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Frequently asked questions
The list below will answer the most commonly asked questions regarding our systems and their implementation. Should you have a particular question please telephone us and we will be happy to answer your query.
Do your solutions use the most modern technologies?
Yes, our office based systems are SQL databases running under Microsoft Windows and XP and the handheld solution runs under Microsoft PocketPC and Microsoft WinCE.
Will your systems work with our accounting package?
Yes, our systems are designed to integrate with accounting and ERP systems. Standard integration tools are provided and, in the case of some of the most widely used accounting packages, 'off the shelf' integrations are available.
How many people can access the office system simultaneously?
The office databases are multi-user systems with no limit to the number of simultaneous users.
What is the maximum number of handheld devices?
There is no limit to the number of handheld devices and the largest implementation so far supports over 1,000 drivers daily.
Will the systems support a mix of direct delivery and van sales?
Yes. As well as sales representatives who take orders for future delivery.
Do the systems track stock?
Yes, there is full stock tracking and accountability both on the vehicles and at the warehouse stock locations.
Our sales people and drivers collect cash and payments, will the systems handle this?
Yes, with full cash and payment accountability, plus the ability to make bank deposits on route.
Is there a reconciliation process on the handheld for cash and stock?
The day end process reconciles the entire day’s work, including all transactions, stock and cash/payment balances.
We charge deposits for some items, do your systems support deposits and deposit refunds?
Yes, we also manage the VAT and sales tax on the deposits.
Will the systems manage unattended uploads and downloads to and from the handhelds?
Yes, the comms server supports up/downloads from 100’s of handhelds without user intervention.
We run a telesales operation - do your systems support this?
Yes, the telesales order processing modules provide customer call lists, previous buying history, special offer details, stock availability, customer delivery days and routes, etc.
What level of support do you provide?
Our standard hours of support are normal UK and Eire business hours. However, we can provide support 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year if required. This service is provided in conjunction with our software partners.
Do your systems provide management reports?
We provided a comprehensive set of standard reports on sales, by product, route, sales person, customer, date, plus margin and profit analysis, invoice journals and many, many more reports. And it is also easy for you to create reports to your own design and format.
Can you provide KPI reports?
Yes, we provide a set of tabular and graphical performance reports which allow you to monitor performance at every level of your business. These are based on exception reporting so that you can quickly focus on deviations from rules, averages, SLA's, distribution gaps, etc.
Can you provide Alerts so that we are immediately aware of business exceptions?
Yes, we can provide an alert system to advise management immediately of events such as 'We have just called to Customer X has and he has not bought from the Core Range'.
Can we use GPRS to transmit the data from and to the handheld devices?
Yes, the system supports GPRS, TCP/IP and dial up data transfer.
Can we import the information in our current system to the new system?
Yes, standard routines exist to quickly and simply import your existing data.
Are the system multi-currency?
Yes.
How much do the systems cost?
The cost of the system will vary depending on the number of concurrent office users, the number of handheld devices required and also the features you select.
How will my new system pay for itself?
In many ways, it significantly reduces the administration of delivery notes, driver manifests, proof of delivery, sales orders, credit notes and sales invoices (this alone usually provides an 18 month payback), it also increases sales by supporting complex promotional pricing and assisting the sales people to ‘up sell’ and ‘cross sell’, prices sales invoices accurately, every time and, provides extensive management information to help run the business better and smarter.