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Issue 82
Rugged Hardware
Industry Specific Software
Full Service Support
www.touchstargroup.com
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 TouchStar and UPS Logistics Technologies are pleased to
announce the execution of a strategic alliance agreement created to capitalize on the demand for durable, automated mobility platforms with real time route optimization and communications protocols for field and sales workforces.
 “Both TouchStar and UPS Logistics bring best of breed solutions and practices to the table”, said
TouchStar CEO Peter Gibbs. “Our foundation is field force automation and integration to facilitate business process change while eliminating paper based systems. Incorporating the tactical routing, fleet management and delivery optimization tools of UPS Logistics gives our customers the ultimate competitive edge.”
Len Kennedy, COO of UPS Logistics Technologies concurred. “The momentum for full scale mobile workforces and real time route visualization dovetails perfectly with our alliance with TouchStar. The most exciting development of our partnership will be full scale implementation of MobileCast® with TouchStar’s adaptive solutions. With our combined offerings we can deliver real time route visibility and dynamic execution, giving our customers control over their fleet…without all the paper”. He concluded, “That is why we created MobileCast®. And with TouchStar as our Mobility Partner, we go live.”
 The synergies of UPS Logistics Technologies Roadnet®
Transportation Suite and TouchStar’s mobility and field force automation platforms bring new efficiency benchmarks to organizations with mobile workforces which dramatically impact the bottom line. Recent successful deployments in petroleum downstream markets serve as the springboard for vertical market penetration in the Petrochemical, Field Service, Transportation, Manufacturing, FMCG, Utilities, Beverage and Hospitality industries.
 TouchStar provides mobile computing solutions that automate administrative, billing and workforce
management processes associated with typically large and complex enterprise field forces.
TouchStar’s innovative technology, backed by proven processes and implementation methodology, ensure solutions maximize business change benefits. The processes are refined to the extent TouchStar guarantees Return on Investment results.
 Over the past 20 years, TouchStar’s systems have been deployed in over 30 countries, serving the
Petrochemical, Field Service, Healthcare, FMCG, Transport and Utilities industries. TouchStar offers a range of enterprise solutions along with system design, development, implementation management and 24/7 support services; plus the most robust and configurable mobile computing platforms with the lowest total cost of ownership available today.
TouchStar Solution Centers in the Americas, Asia-Pacific, United Kingdom and Continental Europe are
uniquely positioned to deliver best in class mobile computing and field force automation systems
worldwide.
For more information on TouchStar, please visit www.touchstargroup.com
As a subsidiary of one of the world's largest logistics companies, United Parcel Service, UPS Logistics Technologies delivers transportation and logistics solutions that directly impact a company's bottom line. From its inception, UPS Logistics Technologies has been focused on developing products and solutions to improve the operational efficiency of distribution companies. This concentrated focus has produced industry leading software solutions that enable highly efficient order-to-delivery processes. Roadnet Transportation Suite solutions include street-level route optimization, territory planning, mobile delivery execution, real-time wireless dispatch and GPS tracking.
UPS Logistics Technologies' products are in use with more than 2,700 installations worldwide and manage more than 95,000 vehicles daily. Customer Service is available 24 x 7 to customers in need of assistance. For over 20 years, these solutions have helped elevate the customer experience while lowering transportation costs. For more information on UPS Logistics Technologies', please visit www.upslt.com
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GPS navigation is rapidly becoming a “must have” business efficiency tool and eliminating traditional street maps. While the technology is mature, widespread business and consumer access has been restricted mainly by price points. As with any mass appeal innovation, “new, newer, newest” drives increased market share and affordability. Remember the fax machine?.
 With significant improvements to the internal GPS receivers, map data quality, navigational and routing algorithms, plus integration features, GPS has mushroomed and price points have eased substantially. It is now a cost effective electronic preference to paper based mapping systems, allowing mobile workforces to streamline delivery and routing processes while providing better customer service.
 TouchStar engineers and developers have integrated our software suites to the TomTom™ navigation system. TomTom™ is a feature rich, dynamic GPS system with broad platform support for handheld computers, PDA’s and Symbian based smartphones. TomTom™ not only provides high quality map data for extremely accurate route navigation on an easily readable screen, it literally “talks” to a driver! Turn by turn instructions allow the driver to concentrate on the road and traffic, not shuffle a map; safety and efficiency integrate perfectly to deliver a punctual driver to a satisfied customer.
 TouchStar customers are taking advantage of our TomTom™ integration expertise. Whether its a new mobility initiative or upgrading existing TouchStar systems, they tell us that GPS is no longer a “some day”. GPS is a “today”.
Please join me next month as I discuss the day to day practicalities of what make GPS navigation possible.
For more information on TomTom™ navigation systems, please visit www.tomtom.com
•••••••••
 Field force automation and mobility
initiatives are gaining momentum as retaining a competitive edge is pivotal for complex service and sales organization’s bottom line. Maximizing efficiencies in workforce management, administration and integrating back office processes are key buzzwords in trade publications and a focus of research groups. The glut of ERP, MES, CRM, VMS, TMS and middleware platforms on the market can tie mobility exclusively to a back office function.
 But is it really? A December 2005
study of 80 commercial carrier and private fleet operators conducted by the Aberdeen Group illuminated key misconceptions about mobile computing technology. “The Top 4 Myths About Fleet Mobility” by Beth Enslow, Aberdeen’s Vice President of Enterprise Research, lays out the Myths and Realities succinctly.
Myth: “Fleet mobility is a back-office capability”. Enslow recaps those companies contemplating mobility solutions as merely a back office efficiency tool will be left off the bandwagon if they don’t change their view quickly.
The Reality: “Fleet mobility is all about delighting the customers”. “The Number 1 reason companies say they invest in fleet mobility is to improve customer satisfaction and retention.” Further, “87% of study participants who have adopted mobility say that customer service improvements from mobility technology projects have met or exceeded their expectations”.
 TouchStar customer’s report that their customer’s satisfaction is one of
the most quickly realized mobility benefits. Dependable scheduling and routing, accommodating emergency or last minute orders, accurate data capture at time of transaction, on site invoicing and the ability to immediately access and provide activity history and billing information top the list.
 As mobility slashes paper pushing, field and on premise employees
respond to customer issues as they occur, with real time information. Managers can assess service delivery and employee efficiency and implement strategies from a Quality & Assurance perspective, further cementing the customer service level and expectation.
Customers are a core resource that drives the bottom line. Protecting their satisfaction is a fundamental of profitability and a key feature of a successful mobility initiative.
(Excerpts from The Top 4 Myths of Mobility reprinted with permission
from The Aberdeen Group, an industry analyst company specializing in fact-based technology research for business and technology executives. For more information, please visit www.Aberdeen.com)
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 The World LP Gas Forum in Chicago this year promises to be a hallmark event for
the LPG industry and also for TouchStar. Titled “Technology Driving Growth”, it returns to the United States for the fourth time in its 19 year history, the only global event of its kind. “Technology Driving Growth” promises record attendance, participation and program benchmarks.
Recognizing that technology is rapidly redefining effective business processes, the Forum will feature its first ever Global Technology Conference. Sponsored by the World LP Gas Association and the Propane Education and Research Council, the Conference brings together seasoned LPG practitioners from around the world to share and exchange information on what innovations, practices and solutions are being implemented to drive competitive agility and operational efficiencies.
TouchStar will not only exhibit our adaptive solutions and next generation technology, but serve as a strong, visible advocate of the Technology Conference. Collaborating with customers including Blossman Gas and Appliance, Superior Propane, AmeriGas, BP and Inergy and supporting industry experts is reflected in TouchStar’s sponsorship of the comprehensive Technology Conference Program and Highlights. One of these experts happens to hit close to our Asia Pacific home.
Longtime TouchStar customer, Elgas of Australia, will be represented by veteran Kevin Sansome in a Technology Conference Session. With Elgas since 1987, Sansome works to identify new business developments, develop global alliances and introduce innovative products and processes to grow Elgas while efficiently utilizing resources. He will address diesel substitutions with LPG to reduce costs and reduce emissions, a perfect vehicle to share his expertise and experience with Elgas.
TouchStar invites you to join us for what will be a memorable and precedent setting event for the LPG industry worldwide. Please visit us in Booths 31 and 32 and look for the PDF download version of the Technology Conference Program Highlights and Schedule of Events on our website, www.touchstargroup.com and LP Gas Magazine, www.lpgasmagazine.com
For more information on TouchStar and the World LPG Forum, please contact Michel Murphy at +1.918.307.7175 or michel.murphy@touchstarsolutions.com.
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TouchStar and UPS Logistics Technologies Form Strategic Mobility Alliance |
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Tech Talk with David Thornley |
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Benchmark Study Dispels Mobility Myths |
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Technology Drives
2006 World LPG Forum
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