Media Interface

Many agencies use media planning and buying software packages to order radio and television spots. In some systems, information, created within the ordering software, must be re-entered so clients’ billing can be prepared and vendors’ invoices processed for payment. Because this additional entry is manual, there is always the possibly of incorrect or missed data.

The Ad-Input® Media Interface captures buy data created in the CoreMedia, SmartPlus, Tapscan, Strata and other media software packages. This data is then transferred into the Ad-Input® Media Billing files to be used for billing and paying purposes.

Application Description

Media buying data created in Media Software packages can be saved in the accounting interface files. The Ad-Input Media Interface application extracts the data from these files and converts them to a format suitable for the Ad-Input Media Billing application.

The Media Interface application tests extracted records, checking them against Ad-Input® System files to see that certain data fields match. Records are tested for matching call letters, valid estimate and order numbers. Any records that do not match are flagged with the reason for the non-match. Operators can make corrections such as changing the estimate number or adding new vendor master records. Extracted data is then posted to the Ad-Input Media Billing application.

Simple Setup

· Set directory paths for the transfer data and record the directory paths in the Media Interface application

· Complete instructions on how to turn on the accounting interface utility in the CoreMedia, SmartPlus Tapscan or Strata software packages and to indicate you will be interfacing to Ad-Input

Extract Data

· New buys, revisions and cancellations can be extracted and used to update Ad-Input Media Billing Files

· Data is held in the extract file and can be checked. It is not necessary to recreate buy information if a match does not occur

Proof Reports

· After data is extracted from the Media Ordering software’s file and placed in the Ad-Input Interface file, a proof report can be printed. Each record is highlighted with a message if data is incomplete or incorrect.

Corrections

· Messages tell the operator what action is required to correct data records. An example of a correction: Enter the call letters on a vendor master record in the Ad-Input Media Application.

Posting

· When data has been edited and corrections made, data is posted to the Ad-Input data files.

· A posting report is printed showing all records posted and any records not posted.

Unposted Records

· Records with incorrect call letter match or incomplete data are retained in the interface file. Users can edit and take required actions. If a record is not needed, it can be deleted. It is not necessary to input the buy data.

Rejects Invalid Data

· Some buy data may be rejected, such as data for a buy that has already been billed and accrued in the Media Billing application. Duplicate buy records will also be rejected

· You do not have to worry about incorrect data posting to the accounting files.

HIGHLIGHTS

· Easy to install and use

· Documents all buying data

· Eliminates duplicate data entry

Ad-Input®

General Ledger | Accounts Receivable | Accounts Payable | Cost Accounting