Systems expert Ernie Schell knows order management systems. Schell, director of Ventnor, NJ-based consultancy Marketing Systems Analysis, has once again put together his order management software roundup for Multichannel Merchant. The full report comes out in the June issue; here’s a sneak peak of some of the systems highlighted.
Celerant Command Retail
www.celerant.com
Introduced: 1999 Version: 6.1.1
Company: Celerant Technology Group
Contact: Michele Salerno, 718-605-7733 ext.141, [email protected]
Operating system: any_
Database: SQL, Interbase
Open database connectivity: any ODBC database
E-commerce database: ColdFusion
E-commerce platforms integrated with: NA_
Manifesting systems: NA_
Credit-card processors supported: Paymentech, PC Charge, most others_
Sales-tax systems supported: Avalara_
Accounting packages integrated with: QuickBooks, MAS 90/200, Great Plains.
Users include New Era Caps, Orange County Choppers, Farmers Furniture, Robert Wayne Footwear, and Road Runner Sports. The system is 100% Java-based with a services-oriented architecture.
It is on the list of PA-DSS-compliant applications (for PABP 1.4 specs), offers full integration of its e-commerce platform with eBay and Amazon, a Web-based order entry module, and advanced Website analytics.
CIO Direct
www.ciotech.com
Introduced: 2005 Version: A20090301
Company: CIO Technologies
Contact: Gunnar Fredlund, 805-898-2444, [email protected]
Operating system: Windows/MPE
Database: MySQL, Image_
Open database connectivity: MySQL_
E-commerce database: IIS_
E-commerce platforms integrated with: Ultracart, 1ShoppingCart, Yahoo, Imformercial.TV, Zen Cart_
Manifesting systems: ABM, UPS WorldShip, Endicia, Abol, FedEx, DHL, LandMark, Ascent, SendSuite_
Credit-card processors supported: Authorize.net, IC Verify, Transfirst and PSI Gate_
Sales-tax systems supported: U.S. and Canadian_
Accounting packages integrated with: Peachtree, QuickBooks_
Other modules: Assembly, limited edition tracking, continuity, installment plans, consignment inventory, container receiving.
CIO is a completely Web-based system designed for the third-party fulfillment industry. The system can be set up for fulfillment only or for full service: order taking, credit card processing, customer service and fulfillment.
In the past year CIO has introduced enhanced printed and e-mail communication, continuity shipments, better call center processes, standard interfaces to shopping carts, real-time reporting, Web-based set up of products, offers and processing rules for the warehouse. There is support for switching from retail to wholesale customer types, reverse logistics processes, unattended interfaces for order loading manifest integration, ship confirmation, inventory and client reporting, e-mail or text message alerts for exceptions during order loading, and a synchronized local database for manifest integration, product and serial scanning. The system can also act as a data source for pick-to-light and pick-to-voice applications.
Magstar Total Retail
www.magstarinc.com
Introduced: 1985 Version: 7x
Company: Magstar_
Contact: Harold Cameron, 877-332-3335, ext. 229, [email protected]_
Operating system: Linux_
Database: APPGEN, SQL_
Open database connectivity: any ODBC database
E-commerce database: any_
E-commerce platforms integrated with: Truition, Novator_
Manifesting systems: NA_
Credit-card processors supported: SDC, Tender Retail, Monetra, Microtrax_
Accounting packages integrated with: Lawson, Great Plains, Acc-Pac.
Users include Tilley Endurables, Big Al’s Aquarium Services, Wine Library, Bottle King, Bartell Drugs, and Liquidation World.
In the last year Magstar has integrated a SQL business intelligence dashboard, intelligence mobile (Wireless) POS, and the total warehouse management application. Magstart does not believe it is subject to PA-DSS because the system does not store credit card information.