Appian Logistics Software has released a new version of its Direct Route fleet routing system, which has new features and capabilities.

"The new system was built from the ground up to take advantage of .NET architecture, XML interfacing, and to expand on the tools and features built into the flagship product since its introduction in the early 1990s," said Mike Kositzky, president.

The new version has been enhanced with a reorganized code to produce 300 to 700 percent faster processing times compared with the previous version, according to benchmark testing.

"By developing Direct Route Version 9 using .NET architecture, we were able to more tightly integrate all of the additions we've made over the years and provide new routing capabilities that weren't possible with earlier programming tools," Kositzky said. "This also puts us into a position to be ahead of the curve on the impending move to 64-bit architecture."

While the company had previously updated the system from DOS to 16-bit and 32-bit Windows platforms, Appian decided to launch the new version with the .NET architecture, because of the opportunities the platform presented.

"This is a generational change in the software that provides many new capabilities and our current customers don't have to pay a penny for it," said Hugh Gigante, director of business development.

With the new version, Appian also added more user-workspace controls, including the ability to dock windows and to customize both window and list contents. Users can also drill down into increasingly more detail about orders and jobs and choose how route reports are displayed.

In addition, new drag and drop report-editing features also allow users to add logos, configure professional load manifests, and quickly create summary and detailed route reports with the layouts they desire using functions common in Excel.

Version 9 supports web services, incorporates XML interfacing, and is tightly integrated with Appian's DRTrack GPS reporting system.

"The new Direct Route system is built to support recent technology improvements and to help clients take advantage of the next decade of hardware and operating system advancements," said Kositzky.

More info: www.appianlogistics.com