MPS solution provider announces integration of FMAudit software with e-automate ERP software, allowing automatic reordering of toner.
The US-based MPS solutions provider has announced an “exciting new advancement” for the integration of its FMAudit print services management software with e-automate ERP software, which will provide users with automated supply reordering for their imaging devices; saving imaging dealers time that would otherwise be spent undergoing the multi-step process of reordering toner themselves.
The software will allow dealers to automatically receive detailed toner supply quotes directly into their business system whenever a customer’s imaging device is running low on toner, with FMAudit able to remotely monitor the ongoing status of imaging devices across a variety of brands, locations, and networking environments. It is then able to analyse the data collected from each device to “proactively determine” the amount of toner left and estimate from this how soon each toner cartridge will become completely empty based on historical usage patterns for the imaging device.
Once it has been determined by FMAudit that new toner is needed for a device, it passes synchronised details to e-automate, with the reorder alert automatically generating an e-automate supply quote that associates the correct toner cartridge, serialised imaging device, device location, and customer contact information needed to complete the resupply process; although ECi noted that final approval from an authorised dealer is required to push the supply quote through e-automate’s order process.
The company added that all of this is achieved through Web Services built on its proprietary ESN (Equipment Supply Network) data exchange platform; with ESN’s application programming interface (API) connection for the automatic supply quote integration now fully integrated with FMAudit Central v3.6 and v4.0 “in concert with e-automate’s 8.5”.
Greg Allen, Vice President of Operations at ECi’s FMAudit, said: “The ability to offer our customers this integration with e-automate is very exciting. Increasing productivity is what dealers are looking for and this integration is exactly what is needed when offering automated supply ordering: the capability to place a quote in a dealer’s business management system without the staff having to manage alerts. This takes a time-intensive step out of the ordering process and limits the risk associated with managing supply programs.”