Activant Solutions Inc., a technology provider of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software for distributors and specialty retailers, introduces Activant AutoOrder™, a solution for inbound order processing. The Activant AutoOrder module solves the problem of dual entry (i.e., an order manually entered in one system that is subsequently re-keyed in another system) for manufacturing and distribution companies, automatically mapping any computer-generated purchase order into any electronic format.
By allowing distributors to better serve customers who do not have the resources to implement electronic data interchange (EDI), the Activant AutoOrder solution fills a gap among current EDI, self-serve Web order entry, and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) solutions. It does not require any process changes, specialized IT infrastructure, expertise or support on the part of the distributor or the customer.
In addition to enhancing customer service, the elimination of dual data entry helps to yield high data accuracy and improved productivity. "As an add-on module to our ERP solutions, Activant AutoOrder seamlessly imports the order data from print drivers, faxes, or e-mailed orders into Activant Eclipse™, Prophet 21® or Prelude® systems. As a result, we expect that distributors will experience cost savings, reduced A/R, and fewer entry errors," said Kevin Roach, executive vice president and general manager of Activant’s Wholesale Distribution Division. “Fully automated order entry leads to faster order cycle time, and greater customer satisfaction and loyalty.”
According to beta customer Michael Prepelica, director of information technology at Revere Electric Supply Company in Chicago, “The Activant AutoOrder module is ideal for our customers where we have their pricing set up in our system for everything they order and/or where they order a common bucket of products. By having a system that can automatically handle the repetitive orders, we can free up a body and have that person focus on the more intensive orders…and better serve our other customers that need extra hand-holding. We got out of the Activant AutoOrder module what we were hoping to get out of it…to streamline the order processing of our high value customers that send us the same orders over and over.”
Jeff Morris, manager of IT at National Marker, North Smithfield, R.I., another Activant AutoOrder beta site, commented, “It’s important to note that our customer isn’t doing anything differently when we use the module. Eliminating order entry costs and errors is extremely valuable, even more so when the customer doesn’t have to change anything on their end. With the Activant AutoOrder module up and running, the overall process is saving us money every day.”
For information about Activant and its products and services, visit distribution.activant.com, e-mail distribution@activant.com, or call 1.800.776.7438, press 1. For information about this particular product offering, Activant customers should contact Activant Direct Sales at 1.800.776.7438, press 2, or e-mail insidesales@activant.com.
