The key to the product's appeal is the fact that it includes a fully-automated drag-and-drop Quotation Builder that performs all of the calculations typically assigned to a spreadsheet. In addition, the program assembles written descriptions for each of the products in the database into a Word-compatible proposal. The product thereby provides a finished, professional proposal that is developed concurrently with the quotation. This is a first in the contracting industry, as Mackie Central allows contractors to maintain consistency between proposals that the various sales people are developing. Mackie Central also allows greater efficiency in the use of a salesperson's time in that they are no longer spending countless hours composing custom-written proposals for each project.
The database also links to individual PDF specification sheet files and prints the appropriate sheets, with the contractor and client's names on the bottom of each page. An open database format allows the contractor to insert an unlimited number of additional items and prices from other manufacturers as well, although the product ships with only Mackie Industrial products included. An import Wizard allows users to quickly import any database file.
Additional features of the software include the ability to generate purchase orders, once a project is started. Upon completion of the installation the program will allow the generation and printing of a complete set of Owner's Manuals and a Warranty Certificate, again customized with the name of the installation and the contractor. Mackie Central is being made available exclusively to authorized Mackie Industrial Contractors in good standing.
