In the fast-paced world of convenience distribution, staying competitive means keeping up with the latest tech advancements that boost efficiency and elevate service quality. At CDR Software, we’re all about helping you stay ahead of the curve. That’s why we’re excited to share our involvement in the Common Americas Advisory Council (CAAC). This group isn’t just about keeping up with changes—it’s about leading them, ensuring that new developments on the IBM i platform align perfectly with what matters most to you.
What Exactly is the Common Americas Advisory Council (CAAC)?
Think of the Common Americas Advisory Council (CAAC) as a team of industry insiders—leaders, tech experts, and innovators—who work closely with IBM to shape the future of the IBM i platform. Their mission? To provide valuable feedback and guidance on product strategies and priorities, making sure this robust platform evolves in ways that benefit all its users, especially those in industries like convenience distribution.
Why Should You Care About CAAC?
For convenience distributors, the CAAC’s work is a game-changer. It means the IBM i platform continues to adapt to your unique needs, tackling challenges like inventory management, supply chain visibility, and regulatory compliance. With CDR Software playing a key role in this council, you can be confident that your voice is heard loud and clear at the top.
Engaging with the IBM i Community at the CAAC Face-to-Face Meetup
As part of our commitment to shaping the IBM i platform for the convenience distribution industry, CDR Software is excited to announce that we will be sending a representative to the next Common Americas Advisory Council (CAAC) meeting. This face-to-face meetup will take place at IBM Rochester, Minnesota, from November 19 to November 20. This event will bring together members of the COMMON community, including industry experts, solution providers, and thought leaders, providing a unique opportunity to discuss and influence the future direction of IBM i.
By attending this meetup, we continue to actively participate in discussions that drive innovation and ensure that the platform evolves in ways that benefit our customers. We’re looking forward to collaborating with other leaders in the field and bringing back valuable insights to further enhance our solutions for convenience distributors.
IBM i and Its Role in Convenience Distribution
So, what’s the big deal about IBM i? IBM i is a secure, scalable powerhouse that many distribution companies rely on to run their operations smoothly. At CDR Software, our DAC ERP system is built on this very platform, providing a comprehensive toolkit designed specifically for the demands of medium to large distributors. And thanks to our active role in CAAC, we’re not just users—we’re influencers, helping to ensure that IBM i evolves to meet the ever-changing needs of our industry.
How CDR Software is Shaping the Future
Here at CDR Software, we don’t just watch technological changes unfold—we’re in the thick of it, helping to shape the future. Our seat on the CAAC gives us a direct line to IBM’s development teams. This means we can push for features that matter most to you, like better inventory management, clearer supply chain visibility, and seamless regulatory compliance.
As highlighted by a CAAC member in a recent article, “Being a CAAC member not only gives you a firsthand look into what IBM has in store for future releases of the IBM i operating system but also allows you to influence the direction of the platform directly with IBM.”
This direct involvement ensures that our solutions are not just keeping up with industry standards but setting them. We’re here to advocate for your needs and ensure the IBM i platform continues to evolve in ways that benefit your business.
Related: How to Choose the Right ERP Vendor for Your Distribution Business
What This Means for You
Our involvement in CAAC isn’t just about staying ahead of the curve—it’s about making sure you do, too. Here’s how this benefits you:
- Stay on the Cutting Edge: With early access to the latest IBM i advancements, seamlessly integrated into our solutions, you’re always ahead of the game. Imagine quickly adopting a new feature that streamlines your warehouse operations or reduces overhead costs. That’s the kind of agility we strive to provide.
- Solutions Tailored to You: By advocating for features that directly address your challenges—like enhanced inventory tracking or automated compliance checks—we ensure that every update to the IBM i platform reflects the specific needs of convenience distributors. For example, one of our customers recently noted a significant drop in inventory errors after implementing an IBM i update we pushed for.
- Rock-Solid Security and Reliability: In today’s digital landscape, data security isn’t just important—it’s essential. With our involvement in CAAC, we’re at the forefront of discussions on enhancing IBM i’s security measures, so you can trust that your sensitive data remains protected, and your operations run smoothly.
- Ongoing Support and Guidance: We don’t just provide software; we offer partnership. Our proactive approach means you’re never left in the dark—we’re here to help you navigate updates and make the most of new features. Our customer service team, always equipped with the latest insights from CAAC meetings, ensures you’re fully supported every step of the way.
Looking Ahead Together
The convenience distribution landscape is always shifting, and staying ahead is key. With trends like real-time data analytics becoming more crucial and cybersecurity threats on the rise, our active participation in CAAC ensures we’re not just prepared for what’s next—we’re helping shape it. Imagine a future where your supply chain is entirely visible in real-time, or where AI-driven insights help you optimize stock levels dynamically. These aren’t just dreams—they’re the realities we’re working towards.
Conclusion
Our seat at the CAAC table means we’re always looking out for you, ensuring that the IBM i platform evolves to meet your needs. When you partner with CDR Software, you’re not just getting software—you’re gaining a dedicated team focused on your success.
Not a CDR customer yet? We invite you to reach out and learn more about how our advanced systems and solutions can help your business thrive. To stay connected and find out where you can meet us in person, check out our events calendar for upcoming industry events and meetups. Together, let’s shape the future of convenience distribution!
For more information about the CAAC, you can visit COMMON Americas Advisory Council – Common.
