Introduction
In a mature software product such as Databuild, progress usually comes from a series of small steps, invariably fueled by the requests and suggestions of our current users.
Sometimes, when we look back over recent changes, and combine them with features that have been around for years, a bigger picture emerges.
When we looked at the implications of recent system extensions (especially in Document control, Front End, Job Control, RTF report layouts, Email and SMS messaging), we realized that what we have is another world first: a system that for want of a better name we have decided to call Automated Project Control (APC).
With APC, once you have setup your systems ( standard bills & options, documentation schedules, catalogues, calendars, standard schedules etc) then virtually ALL job processing is fully automatic:
Tenders, contracts, specifications, drawings, bills, orders, and other documentation is automatically generated
Schedules of finish.
Instructions, Emails and SMS messages to staff, suppliers, utilities and others.
Progress claims and invoice authorization.
Job progress logged by trapping responses to automatically generated SMS messages.
Automated responses to problems and delays
What this means is that all your effort goes into setting up your initial systems, rather than repeating them with each new job which means that you can double or triple your turnover with no additional overhead costs.
Because each new job is based on the standards you setup and monitor, any mistakes or omissions are made on all like jobs and so any problems quickly become abundantly clear.
APC will change the way you work. The role of your estimators is to set your standards. The role of your supervisors is to approve quality and confirm completions.
Setup
As you may have already gathered, correct setup of the system is critical. Much of it may already be done (such as Catalogues and Standard Bills), or exist elswhere (such as Job Documentation), but doubtless a lot of thought and work will be required.
You should review the following help topics:
How Do I - Setting up Job Control
Using Job Control for pre-Sales
Integrating with Job Control & Front End
Maintaining the System
Once setup, the maintenance of an APC system involves no more than the present system where items and prices are maintained, and suppliers come and go.
It is likely that new models and options are developed and documentation changed over time.
Running the system
Basically, the system runs itself as there are very few proceses left that relate to specific jobs (contract variations and replacement orders come to mind).
The control is done in the Job Control system where job progress is monitored. At specific points in a Job's schedule, actions, documents, emails and SMS messages are automatically generated. Automated responses to these actions set the completion flags which in turn generate further actions. Actions can be generated conditionally, for instance if another activity is behind schedule.
A separate module SMS Watch continously monitors replies to system generated SMS messages and updates completion dates accordingly
Consulting
If implementation appears daunting, Databuild has an APC implementation consulting team that can either guide your staff through the process, or indeed do it all. Contact Satabuild for details.