As the Internet continues to ring up online purchases of billions of dollars, the concept of e-commerce is becoming all-pervasive and companies realise that they will have to keep up with technology to stay in the running.
However, the catch for smaller companies lies in the expense of setting up a Web site. This is set to change with the recent launch of Macola`s Java-based, packaged e-commerce initiative, a low-key ordering system solution which doesn`t require additional staff or equipment.
The software application, called fourthchannel, allows for the rapid creation and delivery of sell-side Internet catalogue merchandising and transaction solutions for industrial companies, which are customised using advanced Java object and agent technologies.
Macola`s recent partnership with fourthchannel, an Internet software company, in this initiative will see local companies able to afford to trade over the Internet. For an initial set-up fee and a small monthly cost, companies will be able to link into Macola`s infrastructure in a system that is easy to manage and even easier to maintain.
Nick Leonard, general manager of sales and marketing for Macola South Africa, explains that the solution is based on sell-side electronic commerce.
"This is a concept which represents not only the greatest potential to reduce costs, but also to increase revenues by enabling companies to maximise the power of the Internet as a means to sell more efficiently and improve customer service," he says.
Sell-side e-commerce refers to the creation of Internet catalogues than enable orders to be interactively placed by customers, distributors or sales reps. These catalogues can also be integrated into back-office enterprise resource planning applications to ensure the order is processed through existing infrastructures.
"The new solution delivers a low-cost, turnkey electronic catalogue and ordering system that can stand alone or be integrated into any internal system," explains Leonard.
"Companies can put their catalogues or product lists online so that their customers, distributors or sales people can not only view them, but actually order from them - any hour of the day, from anywhere."
Product and pricing information stored in Macola is presented by fourthchannel. Once a product is selected, the order is placed and the information is integrated back into the Macola order entry system.
Orders can also be processed with far fewer errors and at much lower cost than those taken by phone or fax. Unlike printed material, you can easily change specs or prices, or tailor them to individual customers.
The solution comprises three major components. Firstly, the online catalogue and ordering system manages the product content and transaction processing. Secondly, the catalogue manager empowers the user to maintain the system cost-effectively without the need for custom services. A packaged tool allows products to be added or deleted, pricing to be modified and new users to be added to the system.
Finally, the rapidchannel delivery process is a documented implementation process that ensures the Internet selling site is deployed rapidly. Leonard says this process is completed in 60 days and manages the entire process from discovery to deployment.
The Macola solution, suitable for either business-to-consumer or business-to-business transactions, is targeted at mid-sized and smaller manufacturers and distributors.
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