Fulfillment Import Optional
Module
Purpose
Many publishers find it advantageous to out-source their sales and
fulfillment operations in a particular geographic region to a Consignment
Distributor. Some publishers out-source their order taking to an Order-Taking
Service and do their own fulfillment. The ACUMEN Fulfillment Import
Optional Module enables the Publisher to receive sales data electronically,
thus making these types of relationships more efficient and preserving
access to valuable, detailed sales history information.
How the Module Works
This section explains how the Fulfillment Import module works to support
Consignment Distribution operations, as that is its most common use.
For more information on how the module works with an Order-Taking
Service, contact your ACUMEN Book sales representative.
The Fulfillment Import module supports an unlimited number of Consignment
Distributors. A warehouse record is set up for each Distributor with
the default import behavior defined. |
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| On a periodic basis, usually
monthly, the distributor eMails the publisher a file containing the
sales information in that distributor's format. The import is performed
by choosing the Fulfillment Import menu command. Default settings
are loaded from the Warehouse record, so the operation can be as simple
as clicking the OK button and choosing the file. ACUMEN performs the
import, creating invoices and credit memos, creating or updating customers,
and printing a journal describing new customer creation, customer
address changes, errors, etc. |
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| This diagram illustrates
the complete import and update process: |
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| Fulfillment Import Formats
Currently Supported |
- Publishers Group West
- National Book Network
- Bookpeople
- ACUMEN Generic
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Fulfillment
Import vs. Remote Fulfillment
ACUMEN has two distinct optional modules for handling various types
of fulfillment relationships. The difference is based on who takes
the orders. If you take your own orders, you need the Remote Fulfillment
module. If you have out-sourced order taking, you need the Fulfillment
Import module. The following table displays the most common relationships
and which module would be used. |
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| Relationship |
Module |
| A consignment distributor handles
your sales & fulfillment. |
Fulfillment Import |
| A service takes your orders and
you fill them. |
Fulfillment Import |
| You take your orders and a fulfillment
house fills them. |
Remote Fulfillment |
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