NCS
NCS is a circulation/distribution system aimed at the publishing industry. It comprises a suite of modules covering three main areas of distribution:- • Paid For Retail Supply/Wholesale Distribution. • Direct Delivery & Postal Subscriptions. • Free Distribution & Leaflet Sales. Combined with a powerful Canvassing module which covers the disciplines of both telephone and door to door campaigns, the use of PDA’s enables canvassing data to be captured and downloaded electronically As well as the five main modules, there are two “support” modules; the “Reports” module, which contains a variety of management information reports, and a “System” module for general system administration. NCS is an established, proven system containing a comprehensive range of facilities designed to speed up work flow with the minimum of effort. Based on a relational database, NCS is particularly well suited to user reporting applications and interfacing with other systems. PDA & SMS technology reaches out to a new audience Canvassing readers could not be made simpler now that door step reconciliation of reader information can be collated easily on the PDA. Using a flexible configurable interface to collect answers to survey questions or to collect orders for the delivery of publications to reader's addresses, the use of the PDA is transforming the speed and accuracy of data input. Using customisable fields, campaigns can also be set to manage retail outlets. Using a secure two-way dynamic web browser update between the PDA and the powerful NCS database means the PDA can be used from home and once the PDA is connected reader/retail information can be processed in a matter of minutes, removing the need to re-key 'out of date' return to base hard copy canvassing walk sheets. On successful login the PDA Canvassing application remotely downloads a canvass board list of addresses associated with the canvasser's login credentials. The canvasser can select the occupant's responses using a flexible multi-choice interface and a simple stylus device. Canvassers use clear icons associated with each address to record the status of the address - e.g. no canvassing call made, order received, call back arranged, plan to return etc. These icons are automatically set as the system detects the canvasser's use of the application at an address. Communication between employees is also improved along with messaging between NCS clients, and e-mail, SMS messaging can be sent to employees mobile devices allowing canvassers to be kept informed at all times during the campaign and whether van driver, deliverer or canvasser you will always be able to stay in touch with 'head office' On completion of an order, the PDA application can collect a digital signature from the customer. This secure digital signature is uploaded with the order and / or survey data to be stored in the database.