Cheshire, UK, July 28, 2002

Progressive Solutions International Ltd., of Cheshire, UK, the leading supplier of business information software for the forest industry, announces the introduction of bisTrack™ business software for timber and builders merchants.

bisTrack is a comprehensive, Windows-based merchant software solution designed by UK timber industry professionals. It offers suppliers in the building industry – merchants of timber, plumbing, engineering and building supplies – the ability to integrate all aspects of their business, improving efficiencies throughout their operations.

“The software was built using modern platforms and development tools, so it inter operates with other office software systems,” explains Alan Hamilton, General Manager of Progressive Solutions’ UK operations. “Because bisTrack is Windows-based, the software is easy to learn and use, which cuts down on training time. Further, the platform is highly suited for those companies that wish to participate in e-commerce.”

bisTrack’s Windows-based screens display sales, stock, shipping and other business information. Stock control and purchases are automated, so a merchant knows what is in stock at all times. Customer history is tracked, so the merchant knows previous orders and can provide better customer service. Powerful search capabilities help merchants quickly find product in their stockholdings. In addition, bisTrack can be linked with the Internet, allowing merchants to quickly check online catalogs from their suppliers. “Information is at a merchant's fingertips, which means customers are better served. Easy-to-use Windows screens and point-of-sale features make actual transactions quick and effortless,” reports Mr Hamilton.

In the back office, bisTrack helps schedule deliveries, purchasing, and pricing. bisTrack's pricing features support multiple chained discounts and quantity discounts for customers and suppliers, and special prices for both buying and selling. A group of similar products can be priced from a single price record, which allows merchants to quickly update a range of prices based on one master price. “With this complete a system, it is much easier to continually keep track of margins and ensure maximum profitability from each product,” according to Mr Hamilton. Data is stored in the SQL Server database, and can be retrieved using standard software tools such as Microsoft Excel® and Word® or Crystal Reports®. Accounting information is easily exported to a variety of sales ledgers.

Interested merchants will be able to see bisTrack demonstrated at two upcoming seminars and product launches: September 25 in Cheshire and September 26 in London.

About Progressive Solutions Inc.
Progressive Solutions is the international leader in business information solutions for the timber industry. Since 1989, we have addressed the procurement, sales, stock and logistics management needs of a wide range of timber companies. The company is headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada and has sales offices throughout the US, UK and Canada. Progressive Solutions UK operations are headquartered in Cheshire.