We build high-value, cost effective IT solutions for Fortune 2000 companies. If you need your company's website redesigned, we probably aren't the right company for your project. We build business applications that store, manage and process information. These are database-centric applications that help your organization improve a process, reduce costs, and/or interface with other systems.
The best way to illustrate the type of IT solutions we build is to look at a case study.
Case Study: Universal Studios
Universal Studios was in the midst of a $1.5 Billion theme park expansion when it became clear they needed a better cost tracking system. Their current system lacked the ability to define, manage and report budget and estimated final costs at a granular level. It also did not interface with existing systems throughout the organization. Lastly, the current system was not scalable. Teams from Hollywood, Orlando, Osaka and Barcelona required (and lacked) similar functionality for both capital and expense projects.
The Plan
Universal needed a quick IT solution. Obviously they couldn't stop construction while a new system was being developed. Our solution was to create a set of interim tools to alleviate the immediate needs, while we simultaneously worked on a new, more powerful system (called "CTS").
Define Requirements
To understand the requirements of the new system, we met with each group (on-site) to identify their specific needs and issues. Each group of users within the organization had similar but somewhat unique requirements, and this uniqueness was the reason previous systems had failed to gain acceptance. For example, some users worked on expense projects, while others were focused on capital projects. Still other differences existed with regards to business rules, reporting requirements, integration, and more.
Solution: Configurable System
It became clear early on that one standard solution would not fit all users well. But Universal preferred not to create separate solutions for each group. To address this problem, we designed a standard database system which could be configurable, allowing its functions to be tailored to the needs of each user group.
We developed wire frames and prototypes, which served to clarify the functionality of the new system. These presentations were conducted on-site, and we gathered valuable feedback, which made it into the final system.
Technologies Used
We created the new system using several technologies, including .NET, SQL Server, Visual Basic and Visual FoxPro. DataMirror was also used to replicate and transform information from AS/400 to SQL Server databases. It was a combination Web and Desktop solution.
About CTS
CTS interfaced with many modules and systems, including Chart of Accounts (COA), Payroll, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Time Tracking, Purchase Order, in addition to a host of other internal systems. It was a pretty large system, which teams all over the world used to create and manage expense and capital projects. The final system integrated the requirements listed above and allowed Universal to successfully complete their theme park expansion on time and within budget.