Tetra launches web-enabled product for business management solutions as first phase of e-Business strategy

Tetra International, leading business management solutions (BMS) vendor for the mid-range market, today launches IOTA (Internet Order Taking Application) an e-commerce API - one of the first proof points of the company`s new global e-business strategy. IOTA, designed to integrate the supply/demand chain, allows a company to easily and quickly extend e-commerce solutions. This revolutionary solution will deliver the dual benefits of faster, lower cost sales to new and existing markets whilst enhancing customer services by putting the power of real-time information into the hands of users` customers.

IOTA simplifies the integration of an e-commerce server, such as MicrosoftSite Server or IBMNet.Commerce, with Tetra CS/3, enabling businesses in all industry sectors to gain the full advantages of e-business. The Web-enabled software will facilitate a customer in `real time` to select products and place orders via an e-commerce site directly into the CS/3 system at any time day or night ensuring the orders are immediately visible across the whole organisation.

For example, previously, due to costs, a medium sized hardware wholesaler would have faced difficulties in extending its sales operations to new geographical markets. Now, with the simplicity of this Web-based solution, retailers are able to quickly access a business Web site - without need for specialist software - and place orders via IOTA into CS/3 which can be processed immediately and the order shipped back to the customer. IOTA streamlines complex trading transactions and speeds up the whole ordering process by dealing with sales requests directly online.

Bob Critchlow, CEO, Tetra International says, "By enabling this `virtual` community, Tetra is helping businesses to both enhance and simplify, their existing customer and supplier support. Thanks to IOTA, they no longer have to sort through reams of fax and mailed orders, manage call centres and decipher poor handwriting or re-key e-commerce orders into the BMS systems. Now, complex sales and stock ordering processes can be handled over the Internet at any time of the day. This can help to open up new markets by extending reach into new channels and by substantially reducing the cost of sale."

Dowlis, manufacturers and distributors of promotional merchandise are already witnessing the benefits of the technology.

Barry Fielder, Financial Director at Dowlis says, "The system is so easy to use that it allows field and telesales staff to place orders directly, which has drastically reduced administration costs for us."

In order to implement a total e-business solution, interoperability between e-commerce products and line of business applications must exist. Tetra can illustrate how `off the shelf` commerce servers such as Microsoft`s Site Server, Commerce Edition and IBM`s Net.Commerce solutions, can be used with CS/3 through IOTA, to allow customers to quickly realise a simple and effective commercial Web presence.

IOTA is a new feature in Tetra`s primary Business Management Solution, Tetra CS/3. a fully integrated, modular suite of business software tools designed for use across many industry sectors - from multi-national manufacturing and distribution organisations to simpler national/local businesses.

What is E-business?

E-business is the electronic trading of goods, information and services over the Internet. This provides organisations with a major opportunity to add value and get closer to their customers as well as increase margins by reducing costs, delivery times and waste. A complete e-business solution comprises both a selected e-commerce server linked to a business management solution.

What is a Business Management Solution?

A Business Management Solution is an integrated suite comprising accounting, manufacturing management, sales and order planning and distribution to simplify business management. It can easily be tailored to meet the specific needs of an organisation, integrates with existing software solutions, and its flexible modular approach means it can be tailored and expanded over time to meet the requirements of growing businesses in all types of industries