MULTI SERVICE AND ICS SIGN AGREEMENT FOR SYSTEM INTEGRATION
October 1, 2009 – Independent Computer Services (ICS) and Multi Service announced today an interface to integrate Multi Service-managed national account programs with ICS business systems via Service GateSM. Over the next several months, ICS will make the system interface available to distributors participating in select Multi Service national accounts programs.
Multi Service collects line-item transaction details from distributors within OEM sales networks in order to execute guaranteed, not-to-exceed pricing and distribute consolidated billings to national fleet accounts. Prior to the development of Service Gate, the invoice detail required to make such a program successful would demand that distributors create duplicate transaction entries – once into their ICS business management systems and again into a point-of-sale solution that communicated directly with Multi Service. Alternatively, distributors could submit paper transaction details through postal mail, extending the time between transaction and reconciliation.
With the implementation of Service Gate, distributors utilizing ICS business systems will have the opportunity to interface directly with Multi Service via Service Gate. The system interface is capable of automating price verification, invoice authorization and submission, as well as reconciling accounts receivable information for program transactions. "We design billing and payment programs that drive business to an OEM's distributors while providing value-added services to fleet accounts," said Mark O'Connell, President of Multi Service. "Service Gate was developed to streamline the system for distributors. By taking advantage of one or all of the Service Gate capabilities, distributors will have the opportunity to decrease administrative time and business expense."Through this new interface, distributor business systems communicate invoice details directly to Multi Service. Within seconds, Multi Service systems audit distributor pricing, correct overcharges, and send accurate prices back to the business system.
ICS business systems communicate directly with Multi Service to request invoice authorizations. Multi Service systems perform credit verifications and cross-check customer- specific purchase requirements before conveying approvals to the merchants within a matter of seconds.
Distributor business systems batch finalize transactions and submit them through Service Gate to Multi Service for processing. Service Gate will also enable ICS systems to request electronic remittance information from Multi Service in order that distributors may post remittance information directly to their accounts receivable without manual entry. Multi Service has designed Service Gate to work with multiple business systems and national accounts programs operated by the company for Original Equipment Manufacturers in the trucking industry. By year-end, Service Gate should be made available to many of the distributors that participate in Multi Service-managed national accounts programs.
About Multi Service Corporation
Multi Service Corporation is a global transaction management
company specializing in commercial billing and payment
solutions. The company designs and facilitates custom
applications that meet the specific objectives of each
client.
Multi Service began offering private label national account programs to OEMs and other suppliers in the trucking industry in 1982. In 2007, Multi Service launched eVIVA, a proprietary processing platform that supports private label national account programs that offer customized purchasing controls, online account access, customized reporting, and more.
Today, Multi Service manages end-to-end, private label billing and payment programs for the U.S. Government and Fortune 100 corporations in a variety of industries. Multi Service is a global organization headquartered in Overland Park, KS with offices in the United States, Mexico, the Netherlands and Australia. For more information, visit www.multiservice.com or www.msprivatelabel.com.
About ICS
Independent Computer Services, Inc. is a full service
information technology solution provider established in 1987
with primary offices in Florence, AL. ICS provides
enterprise software to the diesel engine and transmission
parts and service industry. The software covers all aspects
of the parts and service operations including order entry,
shop floor time accounting, inventory control,
accounting/financials, planned maintenance contracts,
internal billing, and vendor interfaces.
ICS is also a sales, service and integration provider of IT business solutions including data networks, voice and data communications, telephone systems, printing and copying products and all associated infrastructure requirements. Business and product partnerships include IBM, ATT, Microsoft, Cisco, Hewlett Packard and Mitel.
