B2B companies that are already accustomed to working with Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Dynamics 365 Business Central now have the ability to quickly set up a powerful B2B online store. GeCommerce van Alistar seamlessly integrates the online store with the ERP system. And that offers numerous benefits.
A conversation with Karel Leijssen from Alistar about the unique online store solution.
Alistar is a provider of software and services based on Microsoft technology. “We operate in four quadrants,” Leijssen begins. He lists them one by one: “We implement business applications
”for ERP, CRM, collaboration platforms (ECM), and are also skilled in Business Intelligence."
“As part of our ERP offerings, we also provide WMS solutions and the GeCommerce platform. GeCommerce is an in-house development and offers two solutions. With our online store solution, we help B2B companies take their first steps in e-commerce, while also offering established B2B e-commerce players numerous benefits, such as a better customer experience, less administrative work, and maximum return on investment.”
Instead of a standalone online store that is separate from the ERP system, we offer an online store as part of a corporate solution for small and medium-sized businesses.
Karel Leijssen, Business Consultant, Alistar
Corporate Solution
An ERP system is the heart of an organization. “There’s often a whole history behind it,” Leijssen notes. “Typical Dynamics customers have been using their ERP system for many years, and it has usually been tailored and customized to their specific business processes. For external parties, it’s often a challenging task to translate all those requirements into an e-commerce environment.”
“With GeCommerce, we eliminate that middleman. Instead of an isolated online store that’s separate from the ERP, we offer an online store as part of a corporate solution for SMBs. GeCommerce is a comprehensive and successful e-commerce solution, fully integrated with the Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Dynamics 365 Business Central business management systems. Synchronization issues or maintaining APIs are simply not a concern.”
Compact and manageable
GeCommerce is available in several versions, depending on your preferences and needs
from the customer.
”For those who make quick decisions, we can integrate a standard online store with the ERP system within just a few days,“ Leijssen continues. ‘Then it’s up to the B2B organization to get the data ’ready for the web store,’ after which we’ll run tests before going live. Expect a minimum turnaround time of three months.”.
“Depending on your e-commerce goals, that process may take longer—for example, if a custom front-end design needs to be created or if the front end has very specific and detailed requirements. For the average SME, on the other hand, we offer a standardized template that’s very well designed in terms of usability and can be customized with your own logos, colors, etc. A major advantage is that this setup is just a compact addition to the application landscape. The TCO is low and manageable.”
Alistar has already migrated a large number of companies to GeCommerce, often by integrating with their existing ERP infrastructure. Leijssen provides a few examples of possible applications.
“For example, we built an online store for a construction company that allows employees and contractors to manage site supplies entirely online. A plumbing fixtures manufacturer uses the online store both as a ‘showroom’ for consumers and, via a login, for installers. Installers can use it to request additional information and order products. Finally, we’re taking things a step further with a chocolatier’s platform. Supermarket orders are handled fully automatically via an EDI connection with the ERP system,
”while GeCommerce is used as an additional channel for processing orders from a specific audience, including both businesses and individuals. This, too, is fully integrated with the ERP."
GeCommerce
GeCommerce has a very short implementation time. “In just four hours, we can already present an initial proposal—a proof of concept—to our clients. The total turnaround time for a project is then only twenty business days.” Leijssen therefore advises companies not to wait any longer:
Now is the time to give your business a boost online, too. With GeCommerce, you can do that in an affordable and accessible way.
