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Media Buying Systems (Strata, etc.)

We are currently struggling with C&P's media piece and are kicking around the idea of using a third party software to help enhance and improve the media buying, billing and vendor payment processes that we currently have in place.

I have noticed C&P imports data from TAPSCAN, Strata, Smartplus.

Is anyone using a third party software package for media, if so would you mind sharing a little information about it:

1) Why did you switch to a third party package 2) What third party media software package are you using 3) Do you have any problems importing the data into C&P 4) Overall opinion of the third party software package and how it works with C&P

ALL information and feedback is GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Thanks,

Rick Zimmer
McCormick Advertising Agency

We are having Strata installed on November 15 with a 60 day out clause. We are going to be testing it- specifically the export/import function. We are having the same issue. The media module is just not robust enough for what we need to do. I will let you know how our test goes.

elaine ucciferri
accounting manager
H A R P E L L

Although Clients & Profits media software is adequate for limited media usage it is really not the best system for heavier media clients. It is truly meant to be a accounting package with media and traffic features.

The primary reason for adding a third party systems is for marketing intelligence gained in the broadcast portion by being able to use ratings data efficiently. Most media packages will have a print module available. I have used both Strata and Smartplus and find pros and cons on both systems (this will help you in negotiating price between the companies).

As for processing, the biggest concern is how your office accounting system is set up. Are you PC based or Mac based? All of these systems require PC based for the media portion and I highly recommend accounting also PC based to best utilize the software. Broadcast buys and updates are automatically transferred to accounting and it does simplify the process. The print module does not transfer at this time, but I know the software companies are upgrading this in the near future.

My overall opinion ---if you have serious media clients and expect to grow in this area you will eventually need media software. I can be expensive but it can also be expensive not to have it.

Pam England
Media Director
Endres & Wilson Advertising

We have been using SmartPlus since 1997 and the ability of C&P to integrate with SmartPlus was a requirement before we moved to C&P in 1999.

We use SmartPlus for broadcast media buying and C&P for print media buying. (We have also had some custom media reports created based on specific client requests and needs.)

The SmartPlus interface has been largely problem-free and it is my impression that the folks at SmartPlus are doing their best to be sure that their product can correctly share data with C&P.

SmartPlus (and I assume the other products as well) is a powerful program designed for media buyers. You may want to evaluate the knowledge level of your staff in deciding whether this is the right product for your media buying and so you can go into it knowing what kind of training may be required etc.

Hope this helps.

JOHN AREVALO
Hughes, Ruch & Murphy, Inc.

Is anyone using a third party software package for media...

Yes.

1) Why did you switch to a third party package

So that we could have up to date ratings, prices and media schedules built into the purchasing side of the system. Additionally you can now get your invoices via the internet directly from many vendors.

2) What third party media software package are you using

Smartplus. We switched from Strata because the users did not like the interface or the information it presented. I have found Smartplus's support, salesforce and training to be top notch.

3) Do you have any problems importing the data into C&P

None. _IF_ it is set up properly and that was a struggle at first. If you have it on multiple workstations the server side information and paths have to match exactly.

4) Overall opinion of the third party software package and how it works with C&P

Media is happy as they have the info they need and now that the bugs are worked out Accounting seems to have no complaints either.

Jim Kennedy
MIS
Bill Brokaw Advertising Inc.

I use Smartplus with C&P. I use, as you said, a third party since the smartplus is a buying and planning tool. C&P just spits out what you put in. I am not totally pleased with the transfer of data from Smartplus to C&P, however, we only use the transfer option for two broadcast clients. If you have more, then you would know why a third party is necessary.

Virginia Lloyd