Using Eclipse to Set Yourself Apart

As an alternative, independent Eclipse services provider, Zerion has worked with more than 500 Eclipse customers consulting, implementing, customizing and training on the software. We have seen which companies use Eclipse to its maximum capacity, and which companies might be missing out on ensuring the software is really working for them. Our goal has always been to help our customers maximize their Eclipse investment, so we’ve compiled a list of the top seven practices that those who are best utilizing Eclipse are already doing. If you want to make Eclipse work better for your organization, you may want to consider adopting any or all of these tips.

#1 – EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)
You can make the leap to "paperless," especially when it comes to standardized forms such as invoices and purchase orders. Eclipse can be set up to work with 850s, 855s, 856s, 810s and much more. EDI can revolutionize the way you're doing business.

#2 – Embrace the Web
In the age of Amazon, if you’re not selling online, you’re missing out. We understand it can seem daunting to not only set up an e-commerce platform but to also fulfill from that platform. However, there’s a good chance your current – and future – customers are price-shopping online and if you’re not there, they’ll buy from someone who is.

#3 – Manage the Queue
Whether it’s sales, purchasing, or accounts payable, the order in which you are tackling your operations matters. Consider queues within Eclipse to be a fundamental. If Eclipse took the time to create a queue, you should be paying attention to it. If you aren’t, you are missing out. 

#4 – Solar Interface
Eclipse's new Solar interface was created to allow an easier and more efficient multi-tasking experience within Eclipse. In fact, it was designed so that each individual user can customize the dashboard they see so that Eclipse works best for their unique needs. If you're on the fence about ditching ETerm and moving forward with Solar, go ahead and take the plunge. It’s time.

#5 – Third-Party Integrations
When your vendors’ information is automatically downloaded into your Eclipse distribution software and all parties are working in concert, it stands to reason that your business operations will run more smoothly. Zerion works on lots of integrations frequently for our customers.

#6 – Get with the Times (and Technology)
If the sound of an old dot matrix printer still resonates throughout your office, it’s time to look at which updated technologies could help your business run more efficiently. Whether modifying forms to account for new fields or equipment, upgrading to a laser printer, or purchasing hardware that better integrates with the latest technology, bringing your operations into the 21st century can make a huge impact on how much more efficiently you're running your business. Zerion actually offers an ROI calculator to help with this. E-mail us and we’ll be happy to share it with you!

#7 – Make your Data Work for You
In the distribution industry, we have a ton of data. You may not realize it, but you collect data from customers with every transaction, and even your historical sales / pricing information is a treasure trove of data that you can be using. It’s important to set up systems that constantly collect this raw – and important – data, so you can make informed business decisions now and in the future. Poor data will cause your entire organization to work less efficiently. Get the data right; it will pay dividends throughout your entire company.  
 
If you’ve been waiting on the sidelines, knowing that you need to step up your Eclipse game in order to get the most from the software, maybe it’s time to begin integrating some of these best practices. You don’t have to go it alone. Many of our customers have come to us asking how they can get the most out of their Eclipse investment. Zerion has experience on integrating all seven of these best practices, and we’d love to help you use Eclipse to its maximum potential, too. Call me at 321-229-1089 or e-mail me at tony.king@zeriongroup.com, and I’ll be happy to get you started.