TruckStops® & Plant Partner Improve Ease of Integration Through New Exporting Functionality

ARLINGTON, VA - January 23, 2003 – MicroAnalytics, Inc. is pleased to announce new export capability to Starcom Computer Corporation’s Plant Partner software. Plant Partner and TruckStops now both offer the capability to export information in a format compatible with the other program’s import process. The new capabilities will help streamline and improve efficiency for both everyday dynamic routing and strategic route planning.

In the most recent version of TruckStops, there is a simple, one-click export function available from a drop-down menu. Just point and click and a Plant Partner data file is created to import the necessary information back into Plant Partner.

Amanda Eller, Routing Manager at Metrolina Greenhouses, explained that all of their orders are stored in the Plant Partner database. These orders are downloaded from Plant Partner into TruckStops to be routed on a daily basis. “Once TruckStops creates the routes, the routed orders are uploaded back into Plant Partner. It is necessary to have the orders entered at least one day in advance so that they can be loaded and delivered by the designated delivery date,” Eller said. She also described how they contact the stores in advance and give them an approximate delivery time, as determined by TruckStops. This allows their customers to account for any adjustments to be made to their order. “Changes are constantly made throughout the day as new stores place orders or existing orders are altered,” she said. “It is very easy to input additional orders into TruckStops and mirror these adjustments in Plant Partner.”

MicroAnalytics has produced high-quality, affordable logistics software since 1984. The company helped pioneer the development of PC-based routing systems and is recognized as the leading software provider with over 2,400 systems distributed worldwide. In addition to the TruckStops system, MicroAnalytics publishes and markets the OptiSite® Distribution Planning Model, GeoNet™ Location Databases and the BUSTOPS® Student Transportation Management System. The company operates offices in Arlington, Virginia; Toronto, Ontario; and London, England. Agents in Europe, South America, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore represent MicroAnalytics. The Arlington, Virginia headquarters may be reached at 703-841-0414 or via e-mail at info@bestroutes.com.

Starcom has 15 years experience developing software tools for growers and over 200 installations across the United States and Canada. Starcom Computer Corporation has the experience necessary to provide growing operations with the most powerful and advanced technology available. As well as providing software, Starcom offers complete training, consulting and support services from coast to coast. Starcom may be reached at (800) 776-7878 or (425) 486-6464, or via e-mail at richardn@starcomsoft.com. Starcom’s web site is www.starcomsoft.com.