How does channel data and reporting improve business decision-making?

Centralized channel data and reporting provide real-time visibility into partner performance, sales activity, and program results. This allows leadership teams to make faster, more informed strategic decisions.

Customer Success Stories: How Companies Modernize Channel Management with CMR

Q: How does a partner portal improve collaboration with distributors and resellers?

A partner portal provides a centralized platform where distributors, resellers, and internal teams can access tools, submit information, view reports, and collaborate. This improves transparency and enables companies to manage their channel relationships more efficiently.

Q: Can channel management platforms integrate with existing business systems?

Yes. Modern channel management platforms integrate with ERP systems, CRM platforms, and other enterprise tools to ensure data flows seamlessly between systems and eliminates manual reporting processes.

Q: Why do companies replace legacy systems with modern channel management software?

Legacy systems and spreadsheets often cannot scale with modern partner ecosystems. Modern channel management software provides automation, improved analytics, and better collaboration tools to support long-term channel growth.

Implementing new channel management technology can be a major decision for manufacturers and distributors. From managing co-op and MDF programs to tracking partner sales data and maintaining modern partner portals, organizations need solutions that simplify operations while supporting long-term growth. These customer testimonials highlight how companies across multiple industries have partnered with Computer Market Research to modernize their channel management processes and replace outdated manual systems.

In the videos below, leaders from Standard Electric, CyberPower Systems, and Congoleum share their real experiences working with CMR. They discuss the challenges they faced—from spreadsheet-driven co-op management and aging internal systems to legacy AS400 infrastructure—and how implementing CMR’s solutions helped streamline reporting, improve analytics, and create more efficient channel operations. These stories provide firsthand insight into how organizations are transforming partner program management, data visibility, and overall channel performance.

Testimonial: Electrical Supply Distributor

“I reached out to Del at CMR because I needed to find a better way to manage co-op.”

Standard Electric Supply Company partnered with Computer Market Research to modernize its co-op and MDF management process, which had previously relied on spreadsheets and time-consuming, manual administrative work. Director of Marketing Joanne Moss explains how the company needed a more efficient way to track claims, manage invoices, and streamline channel marketing programs. By implementing CMR’s co-op management tools within PartnerPortal, Standard Electric was able to reduce manual workload while improving visibility and reporting across its partner network. The result was a more efficient, scalable system.

Testimonial: Power Protection Manufacturer

“It’s nice not having to worry about it.”

When CyberPower Systems’ internally built reporting system reached the end of its lifecycle, the company needed a modern solution that could support its growing channel operations. In this interview, Heather Shafland explains how Computer Market Research provided a scalable platform and dedicated support team to help replace an outdated internal system. With improved reporting automation, structured communication, and responsive project management, CyberPower gained greater confidence in its channel data and partner reporting. The CMR platform now provides reliable reporting infrastructure that grows alongside CyberPower’s expanding distribution network.

Testimonial: Flooring Manufacturer

“CMR is fantastic to work with—they actually listen to their customers.”

Congoleum partnered with Computer Market Research to modernize its technology infrastructure and replace a decades-old AS400 system that had become difficult to maintain. In this interview, VP of IT Dave Cooper discusses how CMR implemented an integrated suite including partner portal, POS reporting, and channel management tools. The transition enabled Congoleum to reduce reliance on internal programming resources while unlocking more granular analytics and reporting capabilities. By migrating to a modern channel management platform, Congoleum improved efficiency and positioned itself to respond more quickly to evolving customer and partner needs.

Testimonial: Global IoT Technology Manufacturer

“The team is highly responsive, very customer-focused, and consistently goes the extra mile.”

Lantronix partnered with Computer Market Research to streamline its deal registration process and launch a partner learning platform designed to support channel growth. Previously, deal opportunities were submitted through a manual web form and then re-entered into Salesforce by the internal sales team. In this interview, Global Channel Marketing Manager Kari Mertz explains how CMR implemented a DealReg portal that allows partners to submit opportunities directly while automatically syncing the data into Salesforce. The solution eliminated duplicate data entry and improved visibility into deal opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is channel management software and how does it help manufacturers and distributors?

Channel management software helps manufacturers and distributors manage their entire partner ecosystem from a centralized platform. Instead of relying on spreadsheets, disconnected tools, or manual reporting, companies can automate workflows, track partner performance, and manage program activity in real time. Solutions like Computer Market Research’s PartnerPortal bring together partner data, sales reporting, program management, and analytics into one system. This improves visibility across the channel while helping organizations operate more efficiently and scale their partner programs as they grow.

How does a partner portal improve collaboration with distributors and resellers?

A modern partner portal provides a single location where distributors, resellers, and internal teams can access the tools and information they need to succeed. Partners can submit data, access reports, view program activity, and stay aligned with company initiatives without relying on email chains or manual updates. This improves transparency across the channel while strengthening relationships with partners. By giving everyone access to real-time information, companies can respond faster, make better decisions, and create a more collaborative partner ecosystem.

Can channel management platforms integrate with existing business systems?

Yes. Modern channel management platforms are designed to integrate with ERP systems, CRM platforms, and other enterprise technologies. This ensures that partner data, sales reporting, and program activity can flow between systems without requiring manual data entry. Integration helps eliminate data silos and provides a more accurate view of channel performance across the entire organization. For companies replacing legacy systems or spreadsheets, this connectivity is often one of the biggest drivers of efficiency and long-term scalability.

Is it difficult to implement a partner portal or channel management platform?

Implementation is typically much easier than companies expect, especially when working with a provider experienced in channel ecosystems. Solutions like Computer Market Research are designed to adapt to existing business processes while gradually modernizing workflows. Dedicated project teams help guide configuration, onboarding, and integration to ensure a smooth rollout. Many organizations are able to replace outdated systems and begin realizing operational benefits far faster than they anticipated.

Why do companies replace legacy systems with modern channel management software?

Many manufacturers and distributors still rely on legacy systems, internally built tools, or manual processes that were never designed to scale with modern channel operations. Over time, these systems become difficult to maintain, limit reporting visibility, and require significant manual effort. Modern channel management platforms provide automation, improved analytics, and easier collaboration with partners. By upgrading to modern solutions, organizations can improve efficiency, reduce operational complexity, and support long-term channel growth.