Electronic Ordering Solution from Activant Eliminates Dual Order Entry

YARDLEY, Pa., March 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Activant Solutions Inc., a leading technology provider of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software for distributors and specialty retailers, introduces Activant AutoOrder™, a solution for inbound order processing. The Activant AutoOrder module solves the problem of dual entry (i.e., an order manually entered in one system that is subsequently re-keyed in another system) for manufacturing and distribution companies, automatically mapping any computer-generated purchase order into any electronic format.

By allowing distributors to better serve customers who do not have the resources to implement electronic data interchange (EDI), the Activant AutoOrder solution fills a gap among current EDI, self-serve Web order entry, and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) solutions. It does not require any process changes, specialized IT infrastructure, expertise or support on the part of the distributor or the customer.

In addition to enhancing customer service, the elimination of dual data entry helps to yield high data accuracy and improved productivity. "As an add-on module to our ERP solutions, Activant AutoOrder seamlessly imports the order data from print drivers, faxes, or e-mailed orders into Activant Eclipse™, Prophet 21® or Prelude® systems. As a result, we expect that distributors will experience cost savings, reduced A/R, and fewer entry errors," said Kevin Roach, executive vice president and general manager of Activant's Wholesale Distribution Division. "Fully automated order entry leads to faster order cycle time, and greater customer satisfaction and loyalty."

According to beta customer Michael Prepelica, director of information technology at Revere Electric Supply Company in Chicago, "The Activant AutoOrder module is ideal for our customers where we have their pricing set up in our system for everything they order and/or where they order a common bucket of products. By having a system that can automatically handle the repetitive orders, we can free up a body and have that person focus on the more intensive orders...and better serve our other customers that need extra hand-holding. We got out of the Activant AutoOrder module what we were hoping to get out of it...to streamline the order processing of our high value customers that send us the same orders over and over."

Jeff Morris, manager of IT at National Marker, North Smithfield, R.I., another Activant AutoOrder beta site, commented, "It's important to note that our customer isn't doing anything differently when we use the module. Eliminating order entry costs and errors is extremely valuable, even more so when the customer doesn't have to change anything on their end. With the Activant AutoOrder module up and running, the overall process is saving us money every day."

For information about Activant and its products and services, visit distribution.activant.com, e-mail [email protected], or call 1.800.776.7438, press 1. For information about this particular product offering, Activant customers should contact Activant Direct Sales at 1.800.776.7438, press 2, or e-mail [email protected].

About Activant Solutions Inc.

Activant Solutions Inc. ("Activant") is a leading technology provider of business management solutions serving distributors and SMB retailers. Activant provides customers with industry-specific software, professional services, content, supply chain connectivity, and analytics.

Activant's systems are designed to help customers increase sales, boost productivity, operate more cost-efficiently, improve inventory turns and enhance trading partner relationships. Headquartered in Livermore, California, Activant has operations in Texas, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

For more information, visit distribution.activant.com. Find Activant updates online at distribution.activant.com/follow.

This announcement relating to Activant may contain statements that are forward looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, such as statements concerning trends, future technology or products, or Activant's execution. These statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties which could materially affect the company's results, including, without limitation, market demand for products and technology, the company's ability to meet that market demand, the integration of Activant's technology and products with technology and products supplied by others, the integration of Activant's products into the businesses of its customers, customer acceptance of Activant's products, and the retention and deployment of skilled Activant service providers. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update or publicly revise any of the forward-looking statements. Please refer to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2010, which have been filed with the Securities Exchange Commission and can be found through the Activant investor relations website at www.activant.com/company/investors, for a full discussion of the risks and other factors.

© 2011 Activant Solutions Inc. Note: Activant, the Activant stylized logo, Prophet 21 and Prelude are registered trademarks, and Activant Eclipse and Activant AutoOrder are trademarks, of Activant Solutions Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Kathleen Lang, 215-493-8900

SOURCE Activant Solutions Inc.