Automated Returns Processing
Warehouse Module
Processing returns is a tedious, labor-intensive process. In order to
credit a customer, the credit operator needs information about what books came
back from which customer in what condition. Providing this information
involves counting the books and writing a returns report. Then the credit
operator has to decipher the returns report, compare it to the returns packing
slip, and process the credit. The Returns Processing Module significantly
reduces the manual labor component of this process (by about one fourth to one
third) both in the warehouse and in the credit office.
With the returns processing module, instead of counting returned items,
warehouse operators use a barcode wand to scan ISBNs. They assign a quantity
and condition code to the returned items. Instead of handwriting a report, the
module prints one. In the credit office, instead of deciphering a handwritten
report and manually entering data about returned items, the credit operator
uploads the file indicated on the warehouse report.
Additional options help the warehouse staff keep track of any necessary
maintenance on a title-by-title basis, such as re-jacketing, stickering, price
changes, etc..
The returns processing module separates credit and inventory issues. The
warehouse captures data about what came back in what condition. Entry of
information about the customer is optional. The credit operator handles all
the credit issues: who gets the credit and how much credit is allowed on each
item. By default, the credit operator makes the final decision as to which
inventory gets restocked to which warehouse.
Returns procedures vary, so the returns processing module can be customized
to suit the business needs of a particular publisher.
Processing returns is a task that is often at the bottom of the priority
list. Installing the returns processing module makes the process easier,
faster, and significantly more efficient. It’s a winner for everyone.
Remote returns processing
The returns processing module is designed for warehouses that can access
the same physical network and Cat’s Pajamas system as the credit office. A
publisher may have a warehouse that is physically separate from the office and
therefore cannot access the network with Cat’s Pajamas. Cat’s Pajamas has a
solution – a remote returns processing module. This module has some additional
programs to exchange data between the office and the warehouse. For example,
the office can download book and customer information for use by the
warehouse. Since the returns information is not being updated automatically on
the office network, there is a warehouse option to download the returns
information into a file for the office. Email or send the file on diskette or
CD-ROM to the office. The main Cat’s Pajamas system includes an option to
upload the returns files created by the warehouse for processing.
For information on ARN's, read
Advance Return
Notification (ARN) 180 Transaction Set
For more information,
email
your questions (including your name and company name) or call at 800-827-2287.
Back
to Options menu.
|
