The Distributor Back Office Exchange (D-BOX) is the key component in the transfer of data between dissimilar back office systems. As part of connecting- the-dots to the global supply chain, the distributor can either expose an ODBC connection to the data required, or export the data to the D-Box for processing and transmission to the exchange server and distribution to required points. For legacy systems that are limited to EDI or FTP, the data is passed to the D-Box and formatted by the DSS Mini-van product; it is then transmitted via email to the exchange translation server. Once the data reaches the server it triggers a process that updates the master db.  The D-Box includes a client license of the SQL cross-reference database to connect the additional data elements required to make Ariba or Commerce One portals function with legacy data.  The D-Box facilitates the set-up and supports distributors with the IT deployment without the expense of travel. The D-Box has 4 different tools to transmit data to the Exchange Server. The distributor’s business system determines which tool or combination of tools is deployed.. The Mini-VAN product is standard on all deployments.

·         Our EMALL SQL Client for Distributor Inventory Visibility.

·         Enterworks Catalog Builder for producing catalogs to Commerce One, Ariba and other exchanges

·         Mini-VAN client for Vanless EDI or connection to the IDW, Contractor Connect, SCI, Vendor Connect, and other ESC-supported products.

·         Image Source Express by JcooperSoftware. This product brings PDF catalogs direct to the sales counter facilitating the sales and/or quote process.

·         EPICÔ by Material Express.

·         For larger distributors with 10 or more users, the Server Edition of the D-BOX is recommended to provide multi-user performance for EPIC.