The Promax PX solution is based on a Microsoft SQL+ DB and therefore allows data to be easily extracted through Microsoft Office tools like Excel and functionality exists to allow the easy download of reports and data within Promax to be saved in Excel or other MS tools.

To ensure data consistency we do not recommend that information be imported from Microsoft office tools.

As the solution is based on a Microsoft SQL DB there is minimal or no lag in embracing MS office upgrades.

The Promax PX has incorporated a number of elements to improve the ease of use;

• The Promax PX solution has a strong graphical user interface. The user can modify the promotional plan through commonly used Windows techniques such as drag and drop, copy and paste, etc.

• The layout of the key screens can be adjusted to meet the specific needs of the user and the business. For instance, the user can view the promotional plan grouped by product, activity type etc.

The Promax PX solution can be set up for use across multiple sites. A variety of users have a single DB servicing the needs of their Australian and NZ business units. The solution has user jurisdiction that limits access

Promax PX also integrates with a number of leading Field Force automation systems e.g. Quofore and ComOps. The integration of promotional planning with Field Force automation tools creates the opportunity to further improve the accuracy of forecasts by collecting compliance information from the field to improve the quality of forecast import. The data collected from the field can be used as a causal factor input into the forecasting technology.

Communication of promotional information to the field sales force through the automatic integration to Field Force automation systems allows the field force to discuss promotional activity with customers with immediate access to accurate and precise data on all relevant promotional activity.

Promax provides full capability to provide a baseline as well as a promotional forecast for use within Supply Chain Planning applications and ERP. However, should the requirement exist to complement the forecasting (Demand Planning) capabilities of a solution such as SAP APO, Logility or Oracle then this is fully supported. Options to use the SCP solution’s baseline forecast together with the promotional uplifts from Promax or to use the SCP’s forecasting module as a data repository for the forecast created within Promax are all viable options. A working relationship and knowledge of the Logility forecasting solution exists within the Promax team and integration between the two would be provided (on a per-diem cost basis).

As Promax is designed to deal with businesses that have a highly promoted product portfolio we strongly recommend that Promax is baseline calculation methods are used in preference to those of supply chain planning tools. Promax PX can provide the supply chain planning system with a “customer facing” forecast of invoiced sales and volume.

Promax PX supports most syndicated data feeds such as IRI, Aztec/Synovate & AC Nielsen data.

A clients standard database management processes would support this requirement.

Promax PX does not currently support this feature. An alternative method is to use VPN/Terminal Services (or Citrix).

Promax PX typically operates in a client / server environment and is accessible via both VPN, and Terminal Services/Citrix. See typical Solution Architecture diagram.

Individual users can be granted specific combinations of read/write/delete for all key functions within Promax PX. Some examples would be Company Data (accounts, products, prices etc), Account Data (activity types, ranging etc).

Approval levels can also be set up by user. These govern a user’s ability to approve a promotion or whether it becomes a pending promotion for a more senior manager.