Case study featuring how SWK Technologies helped to optimize the tecnhology infastructure of Argon, Inc,.

1. Customer
Profile
Technology Investment Pays Off
Client Information: Agron, Inc. Stays Ahead of the Game with the Strategic Use of Technology.
Agron, Inc. As the sole U.S. licensee for Adidas and Body
Glove accessories, Agron, Inc. runs a busy ware-
Headquarters: house operation. Charged with the design, mar-
Los Angeles, CA keting, and distribution of branded clothing
Industry: and accessories, the company has enjoyed steady
and significant growth over the years. It is an
Apparel and Accessory
industry where retailer requirements, including
Distribution labeling directives, EDI mandates, and penalties
Software Solutions: for missed or incorrect shipments threaten to
overwhelm many distributors. How does Agron
Sage MAS 200 ERP
ensure that its business continues to grow and
MAPADOC EDI flourish in a marketplace defined by tight mar-
Color and Size Matrix gins and increasing regulation? Years ago, Agron
Accellos WMS made the strategic decision to invest in its tech- Agron must have adequate stock and be equipped
nology infrastructure. It’s a decision that’s been to respond quickly.
paying dividends ever since. Investing In Technology
SWK Technologies, Inc. is the business soft- To meet the increased demands, Agron could
ware consulting firm Agron engaged to assist have hired additional staff to keep up with order
“SWK plays a key with its specialized technology integration re- entry and shipping operations or invest in the
quirements. company’s accounting and warehouse manage-
role in developing our Changing Retail Landscape ment technology to streamline and automate
technology strategy In the eighteen-plus years the company has been many of the tasks. “Ramping up staff to perform
in business the retail marketplace has changed order entry tasks just doesn’t make sense to us,”
to meet industry dramatically. Within the changing retail land- explains Alan Gomperts, controller for Agron.
demands. We could scape, manufacturers and distributors like Agron “We believe in using technology wherever pos-
must meet strict labeling, packing, shipping, and sible to handle routine tasks.”
not perform at this invoicing protocols. Retailers increasingly de- Electronic Communication
level without the mand more from their suppliers. Where previ- One of the first, and the most important, tech-
ously, Agron might ship a large order to a retailer’s nology tools Agron invested in was Electronic
technology that SWK distribution center, now it must pack and ship di- Data Interchange (EDI). SWK is the publisher
has helped us to rectly to hundreds of individual store locations.
One late order may mean hundreds of thousands
of MAPADOC, a powerful and easy-to-use EDI
tool that integrates with Sage MAS 90 ERP and
implement.” in lost revenue dollars and charge backs. As weekly Sage MAS 200 ERP.
stocking orders pour in from its retail customers,
© Copyright 2008 SWK Technologies, Inc.

2. About SWK
SWK Technologies, Inc. is a unique
IT consulting company providing Using MAPADOC, customers’ incoming or- customer orders without overstocking. Agron
strategies and solutions to meet its ders are processed, acknowledgements sent, is able to process an enormous order volume
clients’ information and business advanced shipping notices generated, and in- quickly and accurately. Its customers receive
voices delivered automatically. the goods they ordered on time and with the
management needs.
In a typical month, the company ships proper labeling and acknowledgement.
As a Sage Software Select Part- millions of units. A single order from some Addressing New Challenges
ner, SWK Technologies offers best retailers may result in 3,000 individual orders Agron recently secured a new contract with Body
for shipment to individual store locations. In Glove to distribute clothing items, and found it-
of breed solutions for accounting
the past, processing and shipping such a large self facing a new challenge. The color and size
and business management, human order could have taken close to a week. Now matrix necessary to enter clothing was not sup-
resources and payroll, customer Agron is able to pick, pack, and ship orders of ported by Sage MAS 200. Agron turned again
relationship management (CRM), that size in a single day. to one of its trusted technology advisors, SWK
With the threat of large charge-backs for Technologies. SWK implemented its Color and
job management, and warehouse
late or incorrect shipments, Agron relies on its Size Matrix enhancement for Sage MAS 90 and
management. EDI technology to ensure it plays by customers’ Sage MAS 200, which speeds data entry tasks
Specializing in collaborative com- rules. “We consistently receive A ratings from and ensures accurate inventory control.
Kohls and JCPenney,” notes Gomperts. “Very Strategic Decision Pays Off
merce — the communication and
few suppliers are able to perform to that level.” Its business philosophy of leveraging avail-
cooperation between suppliers and Warehouse Automation Speeds ROI able technology continues to pay dividends
customers, SWK Technologies is the Agron invested in Accellos WMS, a best-of- for Agron. “As a result of the efficiency gained
publisher of MAPADOC, an embed- breed warehouse management solution with through our technology investments, we have
robust capabilities and a scalable, flexible ar- effectively decreased our staff while at the same
ded EDI solution for Sage MAS 90,
chitecture. SWK developed an integration be- time we have added customers and enjoyed a
Sage MAS 200, and Sage MAS 500. tween Accellos WMS and Sage MAS 200 that considerable increase in sales,” says Gomperts.
MAPADOC EDI is used successfully keeps the two systems in perfect sync. A radio- “SWK plays a key role in developing our
frequency network with handheld barcode technology strategy to meet industry demands,”
by companies in dozens of indus-
scanners ensures wireless access throughout Gomperts concludes. “We are able to service
tries trading with hundreds of dif- the warehouse. our marketplace, meet our retailers’ expecta-
ferent trading partners. Its integrated inventory control, warehouse tions, and remain competitive. We could not
management, EDI, and accounting system give perform at this level without the technology
Agron the control it needs. The company can that SWK has helped us to implement.”
efficiently manage its inventory levels, to en-
sure that it has adequate stock on hand to fill
SWK Technologies, Inc.
5 Regent Street, Suite 520
Livingston, NJ 07039
(973) 758-6117
(973) 758-6120 Fax
www.swktech.com
“We empower our clients and partners with knowledge, solutions, and tools for success.”
© Copyright 2008 SWK Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The capabilities, system requirements and/or compatibility with third-party products described herein are subject to change without notice.
Sage Software, the Sage Software logos, and the Sage Software product and service names mentioned herein are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sage Software, Inc., or its affiliated entities. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. Printed in
the U.S.A