OPTIONS manages the mix of mail order, retail and
ecommerce sales channels as a single integrated supply chain. See below for reasons
why to choose OPTIONS.
- For each customer OPTIONS maintains a single customer
record, which can be created initially by any of the channels linked to, or independently
of, sales orders placed. For example:
- A customer places their first order through the web site resulting in the creation
of their customer record.
- Their second order is telephoned into the user’s call centre.
- Then, subsequently, they call at a retail outlet to place a third order.
Each of these sales actions updates the customer's sales history held against the
single customer record. This means that the different sales channels can all service
the customer regardless of the originating point of the customer or of any given sale.
For example:
- A retail order can be placed for despatch through mail order because the stock is
not immediately available in the retail outlet.
- A product originally sold through the web site or a retail outlet can be returned
to the head office for exchanging.
- (etc).
- To ensure consistency in implementation and presentation to customers of the user’s
business policies, all master reference data is defined in the user’s central OPTIONS database. This includes, for example, product
definitions, pricing, promotion and discount programmes, purchasing, and all financial
and marketing strategies. Such data is optionally variable by sales channel, for
example:
- A given product may be presented at one price on the web site, whilst concurrently
being offered at a different price through the catalogue for a certain period before
reverting to the same price as shown on the web.
- A customer mailing with an offer could be directed by products purchased through
a given sales channel.
- (etc).
- Implementation of marketing campaigns takes into account sales performance across
all sales channels and by individual sales channel.
OPTIONS Mail Order, which communicates directly
with the central OPTIONS database, provides the
functionality for defining and maintaining the user’s product definitions and business
policies.
Retail and Ecommerce utilise the products and execute the business policies through
the OPTIONS Web Services.
WHY CHOOSE Options?
Design
OPTIONS design and presentation is in keeping with
high volume data entry environments. It is intuitive to use, ensuring that the system
is accepted as a facility supporting the development of the business.
Technology
OPTIONS utilises leading standards in client/server
and relational database management.
Ease of Use
OPTIONS has been designed for efficient use and
management by business professionals without recourse to specialist IT knowledge.
Affordability
OPTIONS is supplied as a modular and scalable package,
to provide a cost effective system investment for companies of all sizes.
Market Acceptance
Affordability
OPTIONS is a proven and established system used
by companies in markets as diverse as fashion, books, gifts, gardening, consumables,
collectibles, wine, and third party fulfilment.
Service
OPTIONS will give you access to a pool of IT specialists
with direct experience of the direct marketing sector. This service includes system
installation, consultancy, training and on-going support.