T-HUB vs. QBI vs. Webgility

[gobbledeg00k]

So, using 1.3.8a we have installed attributes module that includes this gem of code header, just to let you know what we were using by reference. This was installed by a consultant, so I am unclear what the package details were beyond this reference:

 * @package admin
 * @copyright Copyright 2003-2006 Zen Cart Development Team
 * @copyright Portions Copyright 2003 osCommerce
 * @license http://www.zen-cart.com/license/2_0.txt GNU Public License V2.0
 * @version $Id: products_with_attributes_stock.php 389 2008-11-14 16:02:14Z hugo13 $

This was done because we have various sizes for products of the same kind. Widgets in sizes 01 and 03 and 05, so the product numbers are accordingly: WIDGET01, WIDGET03, and WIDGET05. Not the least likely set of facts for a store of any type, I would think. I think I have thought wrong.

Something about our setup pretty much makes us unable to use either Webgility eCCzenservice.php product (does not currently support attributes, but Kumar says coming soon....he had better I think...), or T-HUB from atandra.com (great phone accessibility folks, rely on them to pick up within their stated business hours...they are really "on-it" ). And, whereas Adam's QBI software seems like a great deal because it actually matches your existing QuickBooks product list and plays nice with attributes therefore, the QBI product requires that to import orders for processing (shipping labels, invoices, the like) and then clear accounts, as a matter of course, QuickBooks requires that this importation be done ONLY by the Administrator in single-user mode, and this appears, from my reading of the current situation, to be a known insurmountable issue. So the cure is run 2 instances of QB, one as Admin in single-user mode, and then run your network QB for all the order-entry folks, then somehow merge daily as it comes time to ship. Weird and clunky.

Does anybody have a grip on how to handle attributes efficiently with QuickBooks? And do it without shutting out other users of QuickBooks while processing? My client would pay big bucks to get er done if you know what I mean.

[adam5532]

Hi,

... And, whereas Adam's QBI software seems like a great deal because it actually matches your existing QuickBooks product list and plays nice with attributes

Yes, QBI works well with attributes, including the products_with_attributes_stock contribution. The commercial version of QBI also adds advanced attribute handling -- you have the option to include or not include individual attributes in the QB item:subitem name, and can choose to list the attribute values in the item description, or on separate lines below the main item. It also includes re-syncing stock quantities from QB to ZenCart.

If your products don't already exist in QB, QBI can export all or just new products for import into QB. You can also match products with items that have a different name if necessary.

Phone support for QBI is available during working hours, and emergency support is available after hours. There is also an online support ticket system and kb. This support is provided only for the commercial version, not the free version.

Yes, you do have to switch to single user mode to import the iif file, but typically this will only need to be done once or a few times a day. QBI 4 will eliminate this issue.

Thanks,
Adam