Lotus Business Partner, MCI Consultants together with Creative Zoo Advertising, have revealed details of Businesscard Online, an e-commerce application that enables the efficient e-procurement of any item that requires an organisation`s logo/identity to appear on it.
According to Steve Bernard, MD at MCI Consultants, this service initially focuses on business cards. Letterheads and other stationery, greeting cards, corporate gifts and other items will be added in the future. "Businesscard Online was established to explore and develop the synergistic opportunities between e-commerce and conventional printing needs," explains Bernard.
"Our mission is to enable the efficient e-procurement of any printed item that requires an organisation`s logo/identity to appear on it," he says. To enable this the company is using Lotus Notes and Domino-based application development to facilitate a number of e-commerce-related benefits:
Moving control and intelligence back to the user/purchaser;
Optimising and automating the supply chain to achieve improvements in delivery times;
Using technology to enhance quality;
Automating the transaction process; and
Reducing costs to the company and prices to the user/purchaser.
"Businesscard Online focuses on the corporate market where there is a requirement for frequent re-ordering of business cards facilitated by the easy access via the Internet and fast delivery. To date, Businesscard Online has acquired in excess of 100 customers " he says.
Bernard describes the process in more detail: "A corporate ID is acquired electronically or reproduced by Businesscard Online. An account number and password is assigned to the client," he says.
"The client maintains the database by person and branch and is also able to view a sample layout of the card via the Internet," says Bernard. Once an order has been received, the details are electronically forwarded to the DTP staff at Businesscard Online, who completes the order for the printer.
The latter then makes use of CTP (Computer To Plate) technology to produce the cards. "Invoices are generated electronically and sent by email with the physical delivery facilitated by couriers within 48 hours of the order being placed.
Future developments include expanding the business internationally; allowing for ordering of letterheads, compliment slips, continuation sheets, greeting cards, corporate gifts; reducing printing costs once volumes increase; and consolidating the manufacturing in key zones internationally.
Bernard says that online design and ordering of business cards, letterheads, and other stationery for the consumer (B2C market) is also under consideration.
For more information please see www.businesscard.co.za
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