HD updates website, DSS system

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ — Keeping in step with the ever-changing Internet and computer technology, Hunter Douglas Window Fashions has unveiled its new website and the latest version of its Dealer Sales System (DSS) software.

Hunter Douglas, based here, unveiled the new, revamped site and software during the International Window Covering Expo held in New Orleans in March.

"Our new website and the latest version of the DSS software are designed to help our dealers get the most out of the latest technological advances," said John Kay, vp, Hunter Douglas. "The DSS and the website are proven and effective tools that have simplified and expedited business. Our latest additions and changes will continue to improve the way dealers do business."

Part of the newly designed HunterDouglas.com site is a extranet section for dealers, designers and installers. A how-to manual for retailers, which includes store design and information on the Windows to the World dealer incentive travel program, is featured as well as a window covering questionnaire that is designed to help consumers find the right Hunter Douglas product for them.

The latest version of the DSS features many changes designed to give dealers more control over the products carried, discounts and product margins. Hunter Douglas claims it captures all variables of the ordering process and cuts down order time from an average of 35 minutes to six minutes. The DSS also maintains a dealer database of customers and reports on unclosed quotes and their margin analysis.

The program originally debuted in 1998 to replace manually written orders and cut down on the number of errors and increasing customer satisfaction and dealer profitability.

"When we introduced the DSS we potentially abolished the archaic system of dealers manually filling out quotations and order forms for their customers by hand," said Kay. "We made electronics ordering a reality and will continue to update the process as advances in technology are available to us."