Windows Based

Horizon is setting new standards for Windows based Office Management systems in the Office products and Stationery market place. Developed by professionals from within the industry in conjunction with dealers, suppliers and buying groups, the system can not only cost justify changing from your old legacy software solution, but it will also set new standards in terms of what the Office Product Dealer can expect in functionality from their 'trade system'. Horizon is a solution installed and operating in multiple sites throughout the UK and Ireland.

Product Features

The Horizon system offers the facilities for Sales and Marketing, Tele Sales, Call and Task Management, Sales Quotations, Automatic Customer Contract Pricing, Sales and Purchase Order Processing, Electronic Ordering and EDI, Real Time Multi Location Stock Control, Sales and Purchase Invoicing, Multi Currency Sales and EPOS for the retail user. The Sales Purchase and Nominal Ledgers use Open Period - Open Year Accounting principles operating up to trial balance level. It is a total solution for the commercial and retail stationer, able to manage multiple stock and product file functions with no limit to the number of product lines carried or customer history held.

Electronic Links

Horizon will operate as a standalone or multi-user system suitable for the smallest or largest operation. It is supplied as a complete system to run on PCs and within a Windows network. It comes with the facilities to manage the price files from the wholesalers Spicers, Vow  (Kingfield Heath), Acco Rexel and other suppliers who are able to provide files in electronic format. The system allows orders to be placed via electronic links with Spicers, Vow (Kingfield Heath), Acco Rexel and suppliers using the new XML standard, providing order transmission, remittances, EDI invoice/credit collection and matching and on-line stock enquiries. Horizon uses the latest ordering links provided by the wholesalers Spicers and Kingfield Heath over a low cost broadband connection, eliminating the need for expensive dial up connection. Users have realised significant savings in their annual telephone charges.

Catalogue Management

Horizon handles Catalogue files, mailers and other supplier files and includes full integration with the BOSS four level standard used within the industry. The system provides the sales team with prompts to offer alternative, additional or substitute products to increase sales and profit opportunities for your company. Horizon also provides your buyer with the ability to compare supplier prices including “retros” to achieve the correct buying decision to gain the best profit margin for your company.

Sales History

Horizon provides the user with information on profit margins, the value of the order and items still outstanding for delivery, all clearly visible on the screen. It is sales order driven and allows the manager to see the direction his business is going. The system can hold unlimited customer, product and sales histories all readily available at order entry. The system provides the user with simple “pivot table” routines to view customer history and profitability.

Tele Sales

Horizon’s ability to hold on-line all its history and product files makes it an ideal selection for use as a Tele-Sales and Marketing system. It contains special screens and routines designed for the Tele-Sales user, to interact with the customer over the telephone to manage the sales process. It provides information on calls to be made, contacts, purchases, quotations, credit limits and provides diary and prospect management features.

Ease of Use

Horizon provides the user with highly interactive prompts and menus to "walk" through each stage of operation. A comprehensive training programme is available, along with telephone and field support. BlueSky deals direct with their customers, with support and service functions coming from their offices in Hilton near Derby.

Machine Database

Horizon allows the user to maintain a machine database, machine serial number tracking and multiple meter copy cost billing. The application software will enable the production of job sheets for engineers which when updated can be converted to invoices and directly integrated with the accounts system.

EPOS

If you have a retail outlet then Horizon offers the user a retail system using the multi stock location feature built in as standard with the Horizon software. Customers can take goods from the shop and either pay by cheque, card or cash and using any promotions or contracts will recalculate the price based on his deal. Otherwise the system will produce a ticket for his signature and add this sale to his monthly invoice.

Standard Reports

Horizon has available a wide range of standard reports included with the system and access to a reports library facility to enable users to share business expertise. For the technical user there is a report generator included with the system plus the ability to use the standard Excel, Access and Crystal reporting tools. Detailed analysis of all product and customer information is possible, with the ability to save any newly produced standard reports for reuse as favourites. Information can be directly integrated with mail shot and email applications.

Sales and Marketing

Horizon is a sales and marketing tool able to offer gap analysis routines and reports designed for the managers of your business. It provides up-to-the-minute trading information covering your customers, reps, suppliers, stock and cash flow. Simple routines allow users to display transactions in BOSS range and group format, view product images and extended descriptions. Information is available to check stock availability, on contract, purchased before and previous price paid. Integration with other applications allows the user to produce targeted email shots and mailer routines to increase sales and profitability from your customer base. There is no down-loading or data-conversion necessary as the Horizon database integrates directly into other Windows applications. Internet, Email, Word and Excel routines are available directly without leaving Horizon providing the user with all the standard tools needed for his work.