Multi-Location/Multi-Shop operation

Bookmine can operate in Multi-location/Multi-shop mode where some information, such as inventory descriptions and contact and supplier details, is shared across all locations but properties, such as stock holdings, sell prices, sales, email and purchase ordering is unique for each location.

All stored data is held centrally at a designated headquarters, all other locations, called remote locations, use Terminal Services access (Citrix, LogMein, Teamviewer, Remote Desktop are examples of access modes that can be used) to connect to the central data.

A license is required for each location to operate in multi-location mode.

Stock can be transferred between locations using the Transfer Request interface. Transfers can be initiated at the requesting location, to request stock in, or at the supplying location, to push stock out to another location. The full versatility of the Purchase Odering system can also be used to place Transfer Requests to other locations. In all cases the requesting location has a full record of all stock that is on order, whether it is from another location or branch or from an external supplier. Once stock arrives at a location and has been checked it can be easily bulk received into the system.

Concepts

Central Location or HQ- the central location where all data is actually stored on disk.

Branch Locations - all other locations. These use remote access to gain access to their data. Typically access will be via an Internet connection using some Terminal Services client such a Remote Desktop Protocol or any other Thin Client.

Shared Information - All Inventory information is shared between all locations, including inventory images. All contact data, such as customers and suppliers contact details, is shared across all locations.

Non-shared Information - Each location has its own inventory holdings such as quantities on hand, on hold, or order. In addition sales, purchase orders and emails are specific to each location.

Transfers - Stock can be transferred between locations using the Transfer Interface and the standard Purchase Ordering interfaces. Any location can request transfers from any other location. All locations can supply inventory to other locations.

Requester Location - the location that the stock is being requested by or pushed out to.

Supplier Location - the location supplying the stock as a result of a a transfer request or a push transfer initiated by them.

Request Based Transfers - The requesting location initiates a request via the Transfer interface or as a result of placing orders, via the standard purchese ordering interfaces, to suppliers that represent other locations. The transfer requests are picked up by the supplying location, stock is dispatched and received into the requesting locations using bulk receiving.

Push Based Transfers - The supplying location transfers stock out to another location without receiving a request. This is typical when head office wants to distribute new stock to branch locations. The supplying location raises the Tranfer Request, fills it and dispatches it. The Supplying location bulk receives the stock.