Online Ordering for Account Customers
Online Ordering is accessible only by account customers via their own unique account ID/password pair, using Secure Socket Layer encryption to provide secure information transfer between the server and the requesting client. Supplier Staff and their customers will login from the public page and will need to be authenticated before they can view the Online Ordering page. Login control is via the T&HE's user profiling infrastructure. The user's login profile controls what users are able to do and see within the Online Sell Side Catalogue environment. It also provides for Frequently Ordered Products template delivery and default delivery and ordering information by customer.
The Ordering Function
Online Ordering customers can utilise a variety of means to undertake the ordering process:
Online Ordering functions (similar to Shopping Cart) - allows account customers to browse and select products, modify order quantities, and view their specific prices before finalising order.
Express Ordering - allows customers to quickly enter product codes (or EAN codes) of frequently purchased items in a simple entry table, and then confirm those items when presented with complete item descriptions and costs.
Frequently Ordered Products Template - allows customers to build a list of frequently ordered products that they can recall at any time, enter required quantities and add to their order.
Hybrid Ordering - allows customers to use a mixture of Shopping Cart, Express Ordering, and Frequently Ordered Products to build each order.
View previous orders.
Customers can select either standard transport, alternative transport (at own cost), drop shipments (with or without invoice) at time of order confirmation.
Customers receive a printable version of the order for them to print out and retain at completion of order. This includes a unique identification number as well as all order header details and line items. By default, orders are sent to the Supplier's nominated email address. A preferred option is for the orders to be sent directly to the supplier in their preferred format, via T&HE Document Exchange service.
Security
All interaction between the customer and the web server in relation to the order is achieved via an SSL session using a 128-bit key. In addition, another SSL session is used between the web server and the payment gateway. The use of SSL greatly reduces the risk of sensitive information being intercepted and understood by a third party while in transit across the Internet. Credit card numbers are not stored on the web server.
Find out more... Online Ordering for Non Account Customers.