Advanta Software , a specialist software solutions provider to the logistics, 3rd party logistics (3PL) and fuel distribution markets, and its client Markitforce, are the joint winners of the 2008 NSW State iAward in the e-Logistics category. The iAwards are held annually by the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) to recognise outstanding innovations brought about by the use of information and communications technology. The iAwards consist of a two-stage judging process resulting in state and national winners.
The winning entry detailed the application of Advanta’s ATLAS e-Logistics suite by specialist 3PL provider Markitforce. ATLAS comprises a suite of 33 integrated modules covering every aspect of supply chain management, supply chain execution, customer relationship management and e-Logistics. Markitforce implemented ATLAS’ e-Logistics modules to manage the distribution of sales, merchandising, point-of-sale and promotional material for its clients.
ATLAS e-Logistics allows Markitforce to offer its clients Software as a Service application like MarkitEzy, an online portal that allows clients to order POS material online through a client-branded web catalogue. Markitforce understands the crucial role technology plays in meeting the needs of blue chip clients like Kellogg’s, Colgate, Palmolive, Sony, Lion Nathan and Subaru. It chose Advanta’s ATLAS 3PL logistics suite because of its scalability and capacity for handling the high volume and fast turn-around demands that characterise point-of-sale campaigns, where promotional material has to be shipped rapidly to multiple locations.
Rather than develop ‘breakthrough’ technologies, Advanta Software introduced innovations to the ATLAS package by integrating many emerging technologies, which would provide its clients with genuine business advantages. These include client services web portals with client specific colour catalogues, electronic forms printing, RF scanning for warehouse picking, electronic manifests and a business intelligence portal to view real-time performance statistics.
“Winning the iAward in the new e-Logistics category is especially pleasing. It recognises the value of our long-standing focus on the logistics market segment and the role of partnering with innovative clients like Markitforce in the delivery of excellent logistics solutions,” commented Robert Kery, Advanta’s Managing Director.