ROSEMONT, IL (December 20, 2012)—Reinhart Foodservice has completely redesigned and retooled their TRACS® Direct online ordering system. Full implementation is planned for February 2013.
The system’s capabilities are comprehensive, including product order entry and tracking, recipe management, robust reporting and instant analysis of purchase history, all linked to a fully integrated Reinhart database.
“It is a next generation tool specifically designed to help customers more efficiently manage operations and budgeting,” said Mark Forbes, Reinhart Vice President of Information Technology. “The ability to handle orders, inventory and food costs quickly and easily online is of enormous value to every size and type of foodservice operator, allowing them to focus on what’s most critical in today’s competitive marketplace—improving their business.”
The retooling began last year, with a goal of redesigning the entire system, which was initially created in 2003. “Everything was fair game, no function remained the same if there was a better way to do it,” said Paul Vermeulen, Reinhart Corporate Director of Business Application Development. “We solicited customer feedback throughout the process to ensure TRACS Direct provides exactly what they need, in an easy-to-use format.”
Testing of the system with customers in LaCrosse, Wisconsin this fall elicited positive feedback from foodservice operators.
The simple design is built to be user-friendly, including:
- Spelled out product descriptions and brand identities.
- Clear, concise messages, such as “find similar items,” that anticipate and fulfill customer needs.
- Next to every product is an ‘Actions’ button to enable customers to view purchase history, add an item to their order guide, view manufacturer information, number of servings and cost per serving. Additional information, including nutritionals, can be easily viewed with an additional click.
- Customers can email, phone or live chat with customer service representatives who can answer their questions. A comprehensive list of FAQs with well-illustrated solutions will also be easily accessible.
“These features give us a more direct way to communicate new information quickly to our customers, increasing the ultimate functionality of TRACS Direct,” says Vermeulen.
Beta testing has begun; training webinars are scheduled for January before the system rollout is complete in February 2013. Click here to see the system in use.
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