Case Studies...

The Problem

The client had an aging word processing system that was based on the Word Perfect word processor.

The system contained a great deal of automation so that the myriad documents produced by the departments of this organisation were built consistently day-in, day-out.

One of the major shortcomings of this particular system, however, stemmed from this enforced automation; if an error was made, there was no way to go back and fix it. You had to either "break out" of the automation, or make a note somewhere to go back and fix it later.

There was also much lamenting the previous system which, whilst antiquated and extremely proprietary, gave the users a great deal of flexibility in how they went about their work.

At the same time, the organisation was moving to a Microsoft-based word processing platform so the incumbent system would need to be replaced as it was not compatible with Microsoft Word.

The Solution

We interviewed key personnel in every department, and recorded their comments relating to the existing system, the immediate past system, and any things they thought could make their jobs easier.

On the basis of this, we created a system of Word augmentation that could be implemented organisation-wide.

We devised a system similar in operation to the auto-complete feature present in more recent versions of Microsoft Word.

Our system was so successful in its implementation that a couple of departments could produce certain daily documents in just 15 keystrokes!

Our system differs in that our shortcut codes and expanded text are actually organisation-wide rather than being restricted to a single desktop; everyone throughout the organisation has access to the same shortcuts.

We also created a number of automation macros ranging from simple macros to import the contents of a transcribing system, to more complex ones which used rules and hidden content in the Word documents to cross-populate into databases or other Word documents.

Finally, we worked with both the organisation's internal IT department, and their contract web site design team to help transfer relevant information from the documents produced in our system directly onto their web site, again using software automation techniques.

The Problem

The client hires equipment to the mining and associated industries, and has a number of sales reps working in remote regions of Western Australia.

The client required a means whereby the sales rep could have the latest information about what equipment was available to be leased so that they could produce quotes whilst in the field.

This information, once approved, was then to be made available to the head office so that contractual agreements could be drawn up.

The Solution

We developed a standalone quoting system that operates on the Sales Rep's notebook that contains details of the equipment available for hire, and is capable of producing a quote for a client during the presentation or meeting.

We also developed a simple web service that mimicked the data structures in the quoting system so that once the quote has been approved the details can be uploaded to an Internet server where they can be accessed by the head office.

We then modified the existing contracts database so that once the quote has been approved the details could be downloaded from the web service.

Future enhancements may include functionality to generate the contract directly from the quote.

The Problem

A client experiencing rapid growth due to the boom currently being experienced here in Western Australia found cause to move from the simple Excel spreadsheet that had served them well when there were less staff to manage.

Through a business partner, they contacted us and asked us to prepare a simple Intranet-based system to manage the recruitment process as well as some simple HR requirements.

The Solution

We developed an ASP.NET solution that worked in conjunction with a SQL Server database and demonstrated this to them in late 2007.

Subsequent meetings have highlighted an even greater need for a more encompassing and integrated approach to HR and so this solution has not yet been deployed pending a much larger scoping exercise.

The Problem

A client needed to produce documents for clients recorded in his Microsoft Access database which was used as a marketing tool to solicit new and continuing business.

Specifically, he wanted to be able to point at a Word template and have it automatically populate with the client's or prospect's details so that the document could quickly and easily be printed, faxed or emailed.

Prologue

We devised a simple automation solution that we incorporated into his program which opened a new Word document from the selected template, recorded the current customer ID as a Word document property, and then fired off a Word macro which then updated the document with the client's details.

The Solution

We have since taken this concept and reworked it as a Word add-in that fetches contact details from Microsoft Outlook, and we will be launching this product later in 2008.