What does it do?

Title Advanced Information System (TAIS) system is an electronic catalogue of all current and advanced publications. This catalogue can be accessed online (over the Internet) or offline (on sales representatives’ laptop computers after installation).

Why was it created? (Benefits)

The main idea behind creation of this system was to keep and manage information about all titles for publishers subscribed to the system centrally, while preserving individuality of presentation for each publisher. In particular:

Simple principal diagram of the "Publisher / representative advanced information system" is shown at the bottom of this page.

Click on the thumbnail to view a brief introduction sheet for representative that was used for presenting the system.

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Screenshots and features

Benefits to Publishers:

1. Ready-made application (SQL2000 database driven) for storing information on current and advanced titles.
2. Each title can be described with over 30 parameters (i.e.: Title, ISBN, size, description, author etc. etc), with searchable key parameters.
3. Database information can be exported as CSV file for use with other catalogues, applications, web sites. (As an option: we can configure ‘export scripts’ for specific tasks per publisher)
4. Title information can be exported into an ONIX file.
5. Title information sheets (including visuals) can be emailed and printed.
6. Each publisher will have there own templates (‘on-screen AI’, ‘printer-friendly AI’, ‘publicity plan’, ‘publisher’ templates) for how the information should be presented on computer screens and when printed (including their own logos and layouts).
7. Each publisher may change appearance/templates as they wish (requires knowledge of HTML/XML, but we recommend to consult us for this operation).
8. Information can be accessed/managed from anywhere in the world: home, office, Internet café (requires authorisation – username/password).
9. All information (including new titles and changes to existing title) will instantly be available to sales representatives.

Benefits to Sales Representatives:

1. Access to the central single resource of information (catalogue) from anywhere in the world (requires authorisation – username/password).
2. Can be installed on laptop computers and be available offline - without the need to be connected to the Internet (Internet connection would be required only for updating database from the central application. See “Synchronisation” feature.)
3. Makes carrying multiple folders and information sheets obsolete – all information can be stored in and displayed from the laptop computer screen.
4. Title sheets can be printed or emailed when necessary.
5. Any changes made or new titles added by publishers will be instantly available online. (The “Synchronisation” feature will automatically recognise and download changes and new titles).
6. Automated stock-check feature with wireless barcode scanner.

Future upgrades and developments will include automatic order processing module. Gradually, the system will become to be a single centralised management resource (variant of CRM/ERP) for all aspects of book selling.

Currently this system is being integrated with a publishers' e-commerce website (work in progress).