Product Brief: CPS Computerized Parcel System
Web Commerce Today, Issue 39, October 15, 2000
CPS Computerized Parcel System
Harvey Software, Inc.
http://www.harveysoft.com
(800) 231-0296
Windows 95/98/2000/NT
Small as well as large e-commerce businesses will be interested to learn about CPS Computerized Parcel System. This is not a full order fulfillment system, it is only the shipping component of the system. But it is a very robust shipping system that is actually used by Fortune 500 companies as well as small businesses. Depending upon which level of service you purchase, CPS performs the following functions:
- Data mapping in order to import your order files into CPS and export shipping data to customer service or accounting systems using CPS Connections. ODBC compatibility allows CPS to connect with company databases on mainframes or networked PCs. The program can also be run from a stand-alone PC.
- Support for most major carriers (domestic and international), including UPS, USPS, FedEx, RPS, and others. In addition, you can add other carriers using the custom set-up feature.
- Electronic shipping data uploads to the carrier.
- BestWay Calculator to determine most economical shipping method and carrier.
- Bar code labels and batch printing of labels and shipping documents required by each carrier and for overseas shipping.
- Searchable database of shipping information for customer service questions.
- Can send customer an automatic e-mail shipping notification including tracking number.
Once the system is set up, the shipping clerk would typically import the most recent file of orders and then process each of these for shipping by your preferred carrier or carriers, finishing by printing out labels for each package and e-mailing each customer that shipping has taken place. All the shipping information is automatically logged by the program.
The CPS Economy version is priced at $169.95 (download only), within the range of small e-commerce businesses. The higher priced Silver, Gold, and Platinum versions are primarily related to how many support phone calls are permitted per year. Compared to other software that requires little support after your are up and running, shipping software needs continued support for two main reasons: (1) personnel turnover in the shipping department and (2) changes in the services and pricing systems by the major carriers.
