Here is the text of an email from XchangeIT to newsagents yesterday.
Dear Newsagent
From 13th February 2018 you will be receiving DD2s/Files from Gotch, via XchangeIT, that contain their new 10-digit Product Code format (an update from their old 5-digit codes because they are running out of numbers).
To make this change possible, your POS provider has been contacted and they are developing processes to implement the new 10-digit Product Codes and update the product inventory in your POS.
On or before 13th February, please look out for any instructions from your POS provider.
NOTE: If you are not on support with your POS Provider you may have to manually update each Product Code from 5 to 10 digits across all Gotch products.
Between now and approximately 5th February, your POS provider will be preparing for the change, as will XchangeIT and Gotch. We will update you on approximately 29th January as to progress.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please call us on 1300 551 212.
Best regards,
The XchangeIT Team
All the Gotch products codes are remaining the same except they are adding 10000 to the start. The change has been in the works for several months with software companies involved in the discussions.
The change means that products arriving with the new codes will have to be matched to the old code. Engaged software companies will make this easy for customers with the latest software.
All returns data going back after February 13 will need to use the new product codes. Otherwise, returns will be rejected.
The change has come about because of the expansion of the Gotch portfolio moving Network titles in and the introduction of giftware.
Newsagents cannot ignore what is happening here. It is essential that every newsagent is on top of this, following exactly the advice of their software company. If this is not done, credits could be lost.
If it is Gotch that is making the change, is it not up to Gotch to make the transition period work (ie. with returns), just as they did when they took over the old Network portfolio?
Bruce they have distanced themselves from doing any of the heavy lifting for newsagents.
If there are magazines closing down, why can’t the existing product codes be used from these magazines with the new ones?
I’m sure my POS system can handle the change but are G&G aware that their delivery invoices cant? Anything over 11 digits for the combined TITLE/ISSUE CODE turns to a row of X’s for the issue code on the invoices attached to deliveries.
This has been happening since July 16 with Cleveland Westerns when the issue code ticked over from 9999 to 10000, they have a 7 figure title code because of the CL prefix they have put in front of it.
Over 6 months and G&G have done nothing about it so I wont be surprised if come 13th of Feb it all gibberish.
I can hear the howls from them who do not pay support fees. This sort of thing catches them full square on. Tell me Mark how do you choose what to charge them for a one off utility to fix the problem. By the way I have no Sympathy for them as Software ain’t a cheap thing to produce and support/update.
While it is easy for software to handle the change, there is a data conversion required. This is where a utility will be needed to ensure safe and smooth transition.
Peter, the team at Tower looks at the work involved and the anticipated costs associated with it. Of course, those covered by support face no cost at all.
Hay Peter, do you work for a software company..
It’s now September 2019 and Ovato (G&G) is still issuing invoices and data using the old 5 digit numbers and their system still only uses the 5 digit title code if you wish to inquire about a title. Somebody please explain??