| Import File Layout | Shipping File | Forms | Carrier Codes |

ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION of ORDERS to PSSC

Thorough communication should take place between software developer and PSSC so that an effective link can be made that is advantageous to both parties. If some of PSSC’s needs can be taken into account, PSSC can supply better service to its client publishers which is naturally to the publishers advantage. Issues as simple as types of printers to be used and mode of data transport (email attached files, FTP, etc.) to importation of order information directly into PSSC’s inventory control system need to be discussed and worked out.

The benefits of transmitting orders for printing at our warehouse are obvious:

Beyond that we would like to try to import certain information from your orders into our inventory control system (which is also linked to our shipping system). That is what the attached file import layout is all about. The file transfer doesn't really take care of the printing of your orders remotely. It is just to get information into our system.

Ideally we would receive 2 files for each batch of orders. One would be a file (print file) to print orders at the warehouse (see order form info sheet) The second would be an ASCII import file for the same orders that we could enter into our system. This would have to be created by the system the publishers end. It is most important that the orders we receive are synchronized with the file import process.

If we can electronically bring order information into our system we can monitor the status of orders in our hands much better.  Electronically entering order information into our system will give us the ability to track an order from when it comes into our system. We have a monitoring system to alert us about orders that haven't cleared the system so we can cut off problems before they impact your customers. Also entry errors are reduced and our shipping speed is increased. We are trying to come up with ways to become more efficient while not increasing our costs to our customers. Also the import of information into our system will help us satisfy all the major carriers with their full address demands (for daily electronic transfer to them). The address information also prints on every tracking label created for UPS, DHL and FedEx, (see shipping) thus the creation of extra labels (beyond the one or two designed into the order form) is done automatically for no extra charges.

We would also like to be able to send back to publishers shipping information (charges, tracking numbers, dates shipped, etc.) automatically on a daily basis by means of an electronic file. Hopefully this info can be then automatically matched in your data base with your invoices. We can format this information if you let us know how you want it. All of this information is linked to an invoice number.  (Shipping File)

This process should not be viewed as an all or nothing process. A number of publishers are presently transmitting orders to PSSC for remote printing, yet haven’t implemented the import file routine. Others print their orders at their office and create the import file.  They mail the orders and email import file (as an attached file) to us. Some publishers receive all their shipping confirmations electronically from PSSC and automatically match them with their data base to close invoices.