ALK Technologies on Monday, Feb. 5, announced a partnership with Innovative Computing Corp., which has integrated ALK’s Multi-Version Switch into its Innovative Enterprise Software management system for fleets. The integrated MVS tool is designed to enable PC*Miler users to work with multiple PC*Miler versions on the same server.
Accessing ALK’s MVS tool via IES, Innovative customers can assign specific PC*Miler versions to individual shippers according to that shipper’s contract. IES then will use the correct PC*Miler version to calculate that shipper’s billing miles. Through this new MVS integration, Innovative’s customers will have the flexibility of matching PC*Miler versions to specific shippers requirements.
Before MVS, older versions had to run in separate computer environments, with separate maintenance costs and setup fees. MVS removes that complication and streamlines bidding and billing processes.
“Innovative has a prestigious set of clients who will benefit greatly from this ALK MVS integration,” says Ed Siciliano, vice president of sales and marketing for Princeton, N.J.-based ALK Technologies. “This integrated solution will provide an immediate benefit for many joint customers by allowing carriers to bill using whichever version of PC*Miler is called for in a contract.”
ALK says that when it releases an update to PC*Miler, the new version does not have to replace previous versions. ALK’s MVS is designed to enable transportation, logistics and manufacturing companies to maintain two or more versions of PC*Miler software on a single computer or network server; this can include the most recent version as well as one or more earlier versions. The integrated version of ALK’s Multi-Version Switch supports PC*Miler 14 through the current release of PC*Miler 20.
Implementing MVS provides a practical advantage for many PC*Miler customers who base transportation contracts on a specific version of PC*Miler. Terms of a contract may extend beyond one or more regular updates of the software, so transportation companies must run more than one version of PC*Miler for billing purposes.
MVS is an enhanced function of PC*Miler|Connect, integration software designed to interface PC*Miler routing and mileage functionality with all leading and custom transportation and logistics management software systems.
ALK’s MVS runs in a Windows environment and integrates with ICC’s Innovative Enterprise Software via IBM iSeries (AS/400) midrange computers. The combined software also is available via the Internet through Innovative’s IES Access and IES Access Plus systems. For more information, go to www.alk.com/mvs.
“Innovative’s core goal is to make our carrier customers more efficient,” says Ernie Betancourt, chief executive officer at Innovative Computing Corp. “We have a long history of integrating with ALK’s PC*Miler products because they help us accomplish that mission. We believe that the integration of ALK’s Multi-Version Switch continues toward the same outcome.”
