Effective Logistical Solutions (ELS) is a Toronto, Canada-based transportation logistics specialist that matches loads with ground, air and sea solutions. However, the business is challenging. ELS has hundreds of rivals that all compete using the same Web sites where load boards show shipper needs. Knowledge, speed and efficiency are critical elements of success. With the help of Excell IT, a Microsoft® Gold Certified Partner, the firm’s computer consultant, ELS is test-driving the new Windows® 7 operating system to see how it delivers the goods. What ELS has discovered is an operating system with features like Taskbar Customization, Aero® Interface, Action Center and Problem Steps Recorder that are increasing productivity and making the company more competitive in a safer computing environment.

Canada Cartage, a logistics firm with 25 locations across Canada, was outgrowing its communications infrastructure. The company’s mix of outdated telephone systems didn’t provide consistent service, and key staff members couldn’t easily locate one another for collaboration. The company worked with Microsoft® Gold Certified Partner LegendCorp to implement a unified communications solution based on Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007. The solution meshed with the existing infrastructure at Canada Cartage and overcame challenges such as connecting with a complex Private Branch Exchange telephone system. Canada Cartage anticipates reduced costs associated with travel and long-distance phone charges. Sales teams can also work together more effectively by using features that turn instant-messaging conversations into group conference calls that even include shared whiteboards.

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) employs more than 1,000 people and operates Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada’s largest. Tightened government guidelines prompted GTAA to devise a technology solution for tracking and inspecting its many roadway signs. GTAA deployed ABOUTIME®, a mobile device–based solution that uses Windows Mobile® 5.0, Windows® XP Tablet PC Edition, Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2005 Mobile Edition, and the Microsoft .NET Compact Framework to combine global positioning system (GPS), Bluetooth technology, digital photography, and barcode scanning capabilities. The solution, a resounding success, is being extended to all Toronto Pearson’s signs. Besides achieving regulatory compliance and mitigating possible lawsuits, it has reduced GTAA sign inspection labor costs by more than CDN$100,000 [U.S.$89,289] while doubling sign inspection efficiency.