Change Management System

Problem: A very large agency tracked requests for changes and requests for new services across the United States using a paper and Oracle database system. Each request, whether new or for a change, was written up either on paper or electronically and then emailed or faxed to the headquarters where it was manually entered into a corporate system.

Once the process was started, it would take nine weeks to four months to get a response on any item. Worse yet, it was impossible to track where any item was at any time and nearly impossible to budget for future spending requirements.

Solution: Dataworx studied the process and recommended that a database-enabled web application be created that not only allowed any user to make a request using a standard form, but also allowed teams of users to join forces to completely detail all aspects of that request.

Because the data was centralized, a uniform workflow was implemented in the application so any change created was sure to be delivered to the appropriate places and personnel. The best aspect of the system is the client could finally track who was reviewing the change and see exactly what was being done with it.

Results: The time from request to resolution dropped a remarkable 400%, and an accurate costing system was implemented as a second phase.

B2B – B2C With very special options

Problem: One of the largest sign manufacturers in the nation needed a method to first get their 23,000+ products on the web and provide full B2C and B2B interaction. Once the products were available, the products database needed to be maintainable and interact with the in-house accounting system. When the primary aspects of the site were complete, they needed a way to design, in real time, new labels and signs on the web. The real problem was the timeframe; just five months was all that could be allocated for developments.

Solution: After initial analysis, Dataworx determined the most cost-effective solution that met all of the business needs and would provide a completely database-enabled site that allowed for Web-based administration of all aspects of the site and the product. The administration section allowed an administrator to change fonts, colors, text, departments, prices, etc. as well as review purchases and track customers. Once the site was functionally sound, we knew we had the data necessary in the database to support all of the accounting functions, which let us generate the data in the format necessary to feed the production and accounting system.

While the development process was evolving, we worked to develop a Java and DHTML function that allows images and text to be manipulated on the browser and feed back to the client system.

Results: The complete e-commerce and accounting portions were delivered as expected. An additional three weeks was needed to fully allow the creation of freeform labels that a prospective client could review and purchase. With the rollout of the site, maintenance was so simplistic that the client no longer uses the in-house system for maintaining product data.

Specialized Content

Problem: A provider of content-specific information needed to offer information to members based on the market area that they were involved in. A great deal of demographic and statistical data derived from the census department was to be presented in a variety of formats.

Solution: Dataworx determined that the best solution was to track the users as they entered the site or as they logged in. Then, a display page is tailored to the user's interest based on the information provided at signup or from a default set of data if no tracking information was available.

The pages were created and designed to review data in the database of members and the history of the member, but it also allowed them to review areas that were out of their area of expertise.

Results: The site was a stellar success as it provided data to members in a format that was easy to understand and extremely helpful.

Manufacturing Order Entry

Problem: A manufacturer needed to allow order entry to a headquarters-based system from remote offices located throughout the Northeast.

Solution: Dataworx determined that the best solution was to create a Web-based interface to the applications database that mirrored the application’s functions.

Web pages were created and designed to allow fast entry of data via a dial up connection to a password protected SSL site.

Results: The remote offices could easily enter and track orders via dial up from various ISP’s. This streamlined the entire ordering process.