At Comsense, we are continually looking at ways to make our clients daily tasks more streamlined and efficient. Our extensive catalog database and unique ‘product configuration’ software has proven to accomplish this objective to very large degree. Our ultimate objective is to provide electronic ordering with all of our supported manufacturers.

On the surface, this may seem to be a relatively straight forward process. After all, it is the norm for manufactures and their distributors to be communicating electronically. However, as we all know, the Door and Architectural Hardware industry differs considerably from the typical ‘manufacturer/distributor’.

One of most significant differences in this industry is that transactions are not ‘SKU’ based. A very high percentage of product definitions are based on a configuration of base products, options and application specific attributes. Some products may be more simply configured than others, for example a door stop versus a louvered wood door, but the requirement for configuration still exists in order to effectively manage an electronic catalog.

This uniqueness, combined with the fact many manufacturers have very customized order entry software, makes the implementation of electronic ordering a very daunting challenge for software developers. Comsense is up to the challenge. We have already made considerable progress in developing and implementing electronic ordering for a few manufacturers.

This is a huge undertaking for many manufacturers but the rewards resulting from a successful implementation are very significant. To the distributor, it means ‘cleaner’ orders, quicker delivery times and more productive purchasing functions. The very first step in developing an electronic order entry system is in developing a strong relationship with the manufacturer. Comsense is committed and eager to develop this relationship as we implement our new windows products.

On another note, we are pleased to announce the addition of two more manufacturer’s databases to our subscription list. Dor-O-Matic, US and Canaropa, Canada are now available for download.