Myriad, Exim launch e-business link
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, November 11, 2002
San Diego — A new module from Myriad Software and Exim Technologies allows retailers to send purchase orders to any manufacturer's system regardless of the format — electronic data interchange, XML, electronic fax or e-mail.
In return, retailers can receive factory acknowledgements and shipping notices.
Stores with Myriad's Eclicktic software can upgrade immediately to the new e-business module, according to the company. The link is an interface and transaction exchange program developed by Exim Technologies, an e-business solution provider for the furniture industry.
Tests have confirmed Exim's compatibility with Myriad's software, the companies said.
"Our software works within the existing infrastructure of retailers and manufacturers," said Manoj Nigam, president of Exim. "There are no new processes to learn."
Myriad's first client to test the purchase-order module agrees. "All I have to do is hit the 'start' button," said Sharon McCarty, administrative manager for Encore Enterprises, which has Thomasville stores in Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey. "Sending purchase orders through Exim is at least three times faster than our old way of doing things."
Nigam and Carolyn Crowley, president of Myriad, said their joint e-business venture points to more developments down the road. "Making electronic business possible, affordable and easy is the formula for success in the furniture industry," said Nigam.
"Now that we've determined how easily we can launch this type of program, we'll be doing more, giving our retailers more choices," said Crowley.
Myriad said its Eclicktic software is used by hundreds of independents, from midsize to major, all across the country, as well as at four manufacturers' dedicated store networks — Norwalk, Thomasville, Bassett Furniture Direct and La-Z-Boy.
Exim's XM Commerce platform, which handles transactions with retailers nationwide, is currently used by Broyhill, Thomasville, Hooker, Bassett and many other manufacturers, the company said.
