Advanta Software has been awarded a prestigious industry award for a project representing a good application of technology in the logistics market.
The award recognised Advanta Software’s advanced logistics software, Atlas; and the partnership with long term client, Stream Solutions to provide a total supply chain solution for Westpac Banking.
Since the formation of Stream solutions in the late nineties Stream needed to find a Third Party Logistics (3PL) Software Package that provided fully integrated, electronic supply chain support for client order processing, warehousing, distribution and billing.
According to Stream Solution’s managing director Andrew Price, the backbone of a successful 3PL logistics operation is the strength of the software systems that drives it.
Stream chose Advanta Software’s solution to support its operation. ‘Advanta's Contract Warehousing package was the best available’ says Price. ‘It gave us the core functionality and flexibility to run and manage sophisticated customised workflows. In some areas it was tailored to our specific requirements and had to fit in with our needs as our business developed.’
The software’s adaptability was proven when Westpac decided to outsource its entire print management in 2002, and Stream decided to bid for the contract. Whilst Advanta Software’s full-featured 3PL logistics package met most of Westpac’s needs, some key additional functions had to be added to meet all of the bank’s requirements, including e-procurement and direct online ordering by Westpac branches.
Stream Solutions won the Westpac contract, which was worth $100 million dollars per year. The initial system was implemented in 2003 but has been upgraded several times since. Major enhancements were also added in the form of a new e-procurement frontend, and a fully electronic trading module that provides online communication between Stream and its carriers.
Westpac’s requirements continue to be met by Advanta Software and Stream and, as a result, Westpac renewed the outsourcing contract earlier in 2007 for a further 5 year period. Stream has also won many other contracts from corporations and government departments.
With Advanta Software’s 3PL logistics package, Stream is able to provide a complete multi-client electronic workflow capability as a transparent service to each of its customers, producing a customised invoice/receipt bearing each client's name.
‘Our alliance with Advanta Software has certainly given us the edge in the software sector,’ Price says, ‘in significant customised systems such as the Westpac e-procurement system, as well as paperless and wireless warehouse and logistics systems, pushing us so far ahead in the industry.’
In recognition of the innovative technology supporting Stream Solutions and the successful partnership between Stream and Advanta Software, Advanta Software was awarded a Logistics Mercury award at a gala dinner ceremony.
Commenting on the reason for the win Robert Kery, Advanta Software’s managing director noted “The Westpac project we submitted was pretty impressive. It is a prestigious high value contract, running at $100m per annum and the integrated print management and e-procurement solution based on Advanta Software’s ATLAS technology and Stream Solutions’ management is leading edge.”
“Moreover it demonstrates how technology can be successfully used as a key driver to win 3PL contracts and achieve rapid and profitable growth, which is the central goal of any 3PL business.”