So why is it then that so many businesses are still held back by the software that was supposed to make their work easier?

Perhaps they're bogged down by an unwieldy spreadsheet-based customer contact system, or something they cobbled together using Microsoft Access, which worked fine when the business was small, but has now grown into something of a monster.

Or perhaps they have ended up with a 'feature-rich' shrink-wrapped package that seems to do everything apart from the one thing they really need.

Fortunately, business users who might otherwise have lived with this situation indefinitely are now waking up to the growing contrast between what they can achieve with their computers in their personal lives, and what they're able to do at work.

Secure, role-differentiated information access can be extended to different groups of employees - and even to customers, so that they can serve themselves when they want a status update on their account or transaction (just as online banking or courier customers can do already today).

In a browser-based, intelligent, information-ready environment like this, much more can happen too. Rules and workflow can be brought into play, so that automatic notifications are triggered, warning users that an action is overdue, a bill hasn't been paid, or an appointment has been missed.

Is it secure?

There has been much talk over the past decade surrounding the placement of sensitive information online.  The scare stories of ten years ago no longer exist as security measures have caught up with the demand from customers for the benefits of online systems without the fear. 

In reality, there is more risk of your employees leaving sensitive data files on disks on trains or in taxis, than there is of your online data getting into the wrong hands.

How we help you

It is now commonplace for our customers to demand that their new applications are browser based.  They appreciate that we have the hosting infrastructure to deal with security and reliability concerns, and want to cash in on the benefits of a web based database application including:

• Geographic freedom  |  your system is hosted in the 'cloud' and available to use from any internet connected computer securely, whether in the office, at home or from an internet café in Bangkok airport.  It can also be accessed through wireless or 3G in the field.
• Expense  |  we are able to develop these applications quicker using standard development techniques, making it cheaper and less hassle to get you up and running.
• PC friendly  |  older Windows based systems use your computer's resources to process data and run the application, meaning you have to invest in computers with the capability.  This is removed with browser based applications which are cross-platform and use the hosting resources to do the heavy processing work.
• Easy to maintain  |  there is no installation necessary, and with only one version of the application to upgrade, there is no need to roll out versions onto multiple computers on a network.  We make the change to one set of files, launch it, and you see it.
• Secure  |  access to applications is enabled through secure portals and login screens with 128-bit encryption.  Our internal hosting systems are protected by multiple firewalls, servers and intrusion detection.

We appreciate you may have concerns or be unsure about the benefits migrating to a web based application will bring, so why not pick up the phone and talk it through with us so we can weigh up the pros and cons and let you make an informed decision?

Examples of work

The following examples of companies we've helped provide some insight to how web based applications can assist businesses to move forward with modern technological solutions, rather than remaining in the dark ages with old, legacy software.

Omega - The National Association for End of Life Care

The team at Omega work with GPs and carers to improve the quality of end of life care throughout the UK.  Having identified a need to tackle poorly managed care for patients nearing the end of their lives, the organisation was set up to provide support to both professional and informal, unapid carers.

Omega approached DCSL Software in late 2008 to build the first in a collection of online database tools.  The system provides GPs with a sophisticated questionnaire to complete relating to the death of their patients and how the end of life care was managed.  This information is compared to the National picture to provide GP practices with direction on how to improve.  To read our case study on this project, please visit the Case Studies page.

Following the success of this initial system, subsequent versions of the tool aimed at other types of carers have been created and launched, including a tool dedicated to improving the standards of end of life care in care homes across the UK.

We continue to work closely with Omega NAELC to design and deliver simple-to-use, yet powerful database driven systems, and would welcome an opportunity to discuss how we can help you.

 

Willis Commercial Networks

DCSL Software is working with Willis to provide a CRM tool for their broker network.  This online system will assist their brokers to track their prospects and opportunities as well providing marketing tools to assist in their communications.

 

Leisure Connection

Leisure Connection works with many local authorities around the UK who wish to outsource the management of their leisure facilities.  We have developed two separate applications for Leisure Connection to date;

The first application is a web based solution facilitating the creation of employee contracts.  It is used by around 400 sites across the UK and is configured for various types of staff.  The system uses a 10-step process to capture contextual information about a new employee and their role.  Once submitted by site managers, the record embarks on a sign off procedure via HR and Payroll before the contract documents are created and data exported into the central accounting system.  The system also manages amendments to contracts and ensures new employees adhere to the terms and conditions of employment.

The second application is an online Helpdesk ticketing system that allows leisure centre visitors and staff alike to log issues they find.  Leisure Connection use the system to monitoring progress on the resolution of issues to ensure they adhere to the integrated Service Level Agreements.

 

Air Charter Service

We were approached in late 2009 to develop a web based tool for use by a travel company.  The new application was commissioned in response to new legislation that demands the collection of passenger information prior to flying.

Our work with ACS has culminated in the delivery of a database system that can be accessed by ACS management, third party agents and passengers themselves via a collection of role-based interfaces.  It is used to manage flight details, the collection of passenger data and the output of a manifest for submission to the authorities.