Host Computer Operations

From FloristWiki

When an order is transmitted from a sending Member to a filling Member and both Members are linked to the Mercury Network via component systems, the order is routed through the Host Computer to the filling Member.

Orders are first routed to the filling Member selected by the sending Member. Three attempts are made to reach the Member’s store via its component system. Occasionally, the filling Member selected cannot be reached. If this situation occurs and the priority time on the order permits, another florist also serving that city will be chosen by a random computer selection process called auto select. An attempt will then be made to send the order to the new filling Member. The sending Member will receive a Forward message which will indicate: FORWARDING FLST: auto select. At the text or reason prompt, this explanation will appear:

Unable to contact selected florist. Order forwarded. Do not resend.

If a filling Member cannot be reached within the allotted time specified by the priority level of the message, the Host Computer will reject and return the order to the sending Member. The sending Member may then elect to resend the order.

An input auto select can also take place. This occurs when the filling Member selected by the sending Member is closed or not accepting orders. Upon receipt of the order, the Host Computer automatically selects a new filling Member based on the city in which the original filling florist is located, NOT on the ZIP/postal code. Input auto select will appear under the time and date on the verified order. The sending florist will receive a Forward message indicating the new filling Member.

Hours of Operation

The Host Computer is available to send floral orders and messages Monday through Saturday, at the following times:

Eastern Time Zone   7 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Central Time Zone   6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Mountain Time Zone  5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Pacific Time Zone   4 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Alaska & Hawaii     1 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Host Computer can also send floral orders and messages on Sundays from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central Time.