The equipment rental business is profiting from the growing economy and construction output. As the rental market grows, rental companies face a number of challenges, such as lower margins. Many rental companies are also finding it increasingly difficult to find high-quality employees and as the demand for materials grows, supplier delivery times and construction company schedules can form obstacles. How can you stay in control of these challenges and remain ahead of the competition?

Rental companies have always looked to differentiate themselves with large product ranges, smart pricing and fast delivery times. However, leaders in the rental market stay ahead by using the Internet of Things (IoT) and excel at smart new services such as remote monitoring and usage of assets through a customer portal. Instead of renting based on contracts, more and more companies are using advanced analytics software to predict usage patterns which lets them able to bill based on actual use.

 

What Microsoft Dynamics can bring you

 

Manufacturing

Cutting Machine With SparksIn the world of manufacturing, a matrix of product variants, versions, changing specifications and time-to-market can put a lot of pressure on your business. Manufacturers also have to deal with global competition.

Where manufacturers of machinery and equipment traditionally focused on complete customer-specific development, modern industrial companies offer complete lifecycle support with a full-service approach. In addition to design, configuration and installation and repair services, more and more production companies add preventive maintenance and rental service too.

Retail

Retail Cloud GraphicsToday’s consumer’s shop when and where it’s most convenient. Using new devices like tablet computers and smartphones, they extend “store hours” to 24/7. They share their experiences via Twitter, Facebook, and other social networking sites, extensively browse product websites, and check online customer reviews when deciding what to buy.

Brand loyalty now comes with a much greater expectation… the complete shopping experience. Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Retail provides customer engagement capabilities that include store operations, channel management, order management, marketing and care, business intelligence and more back-office capabilities like procurement and financial support.

Distribution

Warehouse with boxes on shelvesThe wholesale distribution market is dynamic and challenging. Today’s wholesale organizations need to transform themselves from traditional trading companies into information and service-oriented distribution businesses.

Customers are demanding lower prices, shorter delivery times and tailored systems and services with accurate, real-time information. They want to collaborate and communicate efficiently with their partners in the value chain. But even as wholesalers and distributors work to meet these increasingly complex customer demands, they also face the challenges of rising transport costs and margin pressure in an increasingly international business world.

Service

Oil RefinearyIt is vital for project and service-driven organizations to keep tight control over their costs. To achieve this, they need real-time insight into the progress of a project, its budget consumption and the resources it uses.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 integrates all relevant processes within the organization, including finance, project control, purchasing, human resources and customer relationship management as well as billable hours and budget administration. All information is immediately available, enabling you to carry out detailed analyses and adjustments that ensure business agility.