Supplies Network PSN FAQs

This page provides answers to frequently asked questions about improvements to communications between Supplies Network (A DMI company) and your DDMS system.

See also: PSN Documentation

How do I get my price lists from Supplies Network?

In addition to the quarterly update using the SIMPLE wizard, Supplies Network provides a downloadable Price List file that contains item price changes and product information via their Web site, www.suppliesnetwork.com. ECi Content Services’ SNcustom program allows you to import the product information from the Supplies Network price file into the ECi™ DDMS® Item database. For detailed instructions, see SN Custom Price List (pdf).

How do I do Wrap-N-Label with Supplies Network?

With enhancements in DDMS 8.16.2, Supplies Network now allows you to send Wrap & Label orders via the ECi Private Supply Network (PSN). This means the vendor will pack and label orders for your individual customers, eliminating the need for you to sort and box them up yourself. You must set this option in the Vendor Private Communications Network dialog box. In the Communication Type box, select Private Communication Network. In the Template box, select DMIPCN Communications. In the Program Group drop down box, select General Communication Information. The Wrap and Label option now appears under General Communication Information and is available for use. For additional instructions, see
Setting Up and Using the Supplies Network PSN
(www.DDMS.com/Resources/Doc/PSN/suppliesntwkpsn.pdf)

Have you lengthened the time limit for Supplies Network PSN transmissions?

Previously, transmissions to Supplies Network over the ECi PSN had a time limit of two minutes to complete. In an effort to standardize Supplies Network’s PSN to perform like other PSN wholesalers, the transmissions now have six minutes to complete, preventing time outs.

How Have Printed Acknowledgments Changed?

Previously, you would not receive a printed acknowledgment if your purchase order contained no Supplies Network items or if Supplies Network could not fill any items on the order. You would only see a message on the P/O transmission screen stating there were no Supplies Network items. To minimize confusion, the acknowledgment process has been changed to print a detailed acknowledgment, regardless of whether Supplies Network has filled any items.

Can I Re-Request Supplies Network Acknowledgments?

Did your printer jam? Did you misplace the acknowledgment? You can now re-request your acknowledgment using the (SR-C) Acknowledgment Request screen. This will help prevent duplicate orders. For detailed instructions, please see Tech Note # 238, Using (SR-C) to Request P/O Acknowledgments

Why Do Supplies Network P/O Transmissions Take Longer?

Transmissions may take a few minutes longer than is typical due to additional processes.

First, Supplies Network has pricing flexibility beyond typical "column" pricing. This flexibility adds processing time to the order as the pricing associated with your organization is confirmed.

Finally, the "look up" that Supplies Network performs on order details is a complete inquiry. Supplies Network reports actual shipping charges and guaranteed ETA on confirmed inventory. Supplies Network does not use estimated or preliminary values. At the time you receive an acknowledgement, the order has already been forwarded to Supplies Network's distribution center for shipment.

These steps do add time, but they provide you with an extra measure of confidence for accurate and timely fulfillment.

Which Products Does Supplies Network Offer Fulfillment for?

Supplies Network specializes in printer, copier, fax and computer consumables.

To expedite your transmissions, they recommend that you limit your purchase orders to the products Supplies Network carries. Many dealers use unique stock classes to organize their inventory. For example, you could place your computer consumables into a unique stock class, and use this stock class as a limiter in building purchase orders for Supplies Network.

Why Is Supplies Network’s PSN Set Up Differently Than Other Wholesalers?

The Supplies Network PSN service requires setup on both your DDMS system and on Supplies Network’s system to allow connection. This setup allows Supplies Network to recognize your organization and thereby connect to your custom pricing.

If you currently do business with Supplies Network, but are not yet connected to the Supplies Network PSN, contact your assigned Supplies Network account representative.

Provide your name, company, contact information, Dun & Bradstreet number (to be used only as a unique identifier), and the name and contact information for the individual responsible for maintaining your DDMS system.

If you do not yet have an account, contact Supplies Network at (800) 729-9300.

How do I set up Automated Short-Buy (ASB) with Supplies Network?

You can now use the Supplies Network PSN for your Automated Short-Buy (ASB) process. Assuming you already have an account with Supplies Network that allows you to do Internet Purchasing with them, and assuming you can already transmit purchase orders manually, follow these steps to configure your DDMS system:

  1. Go to the (LFA1) Vendor Call Number Master parameters screen.
    In graphical software:
    • Double-click the Keyop Menu icon
    • Double-click the Parameters icon
    • Make sure your CAPS LOCK key is ON. (Text-based software only accepts capital letters.)
    • Select Purchase Order parameters by typing the letter F
    • Select the ASB action code by typing the letter A
    • Select Vendor by typing the number 1
  2. To change your vendor call number, type C
  3. Specify the call number you wish to set up. If it's not a two-character call number, press Enter.
  4. In the Parameter Screen field, type L6N
  5. Press the TAB key.
  6. In the P/O Vendor # field, type DMI-WHL
14:27:11                (LFA1) Vendor Call Number                       04/06/04
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           Call Number [1 ]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Parameter Screen :L6N     P/O Vendor # :DMI-WHL

For the remainder of the parameter fields on this screen, refer to the following topics in your online help:

How do I Set Up Stock and Price Checks with Supplies Network?

You must first contact your Supplies Network representative to obtain the "Contact ID" they have for you in their system. Then, to configure your DDMS system to allow allow Supplies Network price and stock checks via PSN, see Setting Up & Using the Supplies Network PSN.

How do I get Supplies Network pricing files?

As of April 1, 2007, Supplies Network has joined the list of vendors who provide quarterly catalog updates within the O/PUS multi-vendor catalog update. The Supplies Network catalog is available to all O/PUS customers using the SIMPLE wizard.

You can use the SIMPLE wizard to add Supplies Network to your vendor "call" list. You can update the wholesale catalog price in the I-WHL record for each Supplies Network item, and specify percentages to increase their cost or list price. The Vendor ID name in I-WHL will be DMI-WHL.

If you do not yet have a Supplies Network account, contact your representative:

What's New in Version 7.6

As of DDMS Version 7.6, Supplies Network's PSN now supports attention line and end-user purchase order number on drop-shipments.

The procedure to update the Supplies Network communication parameter table is as follows:

  1. In the (CX) screen, select the [A] Add action code.
  2. In the Vendor # field, type DMI-WHL and press Enter.
  3. At the Correct Record prompt, type Y.
  4. At the Enter Number For Selection prompt, type Ø to set the Comm Type field to PCN.
  5. At the next Enter Number For Selection prompt, type Ø to set the Template field to DMI communications. Press Enter.
  6. The Vendor Records Have Been Updated Prompt appears. Press Enter.
  7. With the cursor in the Action field, select [C] Change.
  8. At the Enter Number For Selection prompt for parameter group, type 4 to select the End User Information.
  9. At the Enter Number For Selection prompt, type Ø to select the Purchase Order Number Qualifier parameter.
  10. In the Override field, type Y and press Tab.
  11. In the 1-20 field, type EU and press Enter.
  12. At the Enter Number For Selection prompt, type 1 to select the Purchase Order Number Source parameter.
  13. In the Override field, type Y and press Tab.
  14. In the 1-20 field:
    • For 10-character P/Os, type P and press Enter.
    • For 30-character P/Os, type L and press Enter.
  15. At the Enter Number For Selection prompt, type 2 to select the Attention Source parameter. This will determine where the Additional name information will be pulled from.
  16. In the Override field, type Y and press Tab.
  17. In the 1-20 field:
    • To use the Attention Special, type A and press Enter.
    • To use the Who Called Special, type W and press Enter.
    • To use the End Line Special, type E and press Enter.
  18. When you finish changing end consumer parameters, press Esc until the cursor returns to the Action field.

If you need additional assistance, please call DDMS Technical Support at 800-366-4778.