Essex and Suffolk Water

Essex & Suffolk Water is part of Northumbrian Water Limited, one of the UKs most successful Water Companies. They use a spreadsheet to assist in identifying the priorities for refurbishment or replacement of water pumps. The company was looking for a more efficient way of reporting and managing this large volume of data.

Impreza were commissioned to assist in finding a better solution. Under normal circumstances we would recommend a database rather than a spreadsheet, but it was quickly established that a spreadsheet was the only option due to the file storage and sharing solution already in place, so we had to be more creative.

 A new solution has now been created by re-engineering the spreadsheet to allow users to quickly add and retrieve data so they can easily identify the upgrade which provides the best return on investment.

The project manager for the sub-programme, Bruce Gardiner said:

"Whilst we understood the concept of what was required, we called on Impreza to provide the specific expertise needed to achieve our aims".

"Initially, Impreza provided a consultation service which, following the success of that led to a commission to rework our existing spreadsheet".

"The project team are delighted with the result, and the cost effective way the spreadsheet tool has been developed. The new tool simplifies data entry and streamlines the prioritising and reporting process of the pump refurbishment programme".

CC Cousins Estimates Database

With over 100 estimates being logged each week, CC-Cousins were keen to find a way to automate and standardise this time consuming process. Having already developed a number of bespoke solutions for Cousins, including web systems for managing Training records, Sub Contractors and Grounds Maintenance Contracts, we already had a solid foundation to build a new system upon.

Using Microsoft ASP.net technology we developed a web based system for managing all estimates - here are some of the features:

• Quick overview screen to see all estimates and their current status i.e. Won, Lost etc
• Client access, allowing clients to login and view the status of their estimates
• Permission based workflow process, ensuring only users with adequate permissions are able to carry out specific tasks, for example approving an estimate
• Automated production of Microsoft Word documents
• Integrated document store for estimate related documents, spreadsheets and photographs
• Management reporting, providing real-time access into Won\Lost bids, value of outstanding bids etc

Paul Crookes, CC-Cousins Director, said:

"The process of generating estimates has always been a cumbersome procedure, and difficult to manage due to data being stored in a number of different systems.

Since the new database went live, we're able to generate estimates more efficiently, and have greater insight from a management perspective. We can even give our clients remote access to view them."

Microformat and the NHS

Impreza Assist Microformat With NHS Database

One of our clients is Microformat (UK) Ltd, one of the leading specialist preservation and scanning bureaus in the UK. We have been supporting their computers and network for several years now.

They recently won a large and prestigious archiving project with a research department within the NHS. The nature of the project involved the microfilming for preservation purposes, and subsequent film scanning of many years of patient records, making each record available as .PDF documents defined by their own unique patient record number. However, the client had a specific requirement whereby they needed to access the data electronically from within an existing database application. Since this final, but essential requirement, is outside their core abilities, they asked us if we could help.

Impreza was given a sample database and some sample documents to work from and we produced a working demonstration of the system within two days. This was then demonstrated to the end users who were delighted with the integration we had managed to achieve.

Although the core of the project is the specialist preservation and film scanning of the client's records, the index produced by Microformat was required to be integrated into the client's existing database.  Microformat has already said that without Impreza, the project would not have got off the ground. We are proud of our involvement in it.

 The project is now under way and we all look forward to completion in 2010.

ISBA Contact Management System

The Independant Schools Bursars' Association (ISBA) is a not for profit organisation which provides support for bursars in independent schools and promotes best financial, administrative and operational practice.

Impreza were commissioned by The ISBA to design and develop a web based CRM system that they could use to automate a series of in house processes.

The ISBA organise a number of Professional Development events throughout the year and an annual conference with an extremely well attended exhibition. This online CRM allows them to manage the association's membership, contacts, mailing lists and the events available for members. 

Coley Johnson fleet management

Impreza were commissioned by Coley Johnson to develop a web based Fleet Management database.

Coley Johnson manage large fleets for a number of UK companies. Their existing Access database was becoming unreliable, and a client had requested remote access to their fleet information.

Following a number of consultancy sessions, Impreza were able to design and develop an ASP.Net database that allowed Coley Johnson to keep records of every vehicle and driver across each clients fleet. Clients were issued with secure usernames and passwords, and given remote access to the system, where they could run a variety of vehicle reports.

Reports that were originally prepared manually would take up to 3 days to complete. With our new database, the same report can be generated in seconds.