Gardiner Security and PC Data systems say they have “kick-started e-commerce as a genuinely practical, cost-effective option for the whole security industry” through the introduction of Alarm Master V301 – a Windows-based software package designed to bring online trading to installers via an affordable business trading system solution.

Gardiner e-business manager Kim Whitehead said that until now the costs of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) have kept it the preserve of only larger companies. But Gardiner is the only distributor to commit to this system for installers, Whitehead said.

“Gardiner has invested in modifying its own e-commerce system to accept electronic purchase orders directly from Alarm Master, and invoice electronically too.

“The integral stock system allows users to record stock levels, create purchase orders, log invoices and store price lists in the most efficient way. It quickly and easily creates quotes, specs jobs, organises sales and engineer calls and staff rotas, and also serves a supplier and customer database.”

Existing users of Alarm Master will qualify for a free upgrade. The standard V301 has a one-off cost of £2100.