ls UNIX right for all lumber & building material dealers?

uses the AT&T system. "lnstead of multiple computers, they're all sharing access, using the same one. There are some other operating systems which allow multiple users, but UNIX is becoming the defacto standard for virtually every hardware manufacturer. It's the direction the industy's headed in."

The system is also portable, can be transported across systems, and also features a multitude of other technological advantages, he says.

But the enormous capabilities of UNIX may not benefit everyone. "lf you're just a mom and pop shop which uses a computer for its basic accounting, UNIX might be a little much," says Eckely.

Kole Kinkade, director of marketing for Dimensions, Salt Lake City, Ut., which uses the rival SuperDOS system, likens computer hardware to tool boxes and operating systems to the tools inside. "The UNIX toolbox can be potentially mammoth in size because the jobs it may need to handle are not specific, " he says. "lnside are tools for every job ever thought offrom calculating the probability of cold fusion to running a country's defense system. Therefore, looking for the right tool takes a lot of time, and buying a toolbox big enough to carry all ofthose tools can be very expensive." Kinkade suggests a more industry-specific system.

Training can also be a factor. Cary Miles, Dimensions programming director, says training on their software and operating system takes about 32 hours. On the other hand, he says, "l know of a competent individual who took a 32-hour class on the UNIX system alone and came away with very little confidence about using the operating system."

Others consider speed a problem for UNIX not just in training but also in operation. "They're now touting

UNIX as the be all and end all of operating systems," says Tom Dwyer, president of Spruce Computer Systems, Latham, N.Y. "There's more to it. First, it's not that quick or fast, and you can't have people standing in lines at point-ofsales for a long time."

Foremost, he thinks that when selecting a computer system, the operating system should be a low priority consideration. "The decision shouldn't depend on the operating system," Dwyer says. "As long as the system as a whole does what you need it to do, it's a suitable operating system."

The computer company, he stresses, should be most heavily evaluated. You should find a stable firm offering good service and support and specialized in your industry.

UNIX users seem to be investing more for added security. "l would issue a caution," warns Eckely. "Look at where you'll be in three to five years. You must protect your software investment in money and time. A lot of training goes into introducing software. And if in three to five years you've outgrown Your system, if you don't have a way of bringing that software with you, you'll have lost everything. You'll have to go through that entire process again."

Perhaps enough of a consideration for you to look at the unseen.

Story ata Glance

UNIX operating system advantages : multi-user, multi-tasking, portable, unlimited capabilities ... disadvantages: may be slower, too difficult, time consuming to learn, not industry specific.

p ORGET the post ofTice. Never I mind personal messengers or Federal Express. Even fax machines may seem out of date. Soon lumber and building material retailers may be communicating with their customers, brokers, mills, suppliers and each other over their computers.

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) systems offer a standard link for computer-to-computer exchanges of business data. A large number of vendors and more and more dealers are discovering the paperwork-free benefits provided by EDI.

Tindell's Inc., Knoxville. Tn., is currently installing a state-of-the-art program with a number of communication capabilities. Tindell's has dealt with its current computer company since 1982, periodically upgrading the system over the years to keep its three stores and truss shop at the leading edge of technology. The company has grown to sales last year of $14.2 million.

Its latest software package, WGS from Dataline, has a wide variety of functions: word processing; document production; window capabilities, permitting multiple images on the screen simultaneously; time management, scheduling appointments and providing a desktop

Electronic Trade Show

Long before most building material retailers ever heard the term "EDI," co-op Central Builders Supplies Co. installed its A-Line communication system, the medium for its annual electronic buying show.

Most of the more than 500 members of the Sturgis, Mi., based buying group are hooked up to A-Line, receiving instant access to CBS headquarters, other dealers and other A-Line computers within their own companies.

And each year the system carries a late summer trade show in which dealers can sign up for new products and take advantage of special bargains.

This year's August 9-10 fourth annual show received the best response yet, up to 26010 more orders placed than last year.

A special feature this year was a further refining of the ordering process. The A-Line system is such that it can be continually upgraded without expensive additions. "lf you just keep adding components, it gets more and more cumbersome," explains CBS director of communications Cheryl Bolles. "And this way, dealers have the same access they had before to our mainframe."

Although A-Line offers a 24-hour hotline of communication, retailers can only order products over the computer once a year, during the electronic show. CBS is analyzing this show's results to see if it is yet feasible to incorporate electronic ordering on a daily basis.

CBS is constantly innovating to keep it one step ahead.

spread sheet generation; inventory budgeting, and electronic mail.

Electronic mail allows stores to send personal messages to each other over the computer lines. A signal alerts the receiving computer that mail has arrived. Spread sheets and other information can also be sent via the system.

Yet it will be some time before Tindell's is able to utilize all of the technology now at its fingertips. "We're up to our elbows in alligators with everything else," says vice president of purchasing & sales Gene McKinney. "ln the course of doing business, you can get into something like this only so fast." It takes time not only to train the staff, but also to integrate the new capabilities.

In its first month with the new software, Tindell's explored calendar, spread sheet and some communication functions. The Oak Ridge, Tn., store is already relying on the system to handle a huge new contract, furnishing building materials to a manufacturer of top secret government projects. The three-year contract with two one-year options will bring in about $2 million a year.

Story at a Glance

Electronic Data Interchange pro vides computer-to-computer communication between suppliers, retailers and customers

Tennessee retailer uses new system to exchange daily business data with accounts.

"Any heavy industry that uses a lot of materials, hardware, tools or whatever needs to be working on a just-in-time delivery system," explains McKinney. "They can't keep all that inventory on hand. They must be in league with someone who can guarantee they'll have exactly what they need when they need it."

The constant stream of quote requests, price lists, orders, invoices and billings requires the high degree of organization supplied by the new software. Tindell's and. in turn. their customers are instantly updated with news of new products and indexed catalogs.

The result: quicker, more accurate, less expensive communication.