News

Internet Trading Network Can Help Reduce EDI VAN Charges

YARDLEY, PA, July 16, 2001 -- Prophet 21, Inc. today introduced Trading Partner Connect version 5.0, the latest version of the company's Internet trading network designed to help distributors and manufacturers/suppliers streamline the commerce process in a collaborative environment.

In addition to the already established core Trading Partner Connect functions, v5.0 includes several significant enhancements. Of particular interest to distributors will be electronic data interchange (EDI) value added network (VAN) aggregation. This should enable distributors to send Trading Partner Connect transactions with little intervention, thereby reducing EDI VAN charges. Documents can be sent or received from manufacturers/suppliers, other distributors, or customers, even if the document is from a non-Trading Partner Connect member.

Distributors and manufacturers/suppliers can also use Trading Partner Connect v5.0 to set strict trading relationship rules between themselves and each member of the network, and to rationalize their own item database to any manufacturer/supplier lines provided in Trading Partner Connect. By having the ability to set rules and rationalize their database themselves, Trading Partner Connect members should save time and money by not relying on third-party intervention.

"With Trading Partner Connect, Prophet 21 set out to streamline the way the distribution industry does business," says Chuck Boyle, president and chief executive officer of Prophet 21. "Version 5.0 further streamlines the process, but also makes it possible for Trading Partner Connect members to get a greater return on their investment in a shorter period of time."

Additional Features

Other features integrated into Trading Partner Connect v5.0 include:

• an expanded Web site with more information for network members and non-members;
• a private area where members can administer relationships, perform item rationalization, setup company profile information, and specify core options;
• a simple user interface to accurately track, view, and resend documents that are processed;
• an on-screen indicator to quickly and easily identify which items in a customer's database are rationalized to the Trading Partner Connect network;
• detailed transaction reports and activity logging to validate the number of transactions, type of transactions, and to or from whom transactions are flowing through Trading Partner Connect;
• members' ability to specifically define which stocking locations to consider when calculating and displaying stock availability to trading partners; and
• advanced screen messaging to allow users to see if a Pricing and Availability request has been processed and notifies them immediately if there is a problem.

Pricing and Availability

Trading Partner Connect v5.0 is currently available. For additional information and pricing, please visit www.p21.com or call 1-800-776-7438. Existing customers can contact their Prophet 21 Inside Sales Representative directly.

Prophet 21 Internet Trading Network

Trading Partner Connect streamlines the commerce process between distributors, manufacturers/suppliers, and customers. Like Prophet 21's enterprise solutions, it enables distributors to increase sales and improve customer service while reducing operating costs. Trading Partner Connect offers several components:

• B2B Marketplace - Provides relationship management tools and a catalog with access to millions of items
• B2B Buyer - Streamlines the procurement process between manufacturers/suppliers and distributors
• B2B Alliance - Provides distributors with the opportunity to engage in collaborative commerce with other distributors
• B2B Seller - Provides distributors with a fully hosted integrated Web-based storefront solution
• B2B Gateway - Provides interconnectivity to other purchasing platforms and trading communities

Prophet 21 CommerceCenter and Prophet 21 Acclaim are fully interoperable with Trading Partner Connect.

Press Contact Kimberly Meiser Activant Solutions, Inc. 215-493-8900, ext. 3170 kim.meiser@activant.com

About Activant / Legal & Trademark Information

###

---

Prospective customers are encouraged to fill out and submit the convenient Activant Web Contact Form.

Back to Top