[technical direct]

A CLEVER solution which links nearly 100 different IT systems together has transformed the way the UK’s leading palletised distribution network does business – and strengthened its position in the process.

IT specialists at Technical Direct worked closely alongside Palletforce for a year to create a 'Line Of Business' system that could handle every stage of operations for both Palletforce and their members – who are spread across the UK.

This meant creating an application that linked Palletforce's central distribution Hub with around 100 depots of some of the country’s most established transport companies and also integrated with the third party systems being used at those depots.

Dean Hughes, IT Director of Palletforce, said: "This project is the biggest investment in IT Palletforce has ever made and is a significant part of our mission to provide the most efficient service possible for members and customers."

The switch to the new system means Palletforce is using some of the most advanced IT systems and technology in the transport and logistics sector.

The solution was developed using the following technologies:

• Microsoft .NET
• Microsoft .NET Compact Framework
• Microsoft SQL Server 2008
• Microsoft ASP.NET
• Windows Mobile
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008
• Microsoft Windows Presentation Foundation
• Microsoft Windows Workflow Foundation
• Microsoft Windows Communication Foundation

Dean added: "There were many challenges to overcome and Technical Direct were indispensable in helping us achieve our goal on time and in budget and we continue to work with them."

"After almost a year of planning, the system went live in June 2010 and has been a great success - it is operating at 99.99 per cent availability, which equates to one hour of unplanned downtime a year, and has almost 1,000 daily users."