The internet is having a strong impact on the way the equipment distribution industry conducts business, according to Associated Equipment Distributors, Inc.

Manufacturers can easily upgrade their websites to allow the centralising of dealer resources and to provide current resource information securely on the internet.

Some key advantages according to AED:
* Keep dealer information organised and up-to-date;
* Eliminate time on the phone or fax machine sending or getting dealer information;
* Cut costs for printing and shipping sales and marketing information for dealers; and
* Save valuable hours on a wide range of tasks, thanks to an easy-to-use, point-and-click interface.

Within an optimised system, dealers can log in and access a number of value-added content areas around the clock. In addition to being able to update their own dealer profile, they can also retrieve service publications, service alerts, sales programs, sales materials, company news or even file warranty registrations and claims or part inquiries.

AED Web Services offers a module-based, custom web application that can help companies organise information distribution to dealers. Modules can be fully customised to meet specific business needs. Many of the modules include an administration and maintenance section designed to be modified and maintained by you the user, giving you the control to keep your content fresh.

"We help you review your dealer resource needs to customise a solution for your business. Once your needs are identified, you choose which modules are appropriate for your dealer resource operation," says Rich Rosell, AED's manager of internet services. "When it is implemented resources will always be available to you and your dealers, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week."

For further information, give Rich a call at 800-388-0650 or send an email to rar@aednet.org or visit the AED Web Services homepage.