AAA supplier agreement powers growth for software developer Tracker Management Systems

Cleveland, OH – A preferred supplier agreement with North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization is doubling the size of a Cleveland-based developer of communications and business management software for towing companies.

Tracker Management Systems, Inc., has been chosen by the national office of AAA as its preferred supplier for towing communications and operations management systems for use by AAA clubs throughout North America, the two companies announced last week. Based in Orlando, AAA serves its 44 million motorist members through its more than 100 regional affiliates.

The deal provides AAA clubs and their road service providers with a leading-edge method of expanding and upgrading their current use of digital dispatch systems for emergency road service vehicles. About two-thirds of the more than 30,000 towing operators in North America provide roadside services to AAA members, answering 28.7 million service calls in 2000.

Tracker is doubling in size to meet the additional demand AAA's endorsement and other developments are already bringing in, said president Jim Weaver, bringing total employment to 16 by the end of July. Additional hiring is likely in the fall, he added.

Three salespeople, a tech support person and an administrative person have already been hired. Weaver is currently interviewing for training, webmaster and programming positions.

“AAA's endorsement means a lot of towers who've been taking a wait-and-see attitude on technology will now move forward with Tracker being the system of choice,” Weaver said. “It reinforces our long-held position as the technology solution for successful towers.”

In March, the Towing and Recover y Association of American, the largest towing trade company in the United States, endorsed Tracker. Also that month, Tracker and ZIM Technologies International, Inc., of Ottawa, Canada, announced ZIM will develop Tracker's digital dispatch and wireless capabilities, including compatibility with AAA call center software. Release is expected by this fall.

Under the AAA agreement, Tracker will offer special pricing concessions to AAA clubs and eligible affiliated service providers for dispatch and towing management software, including digital dispatch and wireless capabilities compatible with AAA's proprietary call management software. Dispatch options will include new Motor Club Connect and Mobile Solution service, which allows AAA affiliates to dispatch jobs and receive job information back through wireless and digital communications.

Tracker has been serving the towing industry exclusively for nearly 15 years and is a leader in making advanced technology work for towers. Firsts for Tracker during the 1990's include dispatching to pagers, data communication to and from mobile data terminal-equipped vehicles and GPS integration. Tracker provides complete systems for towers of all sizes and types as well as comprehensive training and 24/7 customer support services.

“This preferred supplier agreement brings together three industry leaders to create opportunities for improved service for our 44 million members,” said Margaret Pittelkow, managing director, AAA Emergency Road Service Network. “Furthermore, the agreement enables AAA and CAA-affiliated roadside assistance providers to leverage their relationship with North America's leading motor club to decrease operating costs, while improving performance and efficiency.”

“This agreement continues to position AAA on the leading edge of technology for digital dispatch,” stated Jim Weaver, President of Tracker Management Systems. “It sets the standard for the rest of the industry to follow.”

“With the critical need to get the right information to the right people at the right time, the towing and roadside assistance industry is a perfect application for the new direction in wireless technology,” said Dr. Michael C.J. Cowpland, president and CEO of ZIM Technologies International. “We are thrilled to be working with AAA and Tracker to make this happen, and see huge potential for the application of this technology to a broad range of other industries.