The PowerManager® software programs from the Nebraska Municipal Power Pool and Salt Creek Software have been a valuable tool for hundreds of municipalities around the nation for many years.
For more than two decades NMPP and SCS have met the needs of software users in the form of providing new and useful applications along with subsequent program upgrades to improve efficiency and keep users current amid evolving technology.
In mid-September NMPP and SCS implemented their new Value Support Plan regarding software program upgrades and customer support to users. NMPP Chief Operating Officer Tim Sutherland recently answered some questions about the new plan:
Q. What is the Value Support Plan and why was it created?
A. The Value Support Plan is the same service we have always provided, it’s just a little different in concept. The plan ensures that users of the four core PowerManager® programs—Utility Billing/EasyClerk, Payroll, Inventory Plus and General Ledger/Accounts Payable—will always have the most up-to-date version of software.
With technology, especially software, once you develop a program and distribute it, the task of supporting and improving the program is never-ending. It’s the same with any software you buy. Without upgrades or support, the product eventually becomes obsolete as technology moves forward.
This plan will allow us to serve users in a timelier manner. Under the old plan, there would be one major upgrade each year to one of the core programs. That meant some users who only had one or two of the programs would only see program improvements once every three or four years. We believe this is too long.
Under the Value Support Plan, participants will pay an annual fee and receive annual upgrades for each of the programs. In addition, a customer support plan will be included. No matter if you are utilizing all the programs or just one, everyone will receive an upgrade each year.
Q. What will customer support include?
A. Customer support phone consultation will be available to all participants Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. This is no different than the past.
However, for those not participating in the plan, hourly support rates will increase substantially. What we learned from the past is that those paying the annual support plan fee were in effect subsidizing the support plan for those either not participating or paying the hourly rate. Users may go a stretch without needing support, but when they need it, they need it immediately—a support staff person needs to be available every day of the work week, and that needs to be covered in the fees. Like insurance, it’s a service you hope you never need, but when you need it, you’re extremely glad it’s available.
Q. Are there other benefits to the new plan?
A. Obviously, always having the most current version of the software application is the biggest benefit along with having built-in support. But, other benefits include regular communication and improved response to user needs. We will be able to supply improvements on a more timely basis.
Q. Will this new process cost my utility more money?
A. The short answer is no. If you are a utility that has been supporting NMPP/SCS by staying current on software versions and participating in the software support program annual costs will remain about the same. If you have not stayed current and have not participated in the software support program your annual costs will obviously increase.
Q. Do all users have to belong to the plan?
A. No, but those that choose not to sign up for the plan will only receive upgrades and support upon request through substantially higher prices. Users who participate in the plan are always ensured they will be up to date with whichever of the four software applications they are using and will have access to support anytime during the work week.
Q. How will the annual upgrades be distributed?
A. They will be provided on a CD for easy installation to your current application.