The 2009 User Conference is an amazing story. In fact, all AWE User Conferences are amazing tributes to our customers, never a boring subject, a fantastic lunch, a pleasant environment on the Lake, Dialogue, New Facts and Features, and lastly there is no fee, because we appreciate and cannot exist without our customers. If you have never attended an AWE User Conference, we gather in the Woodport House for Coffee and Bagels before heading up to the AWE Convention Room for orientation. I spoke breifly, outlining the morning events and although most customers have all of the AWE products, we also have customers that only have our Wireless Products so we have 2 sessions in progress all day. This year, Damon Boyer, Mike Sullivan, and Dave Herrmann hosted the Wireless Sessions which included new features and discussions. Rick Anderson from ISG was avalailable all day to discuss Hardware Maintenance for the Wireless POS equipment.
Budget Customers the 2010 approach was presented by Gary Sullivan and Jason Mirsky
The methods of servicing Budget Accounts has changed as a result of oil prices and the 12 month budget is thought to be the answer because it produces the smallest payment but the downside is the lack of a transition period to end one year and start the next. AWE agrees but recognized the need to manage the payment amoutn as price and weather influence the payment. Jason has created a procedure that recomputes the budget on a daily basis and alerts the customer service representative if the payment fluctuates by a predefined threshold. The customer can be notified either through mail, e-mail or by monthly statement to adjust the monthly payment with the reasons such as change in consumption, weather, or change in pricing and can also project the shortage or overage that can be eliminated and not left to chance in that month number 12.
Credit Card/EFT and PCI Encryption was presented by Debbie Hendershot
taking us through the setup of Credit Cards and EFTs by customer including authorization and automatic posting of the payments. Once the Credit Card and EFT applications were installed, PCI encryption can be activated. This activation eliminates the viewing of any credit card numbers with the exception of the last 4 numbers. The Credit Card/EFT systems is based on authorize.net.
Emailing Statements and Invoices was presented by Jason Mirsky
Enhanced Dashboard was presented by Dave Herrmann
Dave presented the new dashboard with functionality to create user defined queries with graphs and user configuration by drag and drop of available columns allowing for a variety of summaries.
AXXIS products were presented by Art King
CaptureRite is a fully configurable scheduling facility to capture prices and other electronic transaction data directly from suppliers web/ftp sites. As suppliers move away from the traditional satellite based price distribution model, companies are turning to CaptureRite to automate the transaction collection effort. Invoices, prices, and electronic transaction data can be saved, viewed, and integrated with your company's existing software solutions, including many back office accounting systems. CaptureRite provides E-System Wireless Delivery with up to date information using the AWE Capture Rite Integration. Price Management is the core module in the AXXIS Petroleum Software suite. The Axxis Price Management module automates the collection, normalization and assembly of all your pricing data in support of your "Best Buy" decision making. Using Price Management, buyers can calculate gross, net, and "laid-in" or delivered prices and compare them directly, ensuring that their daily choice of supplier and pickup location results in the best possible price.
For more information on AXXIS products, go to www.axxispetro.com
A Luncheon Buffet was presented at the Woodport House by Chef Callahan and was excellent.
A few of the items presented were Sesame Seared Tuna,Roast Beef Chicken and Pasta, Sausage and Peppers, Potato Leek Soup, and Garlic mashed potatoes.
DESTWIN was presented by Gary Sippin following lunch
The DESTWIN Web Application Package is a set of software tools that facilitates integration of office systems with web-based interfaces, providing employees and customers access to information and resources. DESTWIN provides the ability to implement sophisticated business applications that may be accessed through a web interface, allowing your website to become an integrated part of your operations. Gary discussed on-line purchases and sales and the new age in risk management. Knowing what is being sold on a real time basis empowers managers with the knowledge and data they need to make timely and informed decisions. Buying and Selling must be done at the same. For more information on Destwin go to www.destwin.com Gary Sippin uses E-System from AWE with his Destwin System.
What's New in Wireless was presented by Mike Sullivan
Signature Capture, Propane and Oil Tanks Scanning, Package Sales, Multiple Payments
Web Reporting, Web Portal, and Smartphone were presented by Dave Herrmann and Gary Sullivan
The day wrapped up with a round table discussion:
What would you like to see from us?
AWE products are so powerful, flexible, and friendly because we listen to you. Just watch the AWE SharePoint Site for information on new features and enchancements resulting from the User Conference of 2009