In 1983, Quaker Oats purchased Gatorade, transforming it from a multi-million dollar business into a multi-billion dollar business. Fast forward a decade & Quaker decided that another drink manufacturer was primed for the same growth. This time, Quaker eyed a takeover of Snapple, a popular fruit beverage. After paying a large ransom for the Snapple business, Quaker did not see the returns it had forecast. The Snapple brand fizzled as Quaker resources were washed down the drain. Eventually, the Snapple brand was sold at a $1.4 billion loss to Quaker.
What went right with Gatorade that went so wrong with Snapple?
The measurement tools that Quaker used to evaluate Gatorade were both accurate & appropriate. However, in the decade that past, these same evaluation tools were not updated. Quaker applied the same methods & metrics to the Snapple brand that they did to the Gatorade brand. However, in the decade that had passed, these tools were no longer the most appropriate.
Evaluation mechanisms are constantly being updated. What works today might leave you behind tomorrow. Quaker found this out first hand. If companies want to continue to thrive, they must be constantly tweaking & evaluating the tools they use to evaluate their business.
Microsoft Dynamics GP leverages ever evolving Microsoft technologies in order to provide the best reporting options possible. Users can access reports in many different formats. Business Alerts can send automated emails to any staf member when exception criteria are met or at specific intervals. Emails can be configured to include attachments, including lists of applicable information. Users can have similar automated Reminders open on their screens when specified criteria have been met. This allows for fast & automated management by exception.
