Although Miller Transfer had an existing enterprise management system, there was no connection between the Dispatch and Accounting functions. This lack of integration translated into the need for a great deal of manual administrative work to complete tasks such as invoicing customers and paying drivers. Miller also required two full-time computer programmers to maintain their AS-400 system.

Realizing that the company’s systems technology was not keeping pace or leading the industry, Miller began to search for a new platform that could integrate all of its functions. Miller also required the scalability necessary to handle its business growth plans without the need to hire additional staff.

After considering different options for a new enterprise management system, Miller Transfer ultimately chose TMW Systems’ Windows-based TMWSuite because the solution offered superior integration capabilities as well as excellent flexibility and configurability.

"It was all about functionality," said Miller Transfer President Jim Unger of his company’s decision to purchase TMWSuite. "We consider our company best in class, and we wanted to implement an infrastructure that’s also best in class. Because TMWSuite is so robust, we feel that we can now take advantage of the latest technology.”

Miller Transfer implemented TMWSuite in 2003, integrating its Dispatch and Accounting functions through the addition of Microsoft® Great Plains software. The Great Plains financial tools, which integrate seamlessly with TMWSuite, eliminate the need for redundant data entry in Dispatch and Accounting.

Less than a year after deploying TMWSuite, Miller Transfer has increased productivity and realized numerous efficiencies by having access to key information, and functionality needed to run the business more effectively. The carrier’s results to date include the following:

• Improved information flow since orders are now entered directly into the system at the point of dispatch.
• Decreased deadhead miles through increased visibility to all assets.
• Gained the ability to easily track government safety regulations and permit requirements by each state via TMWSuite’s Extra Information module.
• Maintained a quick turnaround time for driver settlements with fewer employees, resulting in labor savings.
• Began the implementation of fuel cards that will enable drivers to capture fuel purchases at the point of sale and transmit the data directly to Accounting.

Perhaps more importantly, Miller has achieved these results without increasing the size of its staff. In fact, now that many of their previously manual processes have been automated and redundancies have been eliminated, Miller has enjoyed a 24% increase in shipment volume since the staff is now more focused on capturing additional business. Also, since TMWSuite requires very little maintenance, the carrier was also able to eliminate the need for full-time programmers.

FUTURE PLANS
Now that the carrier is utilizing TMWSuite, Miller Transfer is investigating implementing additional modules such as Mobile Communications – without the need to hire additional personnel. The company is also considering adding ResultsNow, TMW’s web-based performance monitoring application, and joining TMW’s proprietary Carrier Alliance Network, an integrated exchange service that enables TMW’s customers to share loads to maximize profitability and equipment utilization. 

“We feel we have everything we need from our operating system with TMWSuite. We know that the system will be able to handle our growth.”

To view the Microsoft case study click here.