Gift cards are now an available feature in NDS versions 7.5.4R3 and 8.4R3. We've made the gift cards an inventory item, which are controlled by a lot number that can also be used as payments on orders. Gift card items should be set up designating their purchasable denominations, GIFT-20, GIFT-50, ETC. Open ended denomination amounts are not allowed. The use of expiration dates is optional.

PURCHASING GIFT CARDS: In order entry, gift cards are purchased like any other item. Although gift cards are lot controlled in the system for purposes of maintaining balances, they should be viewed by users as 'serial' controlled.

USING A GIFT CARD FOR PAYMENT: Gift cards are entered as payment types in order entry like any other payment types. Validation is done to ensure the payment amount does not exceed the current dollar amount on the gift card. Validation will also check to ensure the gift card is not in use on any other open order.

INVENTORY REPORTS: Custom inventory reports and/or data extraction may need to be adjusted to exclude or report separate gift card items. The easiest way to do this is by excluding the gift card product group from the report.

For more information, contact NDS at 727-538-2250 or via email at info@ndsapps.com.

NDS customers are now able to upload new sales order data from flat files, thanks to a new program, Order Upload Template Maintenance (OUTM). It's similar to our existing Vendor and Prospect upload programs, in that it provides for an unlimited number of user defined data mappings. You simply create a template that defines which columns contain the pertinent data.

When creating the templates, you can specify each column that provides data, or provide a default value. You can even create rules for evaluating data, such as translating incoming values (for example, changing ‘TRUE’ to ‘Y’), stringing multiple input fields together into a single field and performing basic math functions. It even allows you the option to create new customer records and inventory items.

The data can be reviewed prior to creating a sales order. Regular Order Entry functionality, such as pricing and credit checking, takes place automatically when the orders are imported. Pricing can also be imported if included in the input file. OUTM can be customized to meet your specific requirements.

For more information, contact NDS at 727-538-2250 or via email at info@ndsapps.com.

ERP-specific RSS feeds are a great way to stay current on the latest advice, tips and trends.
To find out more, click on any of the links below.

• Three Reasons Not to Cancel Your ERP Maintenance
• Benefits of ERP Software in the Manufacturing Sector
• What is the Need For ERP Software?
• ERP Change Management

RSS Feeds are courtesy of IT Toolbox.

This month's LinkedIn discussion centers around Marketing in a down economy: How do you do it?

All are welcome to connect with us, and spread the word about the NDS Systems Networking Group. To participate in the discussion, click on the following link: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2389739&trk=hb_side_g

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Your comments are important to us! If you have comments, suggestions or topics that you'd like to see us feature in an upcoming issue of the NDS e-newsletter, we'd like to hear from you. For immediate consideration, send us an email at info@ndsapps.com.