Tuition Management Systems (TMS), a division of KeyBank National Association, has commenced an effort to provide additional benefits to clients through a strategic relationship with EMS-Intelligent Chaos (EMS-IC). Through this relationship, TMS is now positioned to provide clients with a real-time integration option that helps to improve service for students and families.

TMS decided to work with EMS-IC due to its leading knowledge of integrating PeopleSoft and other ERP applications using web-services. "EMS-IC's real-time integration, known as RTI, transfers data regarding payment plan participation and payment transactions, and allows for real-time reconciliation of student accounts," said Mark Carney, Vice President, Director of Professional Services, who joined TMS in 2001.

The design objective is to deliver “updates” to the school information system with a transaction latency of no more than 15 seconds. This solution is based on IBM’s MQ Series messaging application running application servers, and a Virtual Private Network (“VPN”), owned and managed by TMS. As payments are received by TMS, student accounts for clients utilizing RTI are immediately updated with that payment.

For students and their families, this means real-time, up-to-the-minute information on the state of their accounts and immediate access to TMS payment plan information. RTI also helps administrators at schools nationwide to reconcile student accounts significantly faster and in a more streamlined fashion, which helps to ensure greater accuracy and increased customer satisfaction.

“Technology has made seeking out support faster and easier than ever but it is important to note that each student has a unique need, and therefore deserves a unique solution,” said Jon Dodd, co-founder and Senior Vice President of TMS. “Through Real Time Integration, we can expand our high level of functionality and service to client students and staff in the most effective manner resulting in greater collections, reduced workload and improved service.”

Tuition Management Systems worked collaboratively with EMS-IC who developed code to integrate the company's systems with PeopleSoft Campus Solutions and SunGard Banner. RTI transfers data regarding payment plan participation and payment transactions, and allows for real-time reconciliation of student accounts.

"Our work with TMS is a great example of how two leading firms can work together to develop a solution that solves a business need, provides parents and students with better information, and helps give both firms a competitive edge," said Elaine Myrback, President and CEO of EMS-IC. "We look forward to introducing the RTI solution to existing TMS clients, and helping TMS to demonstrate the value of the solution to prospective clients."

The creation of the RTI solution is only the first step of the strategic relationship between TMS and EMS-IC. The two will continue to work together to develop ways to better service the complex needs of today's higher education and K-12 institutions, while increasing the level of service to the entire school community "We look forward to continuing work with EMS-IC, and appreciate its commitment to us and our clients. With our combined dedication to our clients, we'll continue to provide parents and students with flexible payment options that can make all the difference to their families," said Carney.

About EMS-Intelligent Chaos
EMS-IC is an Oracle Certified Partner that delivers client success by bridging technology and applications through the use of web-services and traditional ERP technologies, with a focus on optimizing business processes that enhance the enterprise (www.consultems.com).