SOFTWARE CUSTOMIZATION - A.K.A. Train the Software

WORKSTATION PERSONALIZATION:

Simple changes to the software interface can make it easier to find the features you use most often. I will watch and listen to each person on your staff to understand the tasks that are most important to their jobs. Although everyone in your organization may use the same software that does not mean they all need to achieve the same results. A valuable feature to one person may be a useless feature to another.

It is not just about the software's features, it is about how, why, and when you use them. Do you have any daily, weekly, or monthly repetitive processing? Most of the software you use has some functionality to automate part or all of your processing. Do you use templates for your documents or type over an existing file? Do you repeatedly delete things you don't need and then replace them with what you wish was there in the first place? Do you transfer data from one software to another but have to make changes in the formatting so the second software can read the data?

Personalization can help you complete your computerized tasks in less time. The features and functions that you use most should be at your fingertips. A 1/2 hour free consultation today could result in a more efficient workstation tomorrow. There are many simple, quick changes that will enable you to save time immediately. Let go of the frustration of searching for data or hunting for the option you need to use.

DATABASE CUSTOMIZATION:

Databases are great - I love them. They are the foundation of almost every piece of information in your system. From accounting, to CRM, to the contacts in MS Outlook; they are all databases.

But are they everything you need them to be? Are they everything that they could be? All you databases should not only hold the information you need, but also allow you to easily search and find the information you need. My services range from creating a few custom fields to designing the database architecture from the ground up.

Customization can be a scary word.

I have run into many clients who have had some experience with a programmer in the past who created a great custom program, at the time, but you need modifications, the programmer cannot be found. I work with standard databases so that if you ever need to modify my work in the future, I am not your exclusive resource. I also present you with detailed documentation of all work done, so there are no secrets. It is your database, and you need it to work to your specifications.

I never try to reinvent the wheel. Unless your needs are very unique, we can usually find something already on the market to start as a launching point. By starting with a foundation the customization becomes more manageable, in time and expense. Custom fields placed on the correct screens and reports that present the data as required and also offer multiple filters for options views. Many of your existing databases have some level of customization and in some cases that may be just enough.

When you need more than your software offers, I turn to MS Access. I also have some experience with FileMaker Pro, AlphaFive, and SQL. All database projects are quoted in detail, listing what is, and is not included. I develop a timeline with goals and deliverables, and always offer a price cap so that we can both work within your budget.