Computer Software Category Winner

Electronic Signature Technology

Orion Software

Rental operations require a lot of paper, especially for some documents that require obtaining a signature and filing a signed copy. The rental contract is the best example, for it binds the customer to the terms and conditions of the rental. It also confirms the pick-up of the equipment by a specific person. Sending a signed copy of a contract to the customer’s accounting department is a long and inefficient process. Now, thanks to “electronic signature,” one can eliminate paper contracts, archive the signed documents electronically, and send signed copies of contracts by fax or email with a click of the mouse. This access is not limited anymore to the central office and salespersons on the road or managers at remote locations can produce and obtain instantaneous access to these signed documents. Orion’s Sirius Pro Rental Software system maintains and archives all copies of signed documents.

RER: What makes the Sirius Pro - Electronic Signature innovative?

Steve Milcik, sales manager, Orion Software: The true innovation is the ability to take your "rental counter" on the road, and perform business directly at your client's site. Using a loptop, modem and state-of-the-art signautre capture technology, your sales force can now link directly to your inventory, confirm availability, reserve an item, schedule delivery and have the client sign the contract, all in real time.

RER: What are the benefits to the Sirius Pro - Electronic Signature? How does the system make jobs more effective and efficient for rental professionals and their contractor customers?

Milcik: Rental operations require a lot of paper, especially for some documents that require obtaining a signature and filing a signed copy. The rental contract is the best example , for it binds the customer to the terms and conditions of the rental. It also confirms the pick-up of the equipment by a specific person. Sending a signed copy of a contract to the customer's accounting department is a long and inefficient process.

Now, thanks to electronic signature, one can eliminate paper contracts, archive the signed documents electronically, and send signed copies of contracts by fax or email with a click of the mouse. This access is not limited anymore to the central office, and salespersons on the road or managers at remote locations obtain instantaneous access to these signed documents. Orion's Sirius Pro Rental Software system maintains and archives all copies of signed documents.

RER: Describe the development process of the Sirius Pro - Electronic Signature. Where did the idea come from and who was responsible for its engineering and development?

Milcik: Much like many of our new developments, the idea for Electronic Signature comes from our clients, and our analysis of industry trends and technology changes. Mobile computing is becoming more prevalent in the rental industry, and this type of technology allows salespeople and other rental professionals to bring their rental coutner on the road. The development and programming was all done by our in-house team, led by our vice president of operations, Pat Boivin.