local technology company
has helped a regional energy provider trim its expenses, and California's energy woes are likely to
bring the company's product more attention.
Charlotte-based Qualitech Solutions recently designed software that could save New
Horizons, a Laurens, S.C., electric cooperative, up to $10 million in energy purchase costs
next year.
The software gives New Horizons information about its suppliers' energy reserves and customers'
demands at four-second intervals. With the information, New Horizons can quickly shop among its suppliers
for the best deal and use the energy immediately. The software communicates between New Horizons' computers
and those at Duke Energy Corp. and the South Carolina Public Service Authority.
The software, which was developed during the past 18 months, provides an innovative approach to a
problem that has evolved in an era of deregulation, says New Horizons Vice President Michael Varner.
"Qualitech did a good job of understanding that complex process," Varner says. "They
had a lot to figure out on the fly."
The 4-year-old company was founded by Bill Stout and Chris Sewell.
Earlier this year, the 20-person company moved to a 2,500-square-foot office in SouthPark, an expansion
from a 700-square-foot space.
Qualitech has worked on a variety of software projects for Duke Engineering & Services Inc. In addition,
it has helped Bank of America Corp. manage its vault system.
One custom software program has turned into a side business. The company developed an online billing
system for its technology consultants in 1998 after it had failed to find an automated system to buy. Soon,
Qualitech began selling its Time Consultant product to other clients for a monthly, per-user fee.
Today, Time Consultant is used by 30 companies and 3,000 consultants. By year end, Time Consultant is
on track to have 50 companies and 6,000 consultants online, says Qualitech Sales Director Mark Mahoney.
One reason for the software's popularity: Companies can try it for free for 30 days through the Time
Consultant Web site: www.timeconsultant.com.
The cost of the software is $8 per person per month. Extra workers can be added when necessary.
This article appeared in the March 2, 2001 issue of The Business Journal.
It has been
reprinted by The Business Journal
, and further reproduction by any other party is strictly prohibited.
Copyrighted 2001 by The Business Journals of North Carolina, LLC, 120 West Morehead St., Suite 200, Charlotte,
NC 28202, (704)973-1100.
