Distributed Order Management
Business Just Got Better!
© Copyright, 2009 ThoughtSpeed™ eCommerce Ltd.
The 80:20 Rule
of Order Management
Most businesses process
orders using a combination of phone, fax, mail, email, EDI, or web ordering
mechanisms. Typically, 20% of customers are providing 80% of the value of all
orders. The remaining 80% of customers are taking up the majority of effort of
customer service or order desk for order capture, stock checks, exception
handling, etc. using traditional phone, fax or e-mail methods of ordering.
The Internet has provided a
new channel for leveling the effort and resolving this 80:20 problem with a
variety of ecommerce and distributed order management solutions such as
ThoughtSpeed's TS Link™. ECommerce solutions provide a single point of order
capture and flow. Distributed Order Management systems go beyond this to provide
collaboration between the supplier, their distribution partners and the
distributors customers in the complete order flow.
Order Entry
from Anywhere - Anytime with Internet Browser
ThoughtSpeed's TS Link™
facilitates collaboration among all parties in the distribution chain, providing
access through secure, self-service portals to improve order creation, accuracy
and fulfillment. There is no software to install - simply a web browser. The
system is designed to accommodate growth and expansion as new partners,
distributors and customers are added to the collaboration network.
TS Link™ automates the
interactions between your company, your distributors, partners and their
customers; driving order processing efficiency by creating a virtual
distribution network to complement other business channels.
TS Link™
Connects with WMS, IMS, OMS, and Financials - Real-Time!
All data is maintained in a
secure, centralized, online system, which is synchronized with internal systems
such as warehouse management, order management, enterprise resource management
and financial systems. Through web services, which utilize XML-based
communications, it is possible to maintain a real-time view of transaction
processing, allowing you to make better and timely decisions to maintain
efficient order processing and customer satisfaction.
Flexible and
Adaptable Configuration
Every business is different
- products are organized differently, pricing structures vary and the
distribution networks may combine both Wholesale and Dealer/Distributor
relationships. The system is designed to accommodate all of these variations.
Rapid ROI -
Software as a Service Model Eases Financial Pain!
TS Link™ significantly
reduces the total cost of ownership for extending the value through your
distribution chain. As a hosted, online system there is no hardware or software
to purchase and maintain. Creating and synchronizing web content using
ThoughtSpeed's product management tools and web services components allow for
rapid deployment and efficient maintenance of the system. A fee for service
subscription model rather than software licensing allows you to pay as you use
the system and budget for growth.
Improve
Customer Satisfaction with Self-Service
Distributors and their
customers have controlled access to the information needed for managing their
orders:
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Combined search, pick and order |
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Control of divisional and departmental spend | ||
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Allocate order expenses to cost centers | ||
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Manage multiple regular "stocking" orders through favorites lists | ||
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View of order history and generate ad-hoc reports | ||
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Select from multiple shipment methods | ||
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Real-time order and shipment tracking | ||
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Easily create return and refund transactions | ||
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Immediate access to Specials and Clearance events | ||
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Price management controls |
Web Services
For the technically minded,
ThoughtSpeed™ web-based solutions are built on a multi-tier architecture with
business functionality built within the database for efficiency and security,
while access control and management are distributed across other levels. Account
and transaction information is maintained separately to ensure security and
privacy.
Communication with other
systems is managed through a set of specialized web services that have been
developed to ensure easy integration with a variety of legacy environments.
Web service
functions available, include:
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Sales Order |
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Order Confirmation | ||
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Inventory Update | ||
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Price Update | ||
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Product Update | ||
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Account Update | ||
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Web Access Monitoring | ||
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Bi-directional Real-time EDI/XML Communication | ||
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WMS | ||
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ERP | ||
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Online Orders | ||
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Web Services |
"Rock-Solid"
Technology
Adaptability
to business needs and to established technology environments
Reliability and Stability
- load balancing, fault tolerance, resource management as well as checks and
balances for data accuracy
Low cost of use (ownership)
- web-enabled processes for conducting business
Ease of use
- intuitive interfaces and processes - the systems work the way people do
Flexibility
- embedded rules and customizable components
Scalability
- robust infrastructure and architecture
Speed
- even on dial-up connections response times are better than most systems
Catalog/Product
Configurator (Catalog Development Utility)
| ThoughtSpeed's
intuitive catalog "builder" allows you to import extracted product data
from external systems into Excel workbooks. This product information is
used to create Catalog hierarchies by Department, Category, Classes and
Groups. All key product information and content is available for administrative modification prior to uploading to the online server. Other important data such as; images, substitute products, associated documents, warranty, specifications and contract pricing by SKU, is available for addition and modification by the user. Once configured, the product information is exported to the online server using XML technology. |
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Click Here to request a Free Copy of ThoughtSpeed™'s Catalog/Product Configurator
