Summary:
- ADC needed fresh data from a system that did not support that
- Using our virtual printer, ADC is able to import the data they need in real time
ADC needed live data from a system that did not support external integrations
Founded in 1996, Applied Data Consultants (ADC) specializes in logistics and geographic information systems (GIS) technologies with both mobile and web software development. One of the largest GIS and software development firms in the Midwest, the company has 40 employees, is headquartered in Eau Claire, WI, and has offices in Washington, D.C., Denver, North Carolina, and Omaha. By taking a consultative approach to incorporating innovative technology, ADC helps clients increase efficiency, improve customer service, consolidate information, and increase revenue, and lower costs.
“Because most DMS systems are designed to print orders, we use RPM to intercept print streams and digitize them for EXTRA, creating an end-to-end order workflow system.”
ADC’s flagship logistics solution, Elite EXTRA, is an advanced, online dispatch management tool that streamlines the dispatch and delivery process, and drives return on investment. This Software as a Service (SaaS) creates optimized route sequences on a web-based interactive map, which are then dispatched to drivers’ mobile devices for GPS tracking and proof of delivery. Clients find that EXTRA increases productivity for dispatchers and drivers, while reducing vehicle and fuel expenses, and providing a tool that monitors drivers, deliveries, and arrivals in real-time.
“Because most DMS systems are designed to print orders, we use RPM to intercept print streams and digitize them for EXTRA, creating an end-to-end order workflow system. This is a very non-invasive way of capturing orders into EXTRA, in the absence of direct integration.”
Andy Tyriver, ADC Business Development Manager, explains EXTRA’s appeal to automotive parts distributors (both dealer and aftermarket) and their repair shop customers. “EXTRA, essentially, is an efficiency tool, designed to improve operational efficiency. The first piece of ROI comes from real-time GPS tracking and driver accountability. However, once route sequence optimization is factored in, there are many points where a distributor can shave off costs – from fuel and vehicle maintenance spend, to being able to pack in more delivery stops per route, to real-time ETAs that our clients use to let their customers know when to expect delivery. We are employing advances in technology to give our clients low-cost, innovative solutions that fit easily into how they do business,” he said. With EXTRA, dealership parts departments have an easy-to-use, online solution that tracks orders from origination, to dispatch, and through delivery, with robust reporting and business intelligence on the back end. Part of that solution is RPM Remote Print Manager, from Brooks Internet Software. “Because most DMS systems are designed to print orders, we use RPM to intercept print streams and digitize them for EXTRA, creating an end-to-end order workflow system. This is a very non-invasive way of capturing orders into EXTRA, in the absence of direct integration.”
Delivery drivers’ mobile devices have GPS chips that allow real-time tracking and ETAs, which can then be pushed to customer portals and eCommerce sites. This allows parts distributors’ customers to check delivery status themselves. Repair shops benefit from the real-time accuracy of EXTRA because they can dictate when vehicles go onto the lifts for repair – a huge advantage. Also, there is an incremental sales lift when ETAs are pushed to eCommerce sites.
This is a very non-invasive way of capturing orders into EXTRA, in the absence of a direct integration.
Virtual printer imports data in real-time while printing hard copy
Incorporating RPM originated about two years ago, in a pilot developed for a dealership in Colorado Springs, Colorado. “ADC President and Founder Jim Ward oversaw this pilot and the fine-tuning done to the system using EXTRA and RPM, ensuring there was no disruption at the dealership, and smooth integration between the applications. Now it’s in use by about one dozen clients,” said Tyriver.
“Since we started our partnership with Brooks, everything has been great. RPM is reasonably priced and works seamlessly. And if we ever have any issues, Brooks’ support is fantastic – they resolve issues very quickly. Everyone here appreciates how easy it is to work with Brooks,” he said.
Further reading
We discuss the pilot at the Colorado Springs dealership in this article where we describe how we used RPM to analyze the incoming print flow and set up an environment where we could print the same way to the same hardware, and execute a program that imported the data to Elite Extra.