TouchStar Technologies and ORTEC form Strategic Partnership

ORTEC is pleased to announce the formation of a strategic alliance with TouchStar Technologies, leading specialist within the mobile computing and wireless communication markets.

Both companies have committed to providing a best-in class Oil & Gas industry solution for optimal transportation planning and execution. The solution will integrate ORTECs secondary distribution optimisation software with TouchStars range of rugged and versatile ATEX approved On-Board Vehicle Computers.

TouchStars fit-for-purpose solutions are a perfect match for ORTECs Oil & Gas solution. The strategic alliance will combine the vast experience of both companies and provide a true end-to-end solution that covers every facet of the industry requirement. Jim Austin, Sales Director for TouchStar Technologies comments, We are delighted to be working with an established company like ORTEC. Their wealth of experience, professionalism and the supreme functionality of their software really complement the TouchStar on-board solutions. ORTEC offers a proven industry solution suite for bulk manufacturing and distribution companies. Together we are able to offer a truly first class solution that provides real benefits to all our customers.  Jeroen Vijverberg, Managing Consultant Oil & Gas for ORTEC, continues, ORTEC wants to make life easier for customers by offering a solution which covers telemetry, scheduling, mobile computing and ERP Interfacing. This is why alliances with companies such as TouchStar are so important to us. Thanks to these alliances we will be able to supply standard interfaces to some of the most reliable suppliers around.

The ORTEC and TouchStar alliance has already seen a number of customers benefit from their solution, including Gulf Oil in the Netherlands and Q8 in the Benelux. Their most recent project sees existing TouchStar customer BP Fuels upgrading to a second generation on-board system in combination with ORTECs vehicle routing and dispatch software. The solution has recently gone live in Portugal, Switzerland and the Netherlands with further roll-outs anticipated through the remainder of 2008.

 ORTECs Solution for Demand Forecasting and Order Generation

ORTECs Demand Forecasting and Order Generation solution is designed to provide automated stock replenishment as part of a customer service strategy for product delivery. It enables suppliers to manage customer stock levels with clear benefits for both supplier and customer. ORTEC supports making deliveries on a just-in-time basis while smoothing out variations in transportation demands. For each customer demand profiles can either be calculated or predefined. Furthermore ORTEC provides a selection of order generation strategies, for example full truck load or equal days replenishment.

 ORTECs Solution for Vehicle Routing and Dispatch

Offering rich functionality alongside excellent user capabilities, ORTECs solution for Vehicle Routing and Dispatch is a proven and sophisticated route optimisation solution designed to generate both static and dynamic, cost efficient transportation schedules for bulk operations. These operations are typically characterised by routes with single or multi-product deliveries by compartmentalised trucks from multiple supply points with different product costs. ORTECs solution focuses on finding an optimal balance between service levels, product supply and transportation cost. This solution is designed for use in an operational environment to support transport planning and dispatch operations.

TouchStar Technologies

Touchstar have been providing solutions to the Oil & Gas markets for over 20 years and have gained an enviable reputation within this industry. TouchStar is specialist in the design and supply of sophisticated on-board vehicle solutions. Utilising in-house designed and manufactured ATEX-approved mobile devices together with intuitive software based on a wealth of industry experience. TouchStar Solutions provide information to drivers together with a variety of complimentary tools such as navigation, vehicle monitoring and telephony. At the same time information is collected about vehicle operation, location and load condition in real-time.

Benefits ORTEC & TouchStar Integrated Solution

The combined ORTEC & TouchStar solution will deliver a measurable ROI and many user benefits including:

Improved Operational Efficiency

Optimizing the deliveries and routes of a fleet of vehicles can sheer away wasted time, fuel and mileage costs. Greater visibility of driver route statuses, truck GPS locations, immediate notification of delays, stock alerts and enhanced communication with drivers helps planners effectively respond to operational events. This makes the whole process more flexible, efficient and profitable.

Enhanced Customer Service

The combined ORTEC/TouchStar solution enables businesses to provide a professional and efficient service that surpasses customer expectations. Delivery times and volumes are accurately calculated so that stock-outs and oversized deliveries are eliminated. Improved communication means customers are informed if there has been a hold up on route with an ETA. Better visibility ensures that deliveries are never missed and ensures they are on time every time.

Excellent Fleet Security

Greater fleet visibility enables better control of your fleet security. It ensures that vehicles are being driven carefully and legally, subsequently alerting businesses to instances of speeding, breaches of vehicle security and unplanned stops at barred locations. It can also ensure that businesses are alerted when their drivers are nearing their hours quota, thus ensuring that you always meet all legal regulations.

About TouchStar

TouchStar Technologies Ltd, part of the Belgravium Technologies plc group, has been providing sophisticated mobile computing applications for over two decades, TouchStar is unique in that it controls the design and manufacture of hardware, software and communications elements of their solutions. Specialists in the field of ATEX approved computing and with a global installed base of over 50,000 devices, TouchStar is a recognized leader in the arena of on-board mobile computing.

 About ORTEC

ORTEC is one of the largest providers of advanced planning and optimization software solutions and consulting services. Our solutions result in optimized fleet routing & dispatch, vehicle and pallet loading, workforce scheduling, delivery forecasting and network planning. ORTEC provides both best-of-breed, custom made and SAP certified solutions, supported by strategic partnerships. ORTEC has over 1000 customers worldwide, 700 employees and several offices in Europe and North America.