Pioneer-Standard Electronics Automates Compensation Programs

ZDI worked with a team at Pioneer on the construction and support of a compensation calculation system to replace many of the Excel worksheets employed throughout the company.

The new system allows the end user to configure which salespeople are to be included in the commissions calculations for what product lines.  Once the setup is complete, a batch process executes that analyzes millions of records of order detail data and automatically calculates commission amounts for each employee.  The system then exports calculations to payroll and other compensation reporting systems for further processing and review.

Pioneer-Standard Electronics Reduces Data Conversion Costs

When Pioneer-Standard Electronics was looking to move its proprietary EDI conversion programs to in-house systems, they contacted ZDI for assistance.  ZDI designed and developed a system that eliminates the custom programming required for each individual client.

The system was originally built to allow customers to order products via spreadsheets and text files.  Whenever a new customer was signed up with the system, a custom routine had to be constructed to convert their unique file format into a format readable by in-house mainframe systems.  Instead of mimicking this type of system, ZDI built an entirely new system that requires no custom programming.

Through a set of simple "wizard-like" screens, an end-user with no programming skills can describe the customer's file layout.  Positions of part numbers, quantity to order, quantity on hand, etc. are specified.  For more complex calculations, a simple if-then scripting system is built-in to the application.

The system monitors a special inbox on a local Microsoft Exchange server for incoming messages.  Attachment files containing the order information are automatically parsed and loaded into the main order fulfillment systems.