Distributor Increases Efficiency with Digital xKeypad

In 1962, Walling Distributing began distributing Anheuser-Busch beer with just three sales routes. Now, over 50 years later, they are stronger than ever. They are at the forefront of their industry, partly due to their early adoption of new technologies that help them deliver and sell on their routes. But they were running into a keypad issue with their most recent tablets, an issue that needed to be fixed.

Customer Challenge

Walling Distribution has been using tablets for years. In the early days of rugged tablets, each unit had a keypad attached to the exterior body of the tablet. As time went on, onscreen keyboards replaced the attached keypads.

“We need a big keypad because we take inventory and generate invoices at the time of the delivery,” says Jeff Johnson, Operations Manager/SEC at Walling Distribution. His delivery team was facing a difficult battle, having to switch between various ways to input numbers and data on the tablets. The keyboards either overtook the app being used, or just made it difficult by constantly flipping from one side of the screen to another.

MobileDemand Solution

With an external keyboard proving too large and cumbersome, Walling Distribution turned to MobileDemand for a solution; the xKeyPad, an app that simulates and expands upon a traditional keypad. Unlike most touch screen keyboards, the xKeyPad app snaps into place anywhere on the screen of the tablet, allowing the use of other apps in parallel, unhindered and fully viewable. xKeyPad function keys are programmable to fit the needs of every customer.

In addition, the xKeyPad has barcode-scanning capabilities using the existing camera in the tablet, further increasing productivity. Adding in the day or night viewing option for any work environment, along with monthly or annual subscription options makes xKeyPad a must-have for any Windows tablet.

Results

With xKeyPad, generating invoices and managing inventory has never been easier or more seamless for Walling Distribution. With the simplistic design, it was easy for Walling Distribution’s employees to adjust to the new tool, increasing their productivity, and reducing errors. The only complaint Johnson has is that he can’t purchase a longer subscription. “I don’t think there is anything that could be better,” Jeff says. “I could certainly see it being used in lots of different industries.”

Interested in learning more about rugged tablet solutions for beverage distribution? Contact us or call 319-363-4121, and we can help you find the right tool for the job.