ALK Technologies Inc. today, April 17, announced a partnership with TMW Systems, which has integrated ALK’s Multi-Version Switch (MVS) with its TMWSuite software, enabling carriers to integrate vital, real-time data from every facet of their operations into a single system to maximize operational efficiency. The integrated MVS tool enables PC*Miler users to access multiple PC*Miler versions on the same server, the companies say.
Accessing ALK’s MVS tool via TMWSuite, customers will be able to assign specific PC*Miler versions to individual shippers according to that shipper’s contract; TMWSuite then can use the correct PC*Miler version to calculate that shipper’s billing miles. Through this MVS integration, TMW’s customers will benefit from the flexibility of matching PC*Miler versions to specific shippers’ requirements, the companies say.
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, according to ALK.
“ALK and TMW have always cooperated to develop enhancements that improve the integration of our products in support of our joint clients,” says Ed Siciliano, vice president of sales and marketing at Princeton, N.J.-based ALK Technologies. “The MVS integration is yet another example of our partnership with TMW, a partnership that has always focused on pure customer benefit.”
“For years, TMW Systems has provided tight integration for ALK’s PC*Miler products in our enterprise management software,” says Dave Wangler, president and chief executive officer of Cleveland-based TMW Systems. “The addition of MVS support to TMWSuite will be welcomed by many customers who historically need to maintain multiple PC*Miler versions for specific shipper and carrier contract relationships.”
When ALK 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.
ALK says 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.
