Latest Version of Advantage Software Delivers More to Managers and Media Buyers

Sept. 3, 2009 - PRLog -- Mooresville, NC – In a strategic move to provide more “information push” technology features that enable its customers greater flexibility in accessing key agency metrics and information, The Advantage Software Company announced the release of Advantage 6.0/Webvantage 3.0, the latest version of its scalable software solution that connects critical advertising processes like project management, financial management, and media buying functionality using a single source database and a unique combination of client/server and browser-based technologies.

Developed using input from Advantage’s existing customer base, the new version features major upgrades to the already robust Advantage and Webvantage applications.  “In what has become a very tough economic climate for marketing communications firms, agency professionals have been asked to do more despite having fewer resources. Technology solutions like Advantage Enterprise can help overcome some of these challenges by quickly pushing information to individuals or teams and facilitating collaboration through communications and file sharing. Our solution offers our customers more flexibility, more choices and more opportunities to improve their business and impact offered to their clients,” announced Advantage President Ellen Coulter.

Centralized Dashboard Provides Timely Information

Webvantage 3.0 introduces Project Viewpoint, a single source dashboard view for accessing project, budget and labor information related to production and media work being performed.  This consolidated view provides real-time information on everything related to client work without accessing multiple applications or reports.  Extensive filters allow for any agency associate to view only their assigned work items. This new feature dramatically cuts back the amount of time needed to access this crucial data but also uses ‘push technology’ to alert staff members of relevant key issues.

Manage Projects and Resources with New Calendar, Workload Availability and Employee Finder Features

These major enhancements include expanded ‘visual’ project management through new Calendar and Task Edit tools.  In addition to the existing Gantt View, Multi-View and Worksheet View features, users can now “drag and drop” objects on the calendar to visually edit tasks and appointments; and manage tasks in more detail using task-level alerts, resource tracking and comment logs.  Automatic ‘alerts’ notify schedulers of over-booked employees instantly. Assignments automatically flow to the Workload Availability Calendar which is used to view and access project workload by day, week or month for any segment of the agency. The Employee Finder feature increases accuracy and speeds-up the process of assigning staff members by finding those available based on working hours and assignments by role.

Electronic Media Orders Made Easy

For media buyers that need to send out large number of media orders electronically to multiple vendors and media representatives, Advantage has enhanced its media buying system to allow for mass ordering using a single selection window.  Buyers can now filter selected orders by many different criteria, easily select a standard format or custom format, and then email orders in PDF format to all selected contacts with a single click. “Media buyers who need to make changes, or send out new orders at the last minute will save hours of time,” said Coulter.
 

Availability

Customers that are part of the Advantage beta program are already using the new version of Advantage Enterprise, which will become available for general release via download upon completion of the program period.  For Advantage customers, webinars highlighting the features of Advantage 6.0 and Webvantage 3.0 will be held at no charge the entire month of September.  For more details and a schedule of the webinars, Advantage customers can visit www.gotoadvantage.com/portal/.

The Advantage Enterprise release includes many more individual program enhancements, over 100 in all.  “We’re very excited about this release. Just about every role in the agency including those in Account Service, Creative, Production, Media, and Accounting will benefit from this new version,” concluded Coulter.

# # #

The Advantage Software Company is the leading provider of advertising workflow automation and media buying tools for advertising agencies and in-house marketing departments. For over 30 years Advantage has led the industry with a wide range of solutions including browser-based solutions that accommodate both PC and Mac workstations. Advantage has the largest and most active Users Group in the industry. Its members play an active role in the software enhancement process and are a continuous source of innovation.