Should I use Actinic? any good over a network?

[Pet Dispensary]

Hi all,
I run www.petdispensary.co.uk and currently use <edited by moderator:> another cart, this has been good but I need to move on to software that allows to be run over a network for multi-users. Would be really pleased to hear any comments about how reliable this is, the speed and ease of use and general comments regarding order mananagement of the software.

thanks
Lynsey

[Paul Bulpit]

You could start by looking here (http://community.actinic.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&f=28&page=1&pp=25&sort=lastpost&order=desc&daysprune=-1) at some of the issues encountered.

In my own experience, numerous initial teething problems did appear to settle down, though occasional hiccups still occur on a daily basis. However, my network cabling is very old and it may be partially to blame.
______________
Paul

[leehack]

How many users would be my very first question?

[Pet Dispensary]

I would be looking at 3 workstations to be networked, all to run the order manager side of things. Any comments good or bad appreciated
thank you

[saucysal]

Hello Lynsey. Been using Actinic since 2004. We have a master with the full version of Actinic and currently one "workstation" for order processing only (viewing just the orders screen). All worked fine from the start, and continues so, with several upgrades done over time.

We export orders from Actinic into Sage, and have Sage networked, with 3 users. We chose Actinic because of the facility to bring the orders and customers into Sage. We also liked that it was computer based rather than online software, which we had previously.

We also have two websites, with two sites on Actinic, and export these orders also into the same Sage. Works fine.

Sarah

[Andy Porter]

Hi Lynsey,

Actinic business plus in conjunction with additional users is a powerful multi user system. You can use it for all your MOTO ( mail order telephone orders ) as well as being able to manage your website fully from each work station. If you use it in conjunction with Actinic payments all your orders can use one payment system as our MOTO form is fully integrated with Actinic payments. User access can be restricted by login.
Business plus also allows you to run as many stores as you wish from one license if you want multiple sites.

You do need to run business plus accross your LAN. We also offer full support and training centrally from Actinic.

Would you like to download our free 30 day trial to test out ?

Regards,

Andy Porter
Actinic

[Pet Dispensary]

thanks for the comments. I have now downloaded the trial and am working my way thought is, all looks good so far.
Is the speed effected on the networked machines? I have read reports that it can be slow at times, I do think the software is ideal for our business needs, I am just concerned about running across the network, want to make the right step forward!
thank you
Lynsey

[Pet Dispensary]

thanks Sarah, comments are helpful!

[chris ashdown]

We use it for 6 users and find it reliable now in version 9.0.5, but speed in changing sites (we have 8) can be slow but still very workable, we have a speed problem with a couple of computers on downloading orders which actinic are looking into but now feel it may be a network problem

Would I recommend it Yes, Actinic do try to fix most problems along with others every few months with updates, though it does pay to get the insurance of joining the cover contract each year unless you are really into computers and software, rather than just using them.

They do have a really fast system called enterprise, but expect at least two arms and a leg as the price to buy it, just uses a different database

[cbarling]

Lynsey, if you decide to go with Actinic it will most likely be with version 10, which has jsut come out on public beta, and which we expect to be on production in around 4 weeks.

With a bit of tuning, Multi-User performance in v9 has been OK for most people, with a small number continuing to experience issues. For this reason v10 has some further improvements and if any problems remain we will address them.

In addition, we have a specialist in performance within the support team and they help with anything that comes up.

Chris

[Rich Brady]

Lynsey, if you decide to go with Actinic it will most likely be with version 10, which has jsut come out on public beta, and which we expect to be on production in around 4 weeks.

With a bit of tuning, Multi-User performance in v9 has been OK for most people, with a small number continuing to experience issues. For this reason v10 has some further improvements and if any problems remain we will address them.

In addition, we have a specialist in performance within the support team and they help with anything that comes up.

Chris

Lynsey, you should download the beta and have a play:

http://community.actinic.com/showthread.php?t=46429