| | MARCH 201919CIOReviewThe beverage wholesale market is constantly evolving and seeking innovative technologies aimed to improve customer service and enhance capabilities. Breakthru Beverage Group (BBG) was formed in early 2016, through a merger between The Charmer Sunbelt Group and Wirtz Beverage Group. Initially, we faced the challenge of integrating two systems and streamlining operations. The merger created a company with more than $6 billion in annual sales that are driven by 7,000 associates across 15 markets in the U.S. and Canada. When considering the factors that impact our operations, two key areas stand out. The first is the acceleration of the digitization of Breakthru's operations. In our industry it is crucial that we are able to swiftly respond to customers' requests, while at the same time, providing our associates with the resources needed to deliver exceptional services to excel in their roles. Client relationships are built and maintained on our ability to swiftly meet and exceed their expectations. That is why we have placed such a high priority on our ability to digitize our business processes. We know we have to stay nimble and always be in a position to implement new processes, adjust existing ones and present a platform for our clients and associates that is up to date, fast and easy to use making us their preferred service provider. Coinciding with our ability to quickly adapt, is our focus on presenting our clients with a seamless user experience. At Breakthru, we want to ensure the programs we are using can communicate with those being used by our customers. Flaws, glitches and service interruptions slow down business in an industry that cannot afford to lag. This same expectation applies to our associates in the field. People on the sales side of the business need to be able to obtain real-time data at their fingertips to improve service and DIGITIZING BUSINESS PROCESSESBy Mike Kennedy, CIO, Breakthru Beverage GroupMike Kennedy
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