Kawasaki Improves Its Software Systems

Technology is taking the equipment by storm. From fleet management software to machine telematics software is giving more control and info to contractors and manufacturers alike. The latest in software development comes from the Engines and Power Products Div. of Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., which recently announced a distributor and dealer service-oriented change to its warehousing and distribution system, has indicated it will be relying on software from Baxter Planning Systems, Inc. to help manage the new process.

The software – Prophet — is a software-as-a-service solution to support Kawasaki’s parts, power products and engine distribution business. Kawasaki will use Prophet to forecast inventory purchases, determine warehouse stocking levels and initiate inventory replenishment and re-balancing of inventory between stocking locations.  The Baxter system will also automate the planning for Kawasaki’s large OEM and distributor customers by aggregating common part orders and facilitating drop-ship orders direct to suppliers.

“As we continue our sales growth, we’re constantly seeking new ways to improve our service levels to OEMs, distributors and dealers,” said Rodger Howe, Kawasaki’s Director of Operations. “The tools offered by Baxter Planning Systems will enhance our sales forecasting and optimize our stock planning. They will also simplify the task of dealing with demand spikes caused by seasonality.”

The implementation of this new software service coincides with Kawasaki’s  announcement that the company has engaged UPS to warehouse and ship all of its parts, power products and engines.  This approach, intended to accelerate the process of moving items through the system and ultimately delivering them more quickly to distributors and dealers, is being initiated this month. 

“Our ability to seamlessly integrate with Kawasaki’s systems and 3PL were key considerations in their decision to use Baxter,” said Greg Baxter, CEO and President of Baxter Planning Systems. “Prophet will provide operational efficiency and high service levels as Kawasaki continues their course of strong growth.”