Metalcasting ERP Leader Debuts CRM Module

For Immediate Release
Contact: Alexandria Trusov
Email: atrusov@blinfo.com

 

METALCASTING ERP LEADER DEBUTS CRM MODULE

Spectrum Attendees Preview Odyssey 5.0 MR2 Features

 

Bridgman, MI, September 29, 2016 - During the 2016 Spectrum conference, B&L Information Systems annual users' event, Spectrum attendees received a preview of the coming enhancements to Odyssey and changes for Odyssey 5.0 MR2, now in general availability. The Odyssey 5.0 MR2 release encompasses both the browser-based Web User Interface (UI) and the Windows UI.

Doug Hinman, Senior Vice President - R&D, set Odyssey users' expectations high by leading off the Spectrum conference Monday morning with a plethora of coming enhancements to Odyssey overall as well as the specifics of what to expect when Odyssey 5.0 MR2 was released from beta. Changes for Odyssey 5.0 MR 2 range from simple user experience improvements to new functions within the Web UI:

  • Business logic improvements
    • The ability to improve tracking by logging emails sent within the application
    • The ability to override an accrued surcharge at invoicing time
    • The ability to enter no charge requisitions and/or purchase orders
    • The ability to see planned shop orders that are past due within the current day
  • User experience improvements
    • Graphics improvements within the Intelligent Views
    • Enhanced summary information with the ability to define Company Goals (KPIs) for over 60 types of data (Web UI only)
  • New functions within the Web UI
    • Quick Quote, based on Quote Templates with automatically calculated field values and assignments
    • CRM Module, harnesses the data about customers and quotes to track the sales pipeline from start to finish

Historically, Spectrum attendees have received advance information on upcoming Odyssey product enhancements and improvements. The unique format of Spectrum, where B&L's R&D staff teaches and meets one-on-one with metalcasters, allows a fertile cross-pollination of ideas, which is supplemented by continuous online customer feedback. Since being introduced 5 years ago, the online Odyssey Customer Feedback Forum has been a leading source of Odyssey ERP improvements as it allows the specific needs of the metalcasting industry to be continuously heard by B&L's staff.

"The new CRM module request originated from the Odyssey Customer Feedback Forum. There was a clear customer need in the industry which Odyssey can now address while users continue to have the convenience of having the needed information 'housed' within one data structure," expounded Matt Gacek, Vice President - Business Development. "The CRM module of Odyssey gives executives and sales professional a clearer picture of sales activities, as well as the shop floor and front office activities. From lead follow-up, to integration to Outlook, to the latest Quality information, all the information about that customer is at your sales reps' fingertips. No more reports, pre-calls, etc. Live actionable information. Dashboard format. The Odyssey CRM module gives your sales department the information they need to track the sales pipeline when they need it!"

Odyssey 5.0 MR2 information is now available via the B&L customer portal (Customer Login) for customers who host Odyssey on their own servers. Any assistance needed in the update process is free for any customers on maintenance with B&L. Odyssey Cloud customers will be contacted by B&L's Technology Department with the update schedule. If you need assistance with downloading or installing the latest Maintenance Release, please contact the support group at support@blinfo.com or 269.465.6207 extension 829.

 

 

User Installation Instructions for Odyssey 5.0 MR2

Below is a link to an installation questionnaire form that you will need to complete before B&L can schedule your installation. It is imperative that you provide all of the requested information so that B&L's Support Team can verify that your system meets the prerequisites for the Odyssey 5.0 MR2  installation.

Please supply three preferred dates, in order of preference, and indicate any circumstances, such as plant shutdown, that makes one date preferable to the others. As always, B&L will schedule the upgrades in the order that they are received, while making every effort to accommodate special circumstances.

Installation Questionnaire Form

   

About B&L Information Systems
B&L Information Systems is a global leader in providing integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) for metalcasters. Since 1976, B&L has used their deep understanding of the specific challenges and problems of foundries and die casters to create an ERP solution which matches the way metalcasters operate, making it easier to learn and use. With Odyssey, metalcasters will maximize their resources, minimize costs, and make better decisions faster.