Customer Internet Access System

The commercial shipping industry has been using bar code technologies for many years to identify and track items in transit and storage. Companies like FedEx and UPS have been using this technology and have been largely responsible for where it is today. Within the moving & storage industry, vendors have offered basic systems to print off an inventory, but nothing to track the item through its life with the mover. Other systems in the moving & storage industry have been able to provide electronic printed inventory; however, none are able to offer ACI's unique scan-off procedure.

Users of the Driver Inventory System agree that collecting and storing vital inventory data at the origination point provides a basis for a "Piece Level Tracking" system. In addition, this technology enables drivers to produce a comprehensive inventory printout, capture shippers signature electronically, transmit the data over cellular and landline connections, validate delivery of the complete inventory at its destination and produce exception and carton summary reports.

Industry Partnerships:

ACI is the developers for the SIRVA M.I.M.S. Project which will provide Pocket PC Driver Inventory/Information Systems to all Allied & North American Agents. ACI is currently working with representatives in Chicago, IL and Fort Wayne, IN.

ACI is the developers for the Pocket PC Atlas Driver Inventory System. ACI is currently working with representatives in Evansville, IN.

ACI is the developers for the "NEW" Pocket PC Driver Inventory System for all United and Mayflower Agents. ACI is currently working with representatives in Fenton, MO

Due to Non-Disclosure Statements with all of our Partners, ACI is limited on what information can be displayed. Please call our offices for more information related to your van line.

Why? Since it’s release, van lines and movers have had different reasons for implementing the Driver Inventory System. From reducing claims to increasing van line image enhancement, movers are looking at technology to replace the decades old current practices and processes. New technology offers even more justification to automate processes. Cellular data services and mobile computers are becoming more integrated to offer movers more benefits. These enhancements and others you’ll see below are making the ROI easier to calculate.	Provides mover the ability to invoice a shipment immediately following final delivery. Reduce missing item claims by providing a “scan off” at delivery. System tells user what the items was, what room it came from, item number and exceptions. Missing items are identified immediately at residence or warehouse. Allows mover to track an item through the entire moving process (initial pick-up, set-offs, warehousing, final delivery). Reduce shipment forms & paperwork by electronically recording information. Inventory information is always available for easy retrieval. Lower UPS and faxing charges by passing data electronically through movers network. Enhance the image of the driver and company by providing “state of the art” technology. Present a system that can be used for HHG, Special Commodities, O&I, and Special Products. Lower the demand on phone centers by providing information electronically. Provide the shipper with a printed, electronic inventory of all items in the shipment. Lower fuel consumption by eliminating trips to pick up paperwork at branches. Provide more efficient traveltimes for drivers. Allows for Signature Capture on drivers device. Provide damage codes that are entered using codes or bar coded sheets but print off in full English. Devices that can read existing bar codes on most furniture or equipment. Drivers can access maps, news and weather via the internet for useful information while on the road. System interfaces with the Windfall Warehouse System to provide easy data flow from one system to another - Driver scans items off truck, warehouse scans items into warehouse.
Technology Utilizing the three following technologies, ACI has developed the current Driver System. Drivers are able to take advantage of the tools that may already use everyday but in different form factors. Microsoft software for productivity, cell phones for keeping connected and the Internet for information are standards in today’s society. Putting them all together into a mobile platform and coupling software specific to their everyday practices in how ACI comes into play.
Communications ACI uses communication tools that are easily adapted and used throughout the industry today. Satellite and character based systems are expensive to transfer large amounts of data while breakthroughs in data cellular service make it the only cost justifiable solution. Plus, communication options change so rapidly that movers don’t want to be tied down to a company over several years. Here are some of the companies and solutions that ACI has worked with in the past. NOTE: Cellular Data Service Used For: Transfer load, inventory, pick-up and delivery information. Upgrade software and lookup lists Internet access
Driver Net Since enhancements in technology gave ACI the opportunity to connect the driver to the Internet, it was important to give drivers tools that they could use. One such tool is a web site that ACI created called Driver Net. This site is a portal the driver can use to lookup valuable information such as maps, weather, news, agent or van line information, etc. All connecting sites are formatted for Pocket PC so navigation is easy and speed becomes less of an issue.
Process The following is an overview of the steps a driver would go through from pick-up to delivery for a shipment. The system can handle HHG, Special Products, International, Military, Electronics and Display and Exhibits so prompts and sequence may vary for different types of shipments.	Create Shipment Typically downloaded from corporate via landline or cellular, the header information is put into the system. Example: Origin & Destination address, contacts, phone #’s, Origin & Destination Agents, etc… Initial Inventory Driver inventories shipment at origin and collects all pertinent information. Example: Location, Article, Inventory #, Exceptions, Carton Contents, Qty., Crate Sizes, etc… Inventory Reports Driver completes inventory and captures the shippers signature electronically. Reports are printed. Example: Inventory and Carton Summary Report Warehouse Set-Off Items are delivered to a warehouse and scanned off truck. If warehouse has Windfall, items are scanned directly into a location and additional exceptions are taken if needed. Warehouse Reports Driver completes set-off and captures warehouse persons signature. Reports are printed. Example: Set-Off and Exceptions Report Warehouse or Packers Load Driver picks up load from warehouse or a load that has already been inventoried by the packers. Driver scans items onto truck and takes additional exceptions if needed. Load Reports Driver completes load and captures warehouse persons signature. Reports are printed. Example: Load and Exceptions Report Deliver Load Driver scans items off at delivery while device verifies item belongs to this load and counts down number of items remaining. Deliver Reports Driver completes delivery and captures shippers signature. Reports are printed. Example: Load and Exceptions Report
Signature Capture Capturing the shippers signature on the screen provides instant billing information & proof of delivery. Items todays shippers are expecting more and more.
Hardware ACI uses the latest hardware from Intermec Technologies, the leader is durable data collection devices. All solutions offer printers which are either integrated or connected via Bluetooth technology.
Reporting	Link To Sample Driver Report (PDF Format)