Maxim Wholesale

Maxim Wholesale Distribution comprises a suite of business components designed specifically for publishers. It is suitable for Wholesaler, Print Order and Distribution Management and has a multi-tier software architecture. Each component has been developed independently, communicating with each other via a set of published interfaces.

This approach allows software re-use across different areas of the business and the flexibility to offer direct integration of third party or preferred components. Using a relational Oracle database, the system has multi-platform support for the database and fully compliant Windows support for application servers and clients. Maxim Wholesale Distribution is a fully distributed system.

The Maxim Wholesale Distribution System has been designed to support the distribution department and present relevant information to the distribution staff to assist in their day-to-day activities. Maxim enables easier and timelier access to key operational data, provides greater efficiency and effectiveness within the distribution department and improves the accuracy of data input.

Maxim consists of:

Wholesale Configuration

This is used to control both the initial system set-up and the maintenance of Publications and Issues. It manages the standard parameter lists that are used throughout the rest of the applications. Examples of these lists include wholesaler types, address types, postcode areas, geographic regions and TV regions. Publication and Issue Management covers the set up of both publication and issue level information. Information held includes both national and regional publication codes and names, frequency, publication type, default claim period, barcode stem and ISSN. Facilities are also available for the creation of issue calendars and price maintenance.

Wholesaler Management

Manages the maintenance of the wholesaler related information held in the database. Each wholesaler is held as a separate company in the system and against each company it is possible to define multiple addresses, and identify each address with an address type e.g. delivery and invoicing. Contacts are also held against wholesalers

Pricing and Discount information is also held, either at Wholesaler or Group level, allowing complete flexibility in discount management.

Order Management

Provides the user with a comprehensive order management component including sale or return, extra supply, claims (EDI and non-EDI), exception claims and order roll forwards. Additionally, the system is capable of handling inter wholesaler transfers in order to satisfy localised demand.

Print Order Management

This is the management of the process and creation of the print order to the printer and carriers involved in the distribution chain. The print order is a repository for the information regarding the print order process. This includes: allocations of copies both at wholesaler and depot level, a detailed breakdown for regional titles, assignment of inserts to regions and depots, and the recoding of carrier invoices.

Insert Management

Handles the allocation of inserts to regions and depots as part of the distribution process. There are many different permutations and combinations of inserts that can be used in any one given print order. Maxim provides the flexibility to set these up in an intuitive manner.

Invoices and Credits

Produces invoices and credit notes, these being initiated by the user who will collate any outstanding order lines ready for processing. Each run, whether invoice or credit will generate a transaction batch for the invoices/credits. There is also comprehensive functionality for searching for invoices and credits by date range, batch number, wholesaler and publication detail.

Stationery and Reports

Embeds Crystal Reports within the system to provide a complete solution for the generation of all stationery such as print orders, invoices and credits, as well as standard and ad-hoc reports.