “Of course, IBS’ worldwide coverage and its large client base definitely helped, but in the end it all revolves round the human factor. We will all be colleagues for the next six months and that gives me a good feeling.” IBS Consist’s Managing Director Jan Oord adds: “In the end, the most important aspect of an agreement is a good human fit between the two parties. It is wonderful that another market leader has chosen our supply chain management solution.”
About Nilsson & Lamm
Annually, over one million publications from England, Germany, France, and the United States among other countries, find their way via Nilsson & Lamm to readers in the Netherlands, Belgium and various other European countries. The centre of the Nilsson & Lamm activities is its office and warehouse in Weesp. Each day, over five thousand books, guides etc. are handled here, to be shipped off to hundreds of clients both at home and abroad.
Nilsson & Lamm deals with manufacturers and publishing companies, for whom it often acts as an exclusive representative. Other business partners include booksellers, department stores, libraries, museum shops, tourist organisations etc. The office in Weesp is, therefore, more than just an advanced distribution and shipping centre. It is most of all a focal point of information on developments and activities in the foreign book markets.
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