WAM Software
بواسطة WAM Software, Inc
Typical Implementation Process for WAM Software
WAM team consults with your organization to understand your business requirements and tailor the software setup accordingly.
Ensure all computers and servers meet WAM’s hardware and Windows requirements. Hardwired network connections are recommended for stability.
Existing customer and operational data are imported into WAM. The system is customized to fit your workflows, including reports and billing formats.
WAM experts can install the software either remotely or on-site, depending on your needs and the complexity of your setup.
One-on-one phone training and online webinars are provided for your designated administrators. On-site training is available for an additional fee (minimum 3 days).
After training, your team begins using WAM in a live environment. Ongoing tech support is available for troubleshooting and optimization.
Typical Timeline
Small to Medium Offices: Implementation can be completed in a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on data migration and training needs.
WAM Software is designed with flexibility in mind, offering a range of customization options to fit the unique needs of waste management businesses. Here are the key data points demonstrating its customizability:
WAM provides a variety of standard reports and can customize any report to fit your specific requirements, including billing, profitability, and operational reports.
The report-writing feature allows employees to create custom reports about job progress, revenue generation, and more.
Each customer account can hold multiple services, each with unique rates, routing information, and specific service messages.
Services can have multiple charge breakdowns (e.g., hauling fee, landfill fee, over-tonnage fees, tax), allowing for detailed and business-specific billing structures.
The Call Center feature enables the creation of custom audio recordings for announcements, which can be targeted to specific customer groups based on route, pickup day, or account status.
The Email Center allows for customized mass communications to selected customer segments for billing, notifications, or promotions.
WAM’s One-Key Billing can be configured for different customer groups and billing cycles, supporting a wide range of business models.
Supports secure storage of credit card information and automated recurring billing, which can be tailored to customer preferences.
Route sheets are highly customizable, allowing businesses to include special notes, driver messages, and any relevant customer or service information.
WAM Web Services is a premium add-on that provides internet-based features such as e-billing, credit card processing, mass emailing/texting, and online customer account management, all of which can be tailored to business needs.
WAM Software evolves based on client requests and industry changes, indicating a willingness to adapt and customize features as new needs arise.
WAM offers different modules (WAM-Hauler, Easy Bill & Route, WAM-Scale) tailored for haulers, landfills, transfer stations, and recyclers, each with customizable workflows and features.
Personalized phone training sessions are provided for your designated WAM administrator(s), ensuring direct guidance on system setup and daily operations.
Live online webinars are available, covering key features and workflows. These sessions are interactive and designed to help new users become proficient quickly.
For a fee (currently $2,800 per day, with a 3-day minimum), a certified WAM Expert Trainer can visit your office. This option is ideal for streamlining operations and ensuring your team uses WAM to its fullest capability.
Comprehensive help documents are accessible directly from the software’s Master Menu (Help > Functional), covering common features and administrative duties.
WAM Software offers technical support Monday through Friday, 7am–4pm (PST), excluding major holidays. Support is available via phone or email for troubleshooting and operational questions.
A searchable knowledge base and FAQ section are available through the WAM Client Portal, providing quick answers to common questions and issues.
Some support plans include 24/7 live representative access, as well as chat and email/help desk support for urgent issues.
Each client designates one or two WAM Admins as primary contacts for support. These admins act as the main point of contact for employee questions and are authorized to reach out to WAM Tech Support.
WAM Software implements several security measures to protect client and customer data. Here are the key practices and features:
SSL Encryption: All connections to the WAM Web Server use SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption, similar to the security protocols used by banks and online payment companies. This ensures that data transmitted between users and the server is encrypted and protected from interception.
User Authentication: Access to sensitive features, such as online account lookup and bill pay, requires user authentication. Customers must log in with their account number and password to view or manage their information.
Designated Admins: Only designated company administrators are authorized to contact WAM Tech Support and manage sensitive system settings, reducing the risk of unauthorized changes.
Cloud Backup Service: WAM offers an automatic, off-site cloud backup service for all important files, including WAM data, documents, and financial records. Backups are monitored regularly to ensure successful completion and data integrity.
Off-Site Quick Backup: A free off-site backup option is available for customer data, providing an additional layer of protection in case of local system failures.
Supported Windows Versions: WAM requires that all servers and workstations run currently supported versions of Microsoft Windows, ensuring that the latest security patches and updates are applied.
Hardwired Network Connections: For multi-user environments, WAM recommends hardwired network connections over WiFi to enhance stability and security.
Static IP or DNS: Remote access to WAM requires a static IP address or domain name, which helps control and monitor access points.
Secure Payment Processing: Online credit card payments are processed through Authorize.Net, a reputable payment gateway, ensuring that sensitive payment information is handled securely and in compliance with industry standards.
Automated Payment Authorization: Recurring payments and on-request services are billed automatically using secure, authorized payment methods on file, minimizing manual handling of sensitive financial data.
Continuous Software Updates: WAM maintains continuous support and regular updates to address new security threats, changes in Windows, and evolving internet security standards.
Regular Releases: WAM Software issues updates multiple times per year, with recent release notes showing new versions in January and July, and additional minor updates in between. This suggests a cadence of at least two major updates annually, supplemented by bug fixes and feature enhancements as needed.
Responsive Bug Fixes: In addition to scheduled releases, WAM frequently deploys bug fixes and minor improvements in response to user feedback and technical issues.
Automated Update Checks: The software includes a built-in notification system that alerts users when a new update is available. This feature can be enabled or disabled as needed and requires an internet connection to check for updates.
Self-Healing Upgrades: WAM features an upgrade self-healing mechanism that detects and automatically resolves errors during the upgrade process, minimizing downtime and manual intervention.
Configuration Management: During upgrades, WAM automatically checks and updates configuration files to ensure compatibility with the new version. Users are advised not to overwrite configuration files manually, as mandatory changes are handled by the system.
Installer Enhancements: The installer is regularly improved to streamline the upgrade process, including checks for system requirements, configuration validation, and cleanup of outdated files.
Release Notes and Documentation: Each update is accompanied by detailed release notes outlining new features, bug fixes, and changes. These notes are accessible from the software’s start menu or online portal, helping users stay informed about what’s new.
Client Data Control: WAM Software states that the information provided by clients is used strictly for business dealings with the client’s company. There is no indication that WAM Software claims ownership over client data; rather, the data remains under the control of the client organization.
No Data Sharing or Selling: WAM Software explicitly commits to never selling, trading, sharing, renting, or distributing client information to third parties. This reinforces the principle that client data is not treated as a company asset to be commercialized.
Opt-Out and Data Withdrawal: Clients have the right to withdraw their personal information from WAM Software at any time. This can be done by contacting the company directly, indicating that clients retain significant control over their data.
Data Export and Backup: WAM Software provides clients with the ability to back up their data, either through WAM’s own Cloud Backup service or via client-managed backup solutions. Clients are encouraged to ensure thorough, offsite, and regular backups of all WAM-related files, which supports data portability and recovery.
WAM Software is designed to accommodate changes in organizational size and needs. Here’s how scaling up or down is typically managed:
User Licenses: If your organization grows and you need to add more users, you can purchase additional licensed users. Charges for these increases are billed separately and are not included in your regular billing history; you will receive a direct invoice for any additional user licenses.
Modules and Features: WAM offers various modules (e.g., WAM-Hauler, WAM-Scale, Web Services). You can add new modules or features as your operational requirements expand. Pricing and setup for new modules are handled through direct contact with WAM’s sales or support team.
Hardware and Network: As your user base grows, WAM recommends ensuring your hardware and network infrastructure can support the increased load. They provide guidance on hardware requirements based on company size.
Support and Training: Additional training or support can be arranged as your team expands, with options for on-site or remote sessions.
Reducing User Licenses: If you need to decrease the number of licensed users, you should contact WAM’s finance or support department to adjust your licensing. Billing for user licenses is based on the current number of active users, so reducing users can lower your ongoing costs.
Cancelling Modules or Services: Optional services (such as Web Services subscriptions or add-ons) can be cancelled at any time. For example, if you do not pay the renewal invoice for a service, it is automatically canceled for the next billing period.
Most WAM Software services, such as Web Services and Web Billing, operate on an annual subscription basis. Renewal is typically billed at the start of each calendar year.
Clients can opt for automatic renewal of their yearly web subscription fee. If this option is selected, the subscription renews automatically in January, and the payment method on file is charged.
If automatic renewal is not selected, WAM sends a bill for the upcoming year. Payment of this bill renews the subscription for another year.
There is no requirement to continue beyond the current subscription period. Clients are not locked into multi-year contracts unless specifically agreed upon.
To maintain access to certain services (e.g., WAM Web Server), clients must be on continuous support and keep their system updated to the latest version.
To cancel a service, clients can simply stop paying the renewal invoice. If the bill for the upcoming year is not paid, the subscription is automatically cancelled, and access to the service ends.
For services like Web Billing, the cancellation can be done at any time by providing written notice to WAM Software via mail, email ([email protected]), or fax. Once cancelled, the service becomes inaccessible.
Subscription fees are non-refundable. If a client cancels partway through a paid period, no refund is issued for the unused portion.
Authorization for on-request services (e.g., mass emailing, text messaging) can be cancelled at any time by written request. Charges incurred up to the point of cancellation remain payable.
WAM Software is designed for the waste management industry and incorporates several security and privacy best practices. However, based on available public information, here is what is known about its compliance with industry standards:
PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard):
WAM Software processes online credit card payments through Authorize.Net, a reputable payment gateway. This ensures that payment data is handled by PCI DSS requirements for secure payment processing, including encryption and secure storage of sensitive information.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):
WAM Software commits to not sharing, selling, or distributing client data to third parties and allows clients to withdraw their data at any time. These practices align with core GDPR principles of data ownership, privacy, and the right to erasure.
There is no explicit statement of GDPR certification, but the privacy policy reflects compliance with key GDPR requirements for data control and user rights.
Encryption and Access Control:
All web-based features use SSL encryption for secure data transmission.
User authentication is required for access to sensitive features, and only designated administrators can manage critical system settings.
Data Backup and Recovery:
