News

A&W partners with franchise management provider

August 8, 2013

A&W Restaurants Inc. has entered into a partnership with FranConnect, a provider of franchise management systems to improve its productivity and system proficiency.

FranConnect's solutions include data collections, information analysis, invoicing and franchise management. A&W will leverage the partnership to manage financial data collections for operator efficiency, as well as future growth and development.

"Working with a leader in the industry that possesses such a deep understanding of franchising has helped us educate ourselves further about data reporting, sales numbers and ultimate efficiency to better our systems," said Paul Martino, chief operating officer of A&W Restaurants. "Our previous databases did not afford us the same opportunities we have now with FranConnect, and we have seen the success and benefits first-hand of this growing and long-term partnership."

With nearly 500 brands in its business portfolio, FranConnect supports franchisors in all areas of operations with a 12-module solution that includes Captivate. Captivate features a franchise sales management system; franchisee onboarding; franchise information management; franchisee performance improvement; financial data collection; royalty management; FranBuzz (a franchisee social network); franchisee communication; online training; a help desk and support for timely management of franchisee issues; and also Zcubator (an integrated franchisee marketing system).

"By highlighting a brand's specific needs, we can develop a well-rounded plan of action. To improve data systems and maximize internal efficacy, we have set up the systems and finance module for A&W with future plans of utilizing developmental strategies for added progression," said Keith Gerson, FranConnect's president of Global Operations.

According to a news release, FranConnect will help A&W increase unit performance through benchmarking, key-performance indicators (KPIs) and sales reporting. Its integrated suite of software applications will allow A&W to report on data with sales in the current system as well as develop strategies for continued growth. Data is readily available and coupled with resources such as real-time updates and currency conversions for A&W's 1,110 U.S. and international locations.

"Understanding and reporting of sales in real-time has been a fantastic addition to our business practices, and we intend to integrate more of their expertise in marketing and training tools for greater achievement in a highly modernized business landscape," Martino said.

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