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Current and future releases of Avolent Inc.s BizCast software look to tackle some basic electronic invoicing and payment issues such as integration and modifications.
BizCast 5.4, which the San Francisco-based company rolled out late last month, provides 20 new adapters for better integration between the suites billing, reconciliation and payment software and third-party back-office systems.
The adapters enable integration with enterprise applications, including those from Oracle Corp. and SAP AG; middleware from TIBCO Software Inc. and WebMethods Inc.; and other software that complies with XML and other standards.
In addition to the adapter suite, BizCast 5.4 adds a new integration tool, Visual Data Mapper, which provides a GUI that lets users map BizCast processes to outside systems.
Avolents next big release, BizCast 6.0, will address online invoice reconciliation with a new module that automates the reconciliation of bills. The eReconciliation module enables business partners to jointly discuss and modify invoices online. Additionally, Version 6.0, expected in early fall, will add a feature for channel billing that enables separate bills to be delivered to partners, resellers and brokers. The upgrade will also have improved invoice management tools and enhanced workflow for internal review, officials said.
Avolent is also working with a group of system integrators to further its reach into vertical industries such as advertising and media. The company already is focused on the health care/insurance, distribution, retail and leasing markets.
BizCast user Jan Gallagher said she had requested that a dispute resolution functionality be added to the software.
“We wanted advanced notice of any issue, so we can get ahead of the game and contact customers before there is any issue,” said Gallagher, senior manager of Billing and Payment Systems at Office Depot Inc., in Delray Beach, Fla. “It gives us the ability to have a heads-up with invoice resolution in the long run. Being able to have an advanced notice with a dispute on an invoice [is beneficial]. Oftentimes, the customer doesnt tell you there is a dispute on an invoice until we call to ask why they havent paid.”