Software Integration

 Overview

Companies today use a large number of software programs and applications in order to carry out their business. Many programs collect similar information which has to be entered into each application seperately by the user. An example of this would be a customer‘s address which is typically required by your order processing database, courier‘s dispatch program, accounts software, plus it is manually entered into a word processor to produce correspondance and address labels. Often several appications can utilise a common data source reducing the need to repeat data entry and improving efficiency. Other applications may allow the importing of bulk data again removing the need for repetitive data entry.

Other applications exist that streamline data entry and provide facilities to improve efficiency within your business. Bespoke applications can also be created to integrate your applications and provide functions that are otherwise unavailable.

 What Can It Do?

Software integration will streamline different programs and provide efficiency savings for your business. In addition to coordinating data flow other applications exist that will reduce the volume of data entry required or help your staff carry out their tasks more effectively. Whilst there are literally thousands of commercially available products we have picked out a few more common applications that could help your business.

Address Finder. Instead of typing an entire address the user enters a postcode and selects an address from the list of possibilities returned. This reduces the amount of data entry required and has the additional advantage of verifying the address. The results can be imported into desktop and website databases and other applications like MS Word. If the user doesn‘t know the postcode an address can be searched using streename and town instead.

PDF Documents. PDF (Portable Document Format) was developed by Adobe to allow the exchange of documents between different hardware platforms (computers). The PDF format is extensively used and most desktop computers today have the facility to read and display PDF documents, plus by using a security key the author can prevent documents being modified. Many companies use PDF for their invoices which are emailed to the customer or accessible via their website, removing the need to print and post a hardcopy.

Automatic Backups. Data loss is a major concern for businesses and can have huge implications both operationally and financially when it happens. Important files can be copied at regular intervals to another computer either locally or remotely. This ensures the operating integrity of your business allowing for a quick recovery should you be unfortunate enough to experience a serious loss of data.

FTP Transfer. File Transfer Protocol (FTP) allows the exchange of files between a desktop computer and a webserver. This can be used to synchronise your website with your local database removing the need to enter data twice plus you can ensure that your website contains all the latest details. This can be carried out automatically at predetermined intervals along with file backups to ensure maximum data integrity.

Text To Audio. There are programs available that will read text either from a file or in real time, and convert the text to audio. This has enormous benefits not just for the blind and partially sighted but also for business in general. Instead of jumping between a computer monitor and their task employees could receive their instructions verbally allowing them to fully concentrate on the job in hand. An example would be a packer who would not need to refer to a screen or packing list but could check an order using audio instructions which would make them more efficient.

The examples above are literally the tip of the iceberg when considering what software is commercially available today and with thousands of different programs existing the chances are there is already a solution to your problem.

How We Can Help?

We can evaluate your existing software applications and where possible configure them to use a common data source. Where this is not possible we will attempt to exchange information by developing facilities to import and export data between the applications. This will reduce the need to enter duplicate data and improve the efficiency of your business.

We can also carry out a study of your business to see how you use existing software programs, what your needs are and whether efficiency can be improved by using different and/or additional applications. We can look at your requirements, identify and evaluate suitable applications, then configure and implement a solution that meets your needs. If necessary we can develop and implement bespoke applications to interface different commercial programs or provide a complete custom solution.

We will manage the entire solution and if necessary we can even attend your business premises to install and configure any necessary software and hardware. This allows you to get on with what you are good at, which is running your business.

Find Out More

If you‘re interested in an integrated software solution, or you require any aspect of software design then we can certainly help you. To find out more use the "Quick Links" to the right or Contact Us with your requirements.