FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Internet-Based Technology Eliminates Paper Invoice Files
FAIRFIELD, NJ (March 30, 2001) – The parts distribution
network of Mercedes -Benz USA has replaced paper invoice storage with a completely Intranet-based
document management system from Archive Systems of Fairfield, New Jersey. The five regional
Mercedes-Benz parts distribution centers (PDCs), which distribute parts to the 310 Mercedes
dealers in the United States, now rely entirely on DocuLogic imaging technology from Archive
Systems to catalog and store all parts invoices. The Mercedes PDCs are located in Hanover, MD,
Carol Stream, IL, Fontana, CA, Fort Worth, TX, and Jacksonville, FL.
DocuLogic uses a browser-based interface to collect and securely store
images of all parts invoices issued by Mercedes-Benz to its dealers. Authorized Mercedes
employees can easily and securely access the invoices by using a web browser on any personal
computer. Previously, each of the Mercedes PDCs stored printed copies of all its invoices,
and searches for information – such as for state audits – were labor intensive and time
consuming. Now, all invoice data is accessible at the speed of a dedicated T-1 Intranet
connection. Because The DocuLogic system uses industry standard tools and a browser-based
interface, Mercedes did not have to invest in any additional technology to adopt the system.
“Using DocuLogic to collect our parts invoice data and store it on servers
located at Archive Systems frees up at least one and a quarter hours of staff time per day in
each of our five PDCs,” says Roger Raethz, Department Manager, PDC Operations. “Our people can
conduct their jobs more efficiently because they don’t need to spend time sorting and filing
paperwork. We were able to implement the DocuLogic system in just two weeks because there was
no new technology to install and learn,” he adds.
Since 1999, four departments of Mercedes-Benz USA have contracted with
Archive Systems for document management systems. Archive Systems collects and stores documents
for the premium automobile importer’s purchasing and human resources departments as well as the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center.
In addition to collecting electronic documents for storage, Archive Systems
scans and stores conventional documents, such as letters or forms from customers or employees.
These, too, are made searchable through the web-based interface by authorized Mercedes personnel.
How the DocuLogic System Works
Previously, the Mercedes-Benz PDCs were printing copies of invoices from their mainframe files.
Now, according to Rick Kushel, President of Archive Systems, a Mercedes PDC employee prints just
one paper invoice to accompany a shipment. There is no second printed copy to be filed.
Archive Systems uses ASP/Thin Client Server technology to collect the
electronic invoices from the Mercedes network using a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) process,
each night importing the data from the Mercedes network as one large electronic image file.
About Archive Systems, Inc.
Archive Systems, Inc. flagship solution, ASPEN 360 Accounts Payable Edition, combines best practices AP Automation with ZeroTouch AP imaging and workflow. The product increases efficiencies and reduces costs with features such as straight through processing, which uses automated three-way matching to auto match invoices to PO and receipt line items without AP processor intervention. It includes the ASPEN 360 Invoice Virtualization Center, which removes from the client all tasks associated with document imaging, data capture, document classification, indexing, and OCR. The company also provides physical records management services such as business records storage, document shredding, and offsite data storage, through a number of Record Center locations. For more information, please visit www.archivesystems.com.
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