Your customer finds exactly what they are looking for, quickly

The customer is able to let their computer find the exact item they want by simply entering what they are looking for and narrowing the search as required. For example, if they are looking for fine tip point, black pens from BIC, they enter "Pen", enter "Black" to show just black pens, "fine" to show the fine tip point black pens and then in the manufacturer field enter "BIC" to show the fine tip black pens from BIC.
Ordway searches thousands of items with sub-second response time.
"What does it look like?" Ordway can provide a picture for those items that need additional identification or need comparisons to similar items. If the user wants an item, "JUST LIKE WE ORDERED BEFORE", Ordway allows him/her to look at their old orders to find that particular item.

This means... Your operators and/or order entry personnel are not tied up needlessly researching items or options for your clients, allowing them more time to process other orders and helping those that really need it.

I didn't know you sold that!

How many times have you heard a customer say that, and then add, "I JUST BOUGHT...." Ordway makes your customers aware of all the items that may be of interest. There is also a contract flagging feature which brings customer contract items to the top of the search list. In addition, templates can be defined for specials or new items which you want to bring to your customer's attention.

This means... your customers can browse at their leisure, and do not tie up a customer service representative. They see alternatives to items that they may need and that you provide. They are reminded of additional items they may need. This means additional orders, as well as saved orders.

You sent the wrong thing.

You sent what the customer ordered, but it was not what they wanted. Ordway enables your customer to select the items they required while viewing alternatives, so they are less apt to select the wrong items in the first place. Unlike a catalog that can only group items one way, Ordway allows your customers to group them how they would like to see them, and can provide comparative pictures. Ordway uses only valid item numbers, and does not depend on an operator to enter the proper item code thereby eliminating data entry errors.

This means... the orders you receive will be more accurate. You will have fewer calls back to the customer to try to determine what they actually wanted. You will also have fewer rush shipments to correct errors and will save the additional cost in time and man hours that goes with correcting mistakes, regardless of who makes them.

Faster Turnaround

Customers want it now, but will often wait until the last minute to order it. Ordway allows them to quickly find, select, and order the items they need. The order can then be transmitted or faxed to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The customer does not have to wait until you open, they can place the order right now, and not be presented with the opportunity to seek and find another source.

This means... customer convenience since orders are processed faster. Also, it reduces the chance that the customer will be introduced to alternative suppliers and make them less likely to price shop.

Control and Security

Ordway allows you to control when and how the orders come in. Orders can be transmitted via a variety of public and/or private networks, including the Internet, CompuServe, Telnet and others. Ordway serves as a firewall, protecting your own system from unauthorized access. You select the network(s), how you want it accessed, and when you will bring the orders into your system for processing. All Ordway transactions are encrypted as they travel through communication lines from your customer to you. This protects you and your customers' sensitive data from would-be hackers.

This means... your data processing systems are not exposed needlessly to hackers, nor do you place any unnecessary burdens on it that could affect performance and force you to upgrade your current computer system.

Lower Cost

Ordway provides you with a catalog that is easier and less expensive to maintain, reproduce and mail. It is much quicker and far less expensive to process Ordway orders than those from conventional catalogs. It is also less costly for your customer, they save time and are less apt to forget needed items.

This means... Everyone saves money!

Will this replace our on-line system or regular paper catalog?

It could however, you will want to reach as many profitable, prospective customers as possible. You may have key accounts that must have immediate access to your computer system and be able to view order and inventory status, thus requiring an on-line system. Likewise there are many people that you do not want to burden your on-line system with, or even have access to your computer system for a variety of reasons. There are also those users that do not have a modem, a CD ROM drive or even a personal computer. Ordway supplements your current systems, allowing you to provide your customers the service they need, without placing an undue burden on your resources.

Do our customers need a modem or a CD ROM drive?

No, neither are required. A standard 3.5" diskette can be used. You can offer either or both. Ordway also allows your customers to print and mail orders and/or print and fax orders, if they do not have a modem. A CD ROM may be required only if a large number of pictures are used or when incorporating audio/video presentations within the catalog.

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