What's New - Computer Software

Point-of-Rental System

"Point-of-Rental System's Enterprise software is updated yearly," says Bob Shaffer, president. The first version of Enterprise, the Microsoft Windows-based product, was introduced in February 2001; Revision 11 was scheduled for shipment in January.

The latest version "has hundreds of operational improvements and new features compared to the prior version," says Shaffer.

For example, Revision 11 supports printing simultaneously multi-color copies of laser printed contracts, attachment of files - such as event drawings or permits - to contracts, security enhancements such as increasing the number of levels of passwords, providing user definable delivery and pickup windows, ability to calculate ROI from replacement cost and an interface so that purchase orders can be created while writing a reservation, work order or internal repair order if the system anticipates shortages.

Revision 11 introduces an interface with GlobalTRACS by Qualcomm and adds enhancements to the Work Order and Map Router modules. "Construction-oriented operations should enjoy the ability to define blanket purchase order and job numbers as well as salesman and tax jurisdictions in the Job Site records," says Shaffer. "Many other enhancements were made specifically for party and multi-location operations."

Texada Software

In early February, Texada Software is introducing a new rental software concept - Systematic Standard.

"Systematic Standard enables the growing rental company, who often cannot afford the immediate upfront expense of buying their software, to rent our enterprise-level software instead of purchasing it," says Nigel Miller, president and CEO. "In bypassing the immediate upfront expense, a smaller rental business can reserve its capital for fleet investment."

Unlike an ASP model, the Systematic rental software is deployed on the client's premises, meaning their financial and customer data stays with them, and there is no reliance on an Internet connection to conduct business.

Also in February, Texada Software is moving to a three-tiered product structure that provides solutions to any sized rental business:

• Systematic Standard is for the small rental business. Software is pre-configured for ease of use, and comes with standard reporting capabilities. It's a "download-and-go" solution.
• Systematic Premium is designed for the mid- to large-size rental business. Software is configurable and comes with three modules. Additional modules, such as Portal and Dashboard are also available.
• Systematic Ultra, which is intended for the large multifaceted enterprise, features software that is configurable, customizable and fully extendable, designed to handle the complex business processes found in large corporations.