PCI Compliance: You’ve Got Options, Baby!

Memorial Day weekend is upon us and it feels as though summer is officially kicking off. When we think about summertime, we usually think of barbecues, firecrackers and pool time … words synonymous with the month of July.  But this July, most Activant Eclipse users will be dealing with a different kind of firecracker that’s not as much fun … one called PCI compliance.

At this point, most of you have probably heard a lot about PCI compliance, and are well aware of what it means for you. You probably know that PCI stands for Payment Card Industry; and, that being compliant means protecting your customers’ sensitive information. You probably know that processing, storing or transmitting credit card information makes you responsible for maintaining a secure data environment. And, you probably know that, as of July 1, all Visa merchants (including those using Eclipse’s built-in credit card processing) are required to have a PCI compliance solution in place.

But … something you may NOT know is that you have OPTIONS! That’s right, options. Choices. Alternatives.

Activant has presented its users with a PCI compliance solution that will integrate with Eclipse. This solution, coupled with implementation costs, comes with a hefty price tag.  Some users may feel a little backed into a corner; and, we admit, that is somewhat the case. However, we’ve spent a great deal of time gaining an understanding of the PCI compliance landscape; and, we’d like to urge you to think of your place in this little corner as an OPPORTUNITY. We know, we know, that sounds a little idealistic; but we’re for real.

Here are some things to consider:

1. Negotiation. Approaching PCI compliance deadlines have caused a lot of movement in the credit card processing marketplace. Yet,  the economy is still down. This means it’s a great time for negotiation. Even if you continue using Eclipse’s credit card processing, and purchase Activant’s solution for compliance (Element), you should consider trying to re-negotiate your processing rates. This could potentially MORE than cover the cost of becoming PCI compliant.
2. Ignorance. You can continue using your current payment module with Eclipse.  Your assessment for not being PCI compliant will be $25 to $50 per month per location depending on your current merchant services provider.  Not being PCI compliant also means that you will be held liable for any and all fraudulent transactions that occur by any means. (Alright, not such a great option. But an option nonetheless.)
3. Change Vendors. You can purchase the Element PCI compliant module for Eclipse and consider utilizing a DIFFERENT company to handle your processing (gateway) … potentially, one with a much lower rate. One to consider is NXGEN (full disclosure: have a working a relationship with them).
4. Internet Gateway. You can use an Internet secure gateway offered by one of many competitors, such as NXGEN. This product is not fully integrated with Eclipse as Element is; but, it does work with the system; and it’s free and fully PCI compliant.
5. Batch Terminals. You can choose to use a stand alone credit card terminal or a non-integrated payment gateway, which are both PCI compliant.

So, how’s that for emerging from a corner? You may not be back on your side of the court with the ball in hand; but, we think it at least provides you a little more elbow room.

As always, Zerion is here to provide you with independent, unbiased Eclipse consulting services. Our mission is to help you start saving money now, regardless of your credit card processing choices. We’d be happy to talk you through your options in more detail, or get you a quote from NXGEN. Until July 1, we’re offering free consulting on PCI compliance. Get in touch!

Look Who’s Training Now

Zerion is proud to welcome some more new faces to our Eclipse services team. This month, Susana Armstrong as well as Steve and Peggy Gonter joined the ranks as Zerion Consultants.

Susana is an old friend from our days at Hughes (now HD Supply). She was part of Hughes’  IT department and worked  as an Eclipse support technician for six years. Prior to that, she learned the system while working in the Accounts Payable department.

Susana will primarily be responsible for teaching our web-based learning classes, both for Zerion and the UFO. She’ll soon be releasing a brand new, ongoing schedule of low-cost remote learning opportunities for Eclipse users.

Steve and Peggy are a long-time husband and wife team in the distribution IT arena. They’ve spent the last 12 years providing implementation, programming, support and project management services to businesses using Eclipse software. They also each have 10 years experience supporting SHIMS Software on UniVerse.

The addition of Steve and Peggy extends our services to include more comprehensive programming for Eclipse users.

Eclipse Tip: Tracking Inventory Adjustments

If you ever notice inventory adjustment comments being too vague, or incorrect (in the inventory adjustment register); or, if you’re allowed to type anything in the Header Comment field of an adjustment, here’s a tip for you. There are two control files that can increase your tracking on inventory adjustments. From Control File Maintenance, you can turn on Validate Inventory Adjustment Comments (change to “Yes”), and set up Valid Inventory Adjustment Comments. Once you do this, all adjustments will have to have a specific reason in order to be created. Also, note that you can tie each adjustment comment to a specific GL account.

We Love New Customers

In May, we gained two new clients. Gulf Eagle Supply brought us onboard to provide Eclipse training for its regional managers. Gulf Eagle is a distributor of residential and commercial roofing and building products,  headquartered in Tampa, with  over 50 locations nationwide.

Allied Fastener & Tool hired us to provide some programming services for data extraction. They’re converting off of Eclipse to a new system that’s a better fit for them (see, we weren’t lying when we said we’re unbiased!). Allied offers professional fastening systems, power tools and other construction products. They have seven locations throughout Florida, with their main office in Miami.

Industry News: Customer Spotlight on EISI

Congratulations to Eastern Industrial Supplies, Inc. (EISI)! The company was just inducted into The Wholesaler’s PVF Hall of Fame. They were recognized in Houston this month during the May meeting of the PVF Roundtable. They have an amazing story to tell, and one that’s well documented in this article, which was featured as the cover story of this month’s The Wholesaler. They also recently opened a new location in Charlotte.

EISI has been a customer of Zerion for several years. They’re part of our EZ Support program and we’ve worked with them on training, branch conversions, pricing, purchasing, and RF. We’re proud to be associated with these Hall of Famers!

In other industry news, several buying groups have combined to form a new cooperative. BLUE HAWK, Embassy and IMARK will now be United Cooperative Alliance of America.

Do You Know the Way to San Jose?

We may not know our way there, but we’ll have to figure it out real soon! By now I’m sure you know about the regional roundtables that the Eclipse Users Group is doing. We’re officially kicking off sessions on Report Writer and User Defined Screens with our next set of roundtables. We’ll be joining the UFO in San Jose, California on June 9th and 10th to facilitate the workshops. If you’re in the area, or within driving distance, get signed up today!

June 9th’s roundtable is titled “Getting the Information You Need From Eclipse” and will cover
Advanced Report Writer, Excel with Eclipse  and Eclipse Reports. June 10th’s session is titled “User Defined Screens, Class Files and Advanced I-Descriptors,” and it will provide an overview as well as specific information on each of those topics. UFO members can see a complete class outline by logging in to the UFO web site.

And don’t forget, the UFO is always offering cost-effective online training options with Zerion instructors. June’s schedule includes classes on RF Warehousing and Eclipse Hidden Gems. To register for the roundtables or webinars, visit the UFO’s web site.