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The words may sound similar, but there are some fundamental differences in how business systems connect to, and work with, the main Sage system and some fundemental benefits of one over the other.
Integrated Systems
Integrated means that the handheld functionality within our system becomes part of the main system, so that any changes on the handheld are, in effect, directly changing the core data. There is no data to 'transfer' as the screen on the handheld is a live Sage screen, as if it were a networked PC. In fact, in an integrated, wireless system, that is exactly what a handheld is: a networked PC with live access to whatever Sage screen is relevant.
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Wireless technology has evolved rapidly over the last five years and the latest standard (802.11i) ensures high quality, secure and robust communications. Wireless network hardware has also improved, so that wireless Access points now have an even greater range than before (up to 200 metres), with a higher level of tolerance to interference and impressively tight security.
Interfaced Systems
By contrast, Interfaced systems transfer their data by moving a file of information from the handheld database across to the main Sage system, which then imports it. This method is fine if the information is not time critical or if the company is small with few employees and interpersonal communications are good. The handheld is usually placed in a cradle connected to a standard PC and the data is then physically transferred - either automatically or when the transfer program is run. This is similar to how a standard PDA works with Microsoft Active Sync.
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What are the Benefits?
Integration means that the core Sage system is updated in real-time, so that all the other business functions that depend on Sage are using the latest information. Newly arrived items that are scanned in will immediately appear in the stock files the moment they are scanned,enabling customer service, despatch or production to see exactly what is in stock at any moment
The Real-Time Business
This means that business is always operating with the latest information, which has an number of key benefits in key areas:
• Customer Service
Customer expectations can be managed - and even exceeded - with accurate stock and delivery information.
• Production
Accurate stock information about components(whether Works Order receipts or purchased items) enables production to be planned around what is actually available, minimising downtime and progress chasing caused by poor kitting or production line stocks.
If running any form of production planning, from simple scheduling to fully integrated MRP, accurate and timely information is the key to success, and this can only really be achieved with a combination of wireless networking and full systems integration.
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