The Cat's Pajamas

SOFTWARE SYSTEMS FOR PUBLISHERS

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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.

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