Bespoke
Another area that Qi Limited specialises in is designing and developing software tailored to customer requirements.
Often customers find that while standard package software meets most of their needs, they have a few other requirements that are individual to their organisation. This might be as simple as additional reports that cannot be obtained through the standard software, through to a customised Sales Ordering system (View case study). We have added bolt on programs against Sage 50, Sage 200, Sage Payroll and Sage Manufacturing.
Occasionally customers have such specialised requirements that standard software does not meet their requirements and they need specially designed software. Most customers will want their bespoke system to at least link with their accounting system in some way, be it getting lists of products and customers, through to updating stock information and posting invoices. Qi have designed and developed new stand alone systems for some of our customers such as Cityfax, Necktie Manufacturers, for whom we designed an Order Processing and Manufacturing system. View their case study
Experience
Qi have developed many applications for small to medium enterprises. In the process, Qi have gained considerable experience in the Microsoft development tools and in working with NAV and Sage products. With each new project the company increases the library of standard screens and functions that forms the basis of new systems.
These systems continue to be developed and supported as the customers' business evolves.
Process
Qi ensure that the customer is kept informed at all stages of the design and development of their bespoke program by reviewing each stage. Qi work on the principle that it's much easier to change a sentence in the proposal than it is to change the program once it's written.
Qi would initially meet the customer to get some background of the business and their needs and wants are for the program. Qi would then develop a proposal with a guide price. If the guide price is acceptable, Qi would like the opportunity to visit to get more detail of the requirements for the system. Qi will then prepare and present a more detailed proposal which will allow a more accurate estimate of the costs.
Once the proposal is accepted, as a chargeable exercise Qi will write a specification for the system which may reveal more detail that affects the ultimate cost of the system. Then, when the specification is accepted Qi will go on to write and implement the system. Where it is a long or complex project Qi will arrange progress meetings to present the development so far and to get feedback.
Source code and documentation
Qi Limited has a policy of "Openness" with all aspects of the project. All source code, documentation, and passwords are made available to the customer.
In this manner the software can be supported and developed by any competent MS-Access developer. This acts as an insurance policy guaranteeing that the software continues to be available regardless of any unforeseen circumstances.
Technology
Usually the data will be stored centrally on a server, and will provide facilities allowing multiple users to access the system concurrently. There are no limits built into our systems on the number of users, the only limits are those dictated by the capacity of the hardware and Microsoft server user licenses.
In larger systems, the data will be stored in Microsoft SQL Server to take advantage of its speed, reliability and backup and recovery features.
Qi will maintain a suitable support environment with appropriate versions of the system software, and any other required software (for example Sage, Operating systems, and Microsoft Access). Qi will update the system to work with new standard Microsoft operating systems, and compatible Versions of Microsoft Access. Qi will also develop new versions to link to new releases of compatible Sage software where appropriate.
Ongoing support
Qi Limited will provide ongoing support for the system for an annual charge, payable in advance each year.
The first charge will cover an extended period of 15 months to allow a three-month period of bug fix corrections to the software at no additional charge (this includes corrections to the software, where practical and required corrections to the data; but excludes changes to the system functionality, and site visits; for example to issue updated software or correct data).
Qi will maintain a suitable support environment with appropriate versions of the system software, and any other required software (for example Sage, Operating systems, and Microsoft Access). Qi will update the system to work with new standard Microsoft operating systems, and versions of Microsoft Access. Qi will also make available new versions to link to new releases of Sage software.
Please contact Qi if you require any further information or have any queries.