FAQ:General
- Is the System going to replace IBS? Will you continue to support IBS?
The new MoverBiz software will replace the current IBS Customer Service / Dispatch module. It is our plan to begin redevelop of the other portions of the IBS System (Accts. Payable/Receivable, Payroll, etc.) once the Customer Service / Dispatch modules are in place. None of our customers will be required to move to the new version of the software and we will continue to support it in the same manner that we currently do. At some point, we will discontinue supporting the old software as is typical in the software industry. All of our customers will be given ample time to prepare for the migration, if they so choose, and we will make every effort to make the transition as seamless and free from disruption as possible.
- Is this is replacing IBS, will data in IBS convert to MoverBiz?
Some, but not all, of the data from the existing system will be converted. The existing data is stored in TopSpeed data tables. The structure of the current IBS system is such that each company has a separate set of tables needed by the IBS system. The new MoverBiz system will make use of an SQL Server database and will house all data for your entire enterprise. Additionally, the structure of the data tables used by the MoverBiz system is entirely different from the old system. This is primarily due to the fact that companies and branches within your organization will be sharing a single database. Our goal is to take the data that we can from the old system and migrate it, populate those tables that are needed with baseline data and prevent excessive manual entry on the part of our customers. Existing shipment specific data will not be converted and migrated to the new system.
- Will we have access to historical shipments in IBS?
Yes. The IBS system is yours and you can continue to access historical shipments using it for as long as you need. The MoverBiz software will not link back to the IBS system to view historical data. For shipments that are “in the works” in the existing IBS system, the plan is to let those shipments run their course to completion in IBS. Any new shipments would be entered into MoverBiz.
- Where is MoverBiz stored? On a server or web based?
The new software is a Windows Visual Basic .Net application. It is not web-based. The software along with the accompanying SQL Server database will be configured much like any other client-server application. Your users will access the system in the same method that they currently do.
- Will MoverBiz be accessible from the internet?
No, MoverBiz is not a web-based application. The help files, F.A.Q., Direct Systems Wiki and customer support functions will utilize the internet.
- Will all current functionality of IBS such as printing an Order for Service remain?
Yes. The core functionality of what the software does will still be present in the new system. The MoverBiz software will not be a clone of the existing system. Our goal is not to duplicate the look and feel or exact functionality of the IBS system but rather to improve upon it. This approach is represented in our drag-and-drop Load Board, the ability to have multiple windows open simultaneously and our read-only Load Board, just to name a few examples. None of these features are available in the IBS system. We are also streamlining the functionality and making every effort to make the system as intuitive and easy to use as possible. The current software is over 20 years old and is representative of the technology available at the time. The new system will take advantage of what is available today while preserving the functionality of the IBS system.
- Are you able to attach a document from Outlook to a shipment or do you have to save it on your computer first and then attach it to MoverBiz?
I do not know. I am not aware of any way to save an Outlook attachment without first having saved it to the file system. Our system does not interface with Outlook or any other email program directly, but rather uses an SMTP object from within the Visual Basic code to send emails. Our current design allows for attaching files to a shipment as I demonstrated. You may also copy and paste an email into the notes tab for a shipment. The amount of time and effort needed to accomplish either of these tasks is minimal. We do not have any plans to directly interact with any of the many different email programs our customers may be using.
- Are there any changes to how SIT work and can we establish SIT tasks?
We have not completed our design for exactly how we are going to handle SIT services. I realize that they need to be handles differently in terms of billing, dispatching and the tasks associated with an SIT service. If by “establish SIT tasks” you mean having tasks generated based upon SIT control dates, I think that is something we can do. I think the best thing would be for us to talk about this one so I can be sure of what it is you need.
- What training will be provided?
Intuitive and easy to use. Help files are accessible. System based upon existing software. If you know how to use IBS, MoverBiz should be a breeze. Etc.
- We’d like additional information on the scanning function as well as the email function.
Rather than trying to address what I believe to be the additional information you are looking for, I suggest speaking over the phone about the specifics of how these features will work. If you like, we can set up another informal demo so you can dial-in directly to my desk and I will demonstrate these features.
