Go to Systems Seminar 2008 Registration Form
The software marketplace for today’s multichannel direct commerce companies (catalog, e-commerce, direct response TV, etc.) is crowded, growing rapidly, and can be confusing. With an ever-changing assortment of applications, vendors and acquisition options, there are now many classes of software that can be implemented for direct commerce: e-commerce, order management, catalog management, customer relationship management, warehouse management, enterprise resource planning and accounting systems. While all process direct orders, perform warehouse tasks, and provide merchandising and marketing information, certainly some classes of systems may be more effective for your business than others. So how do you make the right decisions?
In this comprehensive, two-day interactive workshop on June 17 & 18, 2008, F. Curtis Barry & Company will provide in-depth information on:
- Identifying your company’s critical business requirements
- Understanding direct commerce software and vendors
- Appropriate systems acquisition strategies and return on investment
- Developing an appropriate multichannel systems strategy
- Selecting the right system
- Developing an implementation strategy and plan
- Key components to software contracts
Read the outline of the two-day interactive workshop
Identify Your Company’s Unique and Critical Business Requirements
Your selection process should start with determining the functional requirements of your business. Are you looking to closely integrate your Web site online, real-time with your business systems? Are you an e-commerce pure play, or catalog? Direct-to-consumer or business-to-business? Do you need more customer relationship management capability than is offered in order management or catalog management systems? Is there a wholesale channel? Does your system need to work in concert with a retail store system? Does your fulfillment center require a true warehouse management system, with middleware to control material handling and radio frequency equipment? Is there a significant amount of vendor drop shipment direct to the customer? What interfaces to marketing service bureaus, retail systems, or warehouse management systems are required? What supply chain and transportation management advanced functions are required?
Our facilitators will sort out how to analyze critical user requirements to identify which vendors can best meet your business needs.
Understand Direct Commerce Software
This interactive workshop will dissect the various classes of direct commerce systems, rating the strengths and weaknesses of the various types. You’ll be able to explore how well they provide e-commerce functions, call center and customer service, credit and check processing, order processing, warehousing (receiving, stock put away, replenishment, picking, shipping/manifesting), merchandising, marketing, accounting and business intelligence.
Then you can explore the dozens of vendors selling direct commerce software in this marketplace, and when enterprise-wide or best-of-breed solutions are appropriate for your business. Several case studies of successful direct commerce installations will be presented.
You’ll come away with a resource guide, with their technical platforms and their contact information.
Appropriate Systems Acquisition Strategies and Return On Investment (ROI)
In addition to licensed and in-house solutions, Software as a Service (SaaS), hosted, or managed services all provide flexible ways to acquire systems. Or, perhaps you should consider a “build-vs.-buy” strategy for your replacement system. We’ll present case studies of an SaaS implementation as well as a licensed, in-house, and “build” solution. And we’ll look at how other companies are preparing return on investment studies.
Select the Right Software
F. Curtis Barry & Company’s proven selection methodology will assist you in choosing the right system for your business. Our methodology can be used regardless of the application or solution. Steps include:
- user requirements
- request for proposal
- vendor response analysis
- scripted demos
- estimating training, conversions, modifications and interfaces
- vendor decision matrix
- scripted reference checks
- site visits
- determining the total cost of ownership
- selection of two vendor finalists
- negotiation and contracting
Develop Your Implementation Strategy and Plan
Many implementations fail to be completed on time and within budget. Learn from F. Curtis Barry & Company the practical approaches it has used to plan and successfully implement direct commerce systems over the past 23 years. Topics include getting control of the project, assigning tasks, developing detailed plans, weekly status reporting, etc., as well as practical approaches for replacing these systems.
Key Components to Software Contracts
We will cover what to look for in license and services agreements, and how to make agreements a “win/win” for the direct commerce company and the vendor.
Our Guarantee
You’ll come away with an understanding of the appropriate classes of direct commerce software and vendors applicable to your business; the steps for selecting and contracting with the finalist vendor; and how to plan and implement a new direct commerce system on time and within budget. This interactive workshop will give you opportunities to network with leading consultants and other companies considering replacing their systems.
Who Should Attend
Executives and management overseeing the selection and implementation of new business applications; project managers and team members who will be responsible for the day-to-day management of selecting and implementing a new order management application. F. Curtis Barry & Company will interview each attendee in advance to be sure this interactive workshop meets your needs.
Click here to register for the Catalog Success/F. Curtis Barry & Company Interactive Workshop.
About F. Curtis Barry & Company
F. Curtis Barry & Company is a multichannel operations and fulfillment consulting firm. For the past 23 years we have assisted companies in developing strategies for evaluating, selecting and implementing software applications, as well as assisting companies with the project management and design of internally developed applications.
Paul Sobota, Brian Barry, Tocky Lawrence, Bob Betke and Curt Barry will all present various aspects of this program.
Learn more about F. Curtis Barry & Company’s services and see the presenters’ bios
About Catalog Success Magazine
Catalog Success is the leading publication serving the catalog/multichannel business, providing its readers with bankable tips and ideas for greater sales and profitability. In addition to its flagship monthly magazine, Catalog Success produces the weekly Tactics & Tips and biweekly Corner View e-newsletters. For more information, go to www.CatalogSuccess.com.
Dates and Times for Interactive Workshop
The interactive workshop is scheduled for June 17 & 18, 2008. We will be starting promptly at 8:30 AM on Tuesday, June 17 and wrapping up at 2:30 PM on Wednesday, June 18. We ask that you fly or drive in the evening prior to the interactive workshop, since we will be starting early Tuesday morning.
Location and Hotel for Interactive Workshop
The event will be held at the Virginia Crossings Resort located in Richmond, VA. There is a special room rate of $175 per room per night held for this group. To reserve your room, call Virginia Crossings Resort at 888-444-6553 or 804-727-1400. Your room rate is separate from the interactive workshop cost.
The price for the room includes use of the fitness center, pool, hot tub, special golf rates, and preferred tee times at The Crossings Golf Club. Just mention you are with the F. Curtis Barry & Company group to receive these amenities.
Registration Cost for the Interactive Workshop
$100 Discount for the First 20 Registrants
The cost for the interactive workshop is $795 per attendee. The interactive workshop fee covers breakfast and lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday, morning and afternoon refreshment breaks, a Tuesday evening cocktail party and a resource binder for this interactive workshop.
If need be, you can cancel your registration for the workshop by May 16th, 2008 to receive a full refund. After that date we can't offer a refund, but all registrations are transferable within your company, and we would encourage this rather than a cancellation.
How to Register
Please complete the registration form at the bottom of the page. To be confirmed for this interactive workshop, please be sure to hit the Register button. After we receive your registration form, we will call you to follow-up to discuss your specific system needs, and will send your invoice via e-mail.
Have More Questions?
For more information regarding this seminar please contact Jeff Barry at F. Curtis Barry & Company at 804-740-8743 or via e-mail: jbarry@fcbco.com.
Systems Seminar 2008 Registration
Fill out the form below to register your spot at the Systems Seminar 2008.
