Acumen

Despite lots of effort on the part of other companies to sell us an off-the shelf, incredibly expensive "customer relationship management tool", we're having none of it! After all, all we need to do is occasionally look up the odd phone number! Our in-house contacts database provides simple address, phone and notes data about our contacts - because that's really all we need it to do!

Project Type:

Database Application, Desktop Application

Service Provided:

Design & Build, Software Maintenance

Key Technologies:

SQL Server, Visual Basic .NET

One of the most important applications that we have - our Issue Management System helps us to track project issues, record change requests and even (when they happen, which isn't as often as you might think) help us to find and fix bugs in software that we've written. The IMS manages the lifecycle of a software issue from when it is raised, through development and testing and on to release.

Our original desktop based IMS was good but our new online version is even better. Our clients can almost see what we’re doing. The IMS Online provides us and our clients with instant reports on the progress and status of each project’s issues.

New to the online version is the ‘Wish List’. It’s all too common for clients to find that once a project goes live, and they really start using their new system, that they come up with ideas for functionality that would make the software even better. These aren’t bugs, the software works as specified; instead they are new enhancements that could be incorporated into the next version. The problem has always been ‘where to keep all these good ideas in the meantime?’. The new Wish List solves that problem.

Customer Testimonial

Project Type:

Database Application, Web Based Application

Service Provided:

Design & Build, Software Maintenance, Website Hosting

Key Technologies:

ASP .NET, HTML, SQL Server, Visual Basic .NET

Multiple Image Resizer, or MIR .NET as it is also known, is our FREE image handling tool for digital camera users. With MIR .NET you can resize images, add borders and text, rotate and flip - with a few simple mouse clicks, and for dozens of images at-a-time.

MIR .NET has a global user-base measured in tens (if not hundreds) of thousands - the truth is, we honestly don't know how many of these are in circulation, but we know the figure is simply staggering. We know that over 140,000 copies have been downloaded directly from our own site, but this figure doesn't include all the other outlets for MIR .NET such as magazine CDs and other websites. MIR .NET has been rated by some of the top shareware and freeware sites in the world, and regularly appears on the cover-CDs of digital camera and photography magazines from all over the world.

MIR .NET also has its own content-managed website, which receives nearly ten thousand visitors from over a hundred countries per month - visit it to get your FREE MIR.NET!

Project Type:

Desktop Application

Service Provided:

Design & Build, Customer Support, Software Maintenance, Website Hosting

Key Technologies:

Visual Basic .NET

Our Simple Content Management System puts our website customers in full control of their content, all of the time. Based on ASP.NET and SQL Server technologies, the friendly interface provides instant WYSIWYG ("What You See Is What You Get") editing facilites, as well as the ability to add email contact forms and dynamic menus to your website.

Customers with qualifying websites hosted by us get the Content Management System for FREE!.

Our own website is powered by our Simple Content Management System.

Project Type:

Website

Service Provided:

Design & Build, Software Maintenance, Website Hosting

Key Technologies:

ASP .NET, HTML, SQL Server, Visual Basic .NET

Ashford Construction PLC were already using a drawing database system that had been built in-house using Microsoft Access. The application tracked all drawings and drawing issues for all construction projects. The application had some fundamental problems such as the database being kept on an individual PC for each contract which could, therefore, only be accessed by that computers user. This also resulted in an inability to share data and required that manual back-ups be performed by each user.

Using the existing application as a guide, Acumen created a prototype interface and produced a detailed specification. Our graphic designer came up with a bold design that used the colours from Ashford Construction's logo and GREEN BUTTONS! We weren't sure if the client was brave enough to go with such a strong design, perhaps preferring more traditional grey buttons, but they were and we congratulate them for it.

Once Ashford Construction had signed off the specification Acumen designed a web based application using the latest technologies. The new application provides all the functionality of the previous system and also addresses all of its shortcomings. The application and the data are hosted on centralised servers at Ashford’s Head Office which allows drawings to be uploaded/downloaded by users from any location (.pdf or .dwg format). Emails are automatically generated to inform individuals that drawings have been made available to them. With all data now being located on centralised servers back-ups have become a simple affair.

Customer Testimonial

Project Type:

Web Based Application, Windows Service Application

Service Provided:

Design & Build, Customer Support, Software Maintenance

Key Technologies:

ASP .NET, HTML, SQL Server, Visual Basic .NET, Crystal Reports

The requirements of Basis were for a website that would provide information for individuals on Continual Professional Development (CPD); in addition the site needed to be a "modern, plain speaking, easy to navigate site", with user accessability also being fundamental.

What the site provides is a professional register for both individuals and training organisers where details can be found on training events and exam dates or events uploaded respectively. Information is available that can be downloaded as documents in .pdf format.

Customer Testimonial

Project Type:

Website, Web Based Application

Service Provided:

Design & Build, Customer Support, Software Maintenance

Key Technologies:

ASP .NET, HTML, SQL Server, Visual Basic .NET, Crystal Reports

A short statement of requirements was provided by the customer, and following a design meeting a specification was drawn up by Acumen.

Bernard Rogers & Co now have the simple to navigate site with a 'professional business image' that they required. It is a site that is full of information and advice for the business community, the majority of it downloadable in .pdf format; there are also various calculators available to visitors of the site.

A content management system has been incorporated into the site that is only accessable by Bernard Rogers users, this allows the updating of content on various pages, ensuring that the site is maintained right up to date without incurring the cost of IT support.

Customer Testimonial

Project Type:

Website

Service Provided:

Design & Build, Customer Support, Software Maintenance, Website Hosting

Key Technologies:

ASP .NET, HTML, SQL Server, Visual Basic .NET

The EMH is a comprehensive environmental management system designed specifically to meet the needs of social housing landlords.

The software helps to set up and record statements of current performance and environmental impact in pre-defined key areas, and allows the systematic planning and monitoring of activities designed to improve environmental performance.

The EMH provides a comprehensive environmental knowledge base, but requires no specialist knowledge or support to run. Designed by Chris Barnett Associates, funded by the Housing Corporation and implemented by Acumen Business Systems the EMH is widely used in the UK social housing sector.

Customer Testimonial

Project Type:

Database Application, Desktop Application

Service Provided:

Design & Build, Software Maintenance

Key Technologies:

SQL Server, Visual Basic 6, Crystal Reports

Acumen Business Systems designed, implemented and host this simple, clean and minimal website, which fits seamlessly with CBA's corporate identity.

Customer Testimonial

Project Type:

Website

Service Provided:

Design & Build, Customer Support, Software Maintenance, Website Hosting

Key Technologies:

ASP .NET, HTML

Connexia is a sales and marketing solution provider with experience in a diverse range of service and manufacturing industries.

Acumen implemented Connexia's simple but effective website from an existing design.

Customer Testimonial

Project Type:

Website

Service Provided:

Design & Build, Website Hosting

Key Technologies:

HTML

The CAL Gauge Management System was developed for use within the manufacturing sector. For these businesses it is vital to have a means of recording the calibration status for all inspection equipment.

Originally released in 1997 for Windows 95 the software was regularly updated. Although these days Acumen concentrates on totally bespoke applications CAL is still in use within numerous companies.

Customer Testimonial

Project Type:

Database Application, Desktop Application

Service Provided:

Design & Build

Key Technologies:

Visual Basic 6

Originally intended as a stop-gap measure, this application is still going strong after many years of service. Providing stock control, service job management and financial reporting functions, this elegant application also interfaces directly with core corporate applications.

Project Type:

Database Application, Desktop Application

Service Provided:

Design & Build, Customer Support, Software Maintenance

Key Technologies:

Microsoft Access, Visual Basic 6, Visual Basic .NET

Used by the Parts department, this application applies powerful analysis tools to data captured by other corporate systems. Sophisticated data-mining allows custom analysis of data at all levels, from a customer-wide level right down to an individual part. Data can be viewed either directly within the application, or exported to Microsoft Excel for further analysis and manipulation.

Customer Testimonial

Project Type:

Database Application, Desktop Application

Service Provided:

Design & Build, Customer Support, Software Maintenance

Key Technologies:

Office Automation, SQL Server, Visual Basic .NET, Crystal Reports

Implemented throughout the Warwick assembly line, and in key office departments, the Vehicle Build application monitors every stage of the assembly of a vehicle. Providing an interface to data consumed from other corporate systems, Vehicle Build provides parts traceability and allows staff to track the progress of a vehicle order throughout the assembly process.

Customer Testimonial

Project Type:

Database Application, Desktop Application

Service Provided:

Design & Build, Customer Support, Software Maintenance

Key Technologies:

Office Automation, SQL Server, Visual Basic .NET, Crystal Reports

Dennis Eagle approached us with an urgent requirement to produce a demonstrator for their web-based Electronic Parts Catalogue. We provided a multimedia presentation that explains the use of the system, CD artwork, CD production and printing, in record time. In addition to the multimedia CDs, we also provided a version of the demo for deployment via Dennis Eagle's corporate website.

Customer Testimonial

Project Type:

Multimedia

Service Provided:

Design & Build, Media Production

Key Technologies:

Macromedia Flash

EcoReports is an environmental information exchange where businesses and organisations can inform the public about how their activities affect climate change and the broader environment, and what they are doing to improve performance.

Acumen Business Systems supply, support and host EcoReports. To its users, EcoReports provides environmental reporting facilities via an administration interface. To the public visitor, EcoReports provides a window on the environmental performance of its users. Visitors can add companies and organisations to a "favourites" list, nominate companies to become a member of EcoReports and request information under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

Customer Testimonial

Project Type:

Website

Service Provided:

Design & Build, Customer Support, Software Maintenance, Website Hosting

Key Technologies:

ASP .NET, HTML, SQL Server

Electromotion's website, designed and implemented by Acumen Business Systems, provides a shop window for Electromotion's machinery stock.

Published offline to maximise the speed, reliability and low tech-dependency of the site, the website receives in excess of 10,000 hits per day, with visitors from a hundred countries.

Project Type:

Website

Service Provided:

Design & Build, Customer Support, Software Maintenance, Website Hosting

Key Technologies:

ASP .NET, SQL Server

Acumen Business Systems supply and support a custom database application that handles all stages of Electromotion's work, from procurement of a machine, through advertising, sales, final despatch and invoicing. Knowledge-based, the application knows how to tailor the specification of a machine depending on whether it's a Sander or a Grinder, a Press or a Welding Machine (or any of over 200 categories of machine). This is further enhanced by detailed databases of worldwide transportation methods and costs, support information on over 12,000 machinery instruction books and operator's manuals - and the entire stock database is published daily to Electromotion's website. The application also includes many wizards to assist staff and simplify some functions, there is a reminders facility to ensure that nothing is left to chance, a sophisticated report section so that staff, management and directors can fully analyse the business process and finally an administration centre to enable Electromotion to make changes to the application in response to changes in the market place.

Customer Testimonial

Project Type:

Database Application, Desktop Application

Service Provided:

Design & Build, Enhancement, Customer Support, Software Maintenance

Key Technologies:

SQL Server, Visual Basic .NET, Crystal Reports

Enterprise Inns is the largest leased and tenanted pub company in the UK, with nearly 9,000 pubs throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

Acumen Business Systems were commissioned by Enterprise to provide an Intranet application that would assist their employees in completing their lease-hire business mileage returns, and to allow the data to be annually collated and compiled for returns to the Inland Revenue. The finished application merged seamlessly with Enterprise's existing in-house systems, and was successfully completed under tight budget and time constraints.

Project Type:

Database Application, Desktop Application

Service Provided:

Design & Build

Key Technologies:

ASP .NET, SQL Server

GoIndustry provides corporations, financial institutions, and insolvency practitioners a comprehensive range of industrial asset services, including disposal, valuation and related consulting.

GoIndustry commissioned Acumen Business Systems to design, develop, test and maintain a desktop tool to aid machinery dealers in managing their stock, and preparing it for inclusion in GoIndustry's marketplace database. Primary objectives for the client were that the software must reach the marketplace as quickly as possible, be multi-lingual for use across Europe, be highly robust and be fully supported. The application was delivered in 6 months, in 7 languages, all with suporting help files, having been thoroughly tested by a team of third-party testers.

Project Type:

Database Application, Desktop Application

Service Provided:

Design & Build

Key Technologies:

Microsoft Access, Visual Basic 6

Kee Safety Logistics have an existing ERP system that they have paid to have customised which fulfils virtually all their needs, however, a number of limitations which cannot be overcome by further customisation have been identified. Upgrading to the latest version, with the required functionality, was not financially viable since this meant purchasing licences for the new version of the standard ERP system AND paying the supplier to re-implement the customisation work that had already been incorporated into the old version.

One such limitation was that the ERP system had no facility to email Remittance Advice Notes or, for that matter, any other documents. Acumen were requested to put forward a proposal for a standalone application that would effectively integrate with the ERP system, using the same SQL Server databases, to remedy this and any other shortcomings.

One of Kee Safety’s specific requirements was that the reports, created using Crystal Reports 2008, should remain external to the application (i.e. not embedded) such that they would be able to make minor changes to the layout of the reports themselves without having to request an application modification from Acumen.

The solution loads data produced by the ERP system into a simple user friendly application. The User can produce a PDF version of the Remittance Advice Note which is then attached to an email and sent to the recipient with a single button click. For audit purposes the system also keeps track of all documents that have been printed or emailed.

Project Type:

Database Application, Desktop Application

Service Provided:

Design & Build, Customer Support

Key Technologies:

SQL Server, Visual Basic .NET, Crystal Reports

Lower House Farm is a LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) demonstration farm based in Ledbury. As part of the LEAF initiative the owner was keen to develop a website that would allow him to keep local schools and businesses informed about day-to-day activities as well as new initiatives. A way of allowing groups to schedule visits to the farm was also required. A Request for Quotation document was compiled with the help of the Business-to-Business network and distributed to a number of organisations - one of which was Acumen.

In addition to a paper based proposal document Acumen was able to quickly produce a prototype website thanks to our easy-to-use content management system. The farm owner was so impressed that we were awarded the contract almost immediately.

Customer Testimonial

Project Type:

Website

Service Provided:

Design & Build, Customer Support, Software Maintenance

Key Technologies:

ASP .NET, HTML, SQL Server

The original supplier asked Acumen, with the approval of NPTC, to take over support and maintenance of the CQMS (Candidate Qualifications Management System) and NRoSO (National Register of Sprayer Operators) applications as well as the associated websites.

Since taking over support of these applications NRoSO has only required minor remedial works but CQMS has had numerous enhancements to different areas of the application. All of this has involved Acumen dealing with various departments and people both at NPTC’s headquarters in Stoneleigh and at City & Guilds in London.

Most recently the Department for Education and Skills has requested that NPTC provide NISVQ (National Information System for Vocational Qualifications) data and this has been achieved by the addition of a new data exporting routine.

Project Type:

Database Application, Desktop Application

Service Provided:

Enhancement, Customer Support, Software Maintenance

Key Technologies:

ASP .NET, SQL Server, Visual Basic 6, Visual Basic .NET

The original supplier asked Acumen, with the approval of On-Site Partnership (OSP), to take over support and maintenance of the OSP Consulting Application.

The application allows OSP to administer recruitment campaigns on behalf of their many clients. Each campaign can be pre-configured with all the necessary recruitment related questions prior to the campaign going live. The system integrates with OSP’s telecommunications system so that incoming calls are directed to the correct Users.

Since taking over support of the application Acumen has provided several enhancements including significant improvements to the statistical reporting offered by the software which is key to the feedback required by OSP’s clients.

Project Type:

Database Application, Desktop Application

Service Provided:

Enhancement, Customer Support, Software Maintenance

Key Technologies:

SQL Server, Visual Basic .NET

EnergyAdvantage is an innovative approach to helping social housing landlords gain access to Energy Efficiency Commitment (EEC) funding combined with the provision of sustainability support services.

Software developed by Acumen Business Systems on behalf of Chris Barnett Associates assists Powergen Key Account Managers to deliver the benefits of EEC funding to social housing landlords by providing a simple, intuitive and user-friendly interface to the massively complex grant calculation algorithms and underlying assessment data provided by OfGem. Powergen have benefited from significant time and effort savings, as well as the software delivering a highly polished, professional edge to client meetings.

Customer Testimonial

Project Type:

Database Application, Desktop Application

Service Provided:

Design & Build

Key Technologies:

Office Automation, SQL Server, Visual Basic .NET

The original supplier asked Acumen, with the approval of QDOS, to take over support and maintenance of the QDOS Consulting Application.

The application is a bespoke system that allows users to offer financial and insurance related advice and products to their many customers. Since taking over responsibility for the application we have implemented numerous modifications including a CRM module.

QDOS can now track new business opportunities from the first telephone call through to the end of a product's life.

Project Type:

Database Application, Desktop Application

Service Provided:

Enhancement, Customer Support, Software Maintenance

Key Technologies:

SQL Server, Visual Basic .NET

R.G.Jarrett Ltd. (Padders) produces a range of soft soled shoes, novelty bootees and slippers. Operating out of the United Kingdom the products are manufactured by their factories in the Far East. The company’s principle problem revolved around the fact that many of their staff in the factories speak little if any English. This resulted in the company having to employ a team of people in Hong Kong whose sole occupation was to act as translators for any Sample Requests or Orders. This was time consuming, expensive and prone to errors.

Acumen was given the task of developing a suite of software applications that would allow personnel in the UK to request samples and place orders in English but which would in turn present native Chinese speakers with information and documents in their own language. Equally the Chinese speakers would be able to interact with the software in Chinese but the end results would still be readable in the UK by non-Chinese speakers.

Customer Testimonial

Project Type:

Database Application, Desktop Application, Web Based Application, Windows Service Application

Service Provided:

Design & Build, Customer Support, Software Maintenance

Key Technologies:

ASP .NET, SQL Server, Visual Basic .NET, Crystal Reports

Ribbon Print market a printer and software package that allows users to print their own messages onto ribbons. The original bought-in software was not user-friendly and lacked numerous features that Ribbon Print believed would be useful, if not essential, to their customers.

Acumen were commissioned to produce a new application that would meet all the requirements of Ribbon Print's many customers.

Customer Testimonial

Project Type:

Database Application, Desktop Application

Service Provided:

Design & Build

Key Technologies:

Visual Basic .NET

Imagine the effect on the value of your property if a new road was built at the end of your garden. Samuel Rose specialise in this type of compensation claim and make it their business to research all proposed and approved road, rail and airport schemes throughout Great Britain. They visit areas potentially affected by such schemes and identify homeowners who may be affected, who they then advise of their rights under Part I of the Land Compensation Act 1973.

Acumen were commissioned to provide enhancements to and support for the database application that Samuel Rose use to manage their claims business. We significantly improved the usability, robustness and efficiency of the application, resulting in improved time and cost savings for Samuel Rose.

Customer Testimonial

Project Type:

Database Application, Desktop Application

Service Provided:

Enhancement, Customer Support, Software Maintenance

Key Technologies:

Microsoft Access, Office Automation

One of Stepnell's greatest assets is the quality of their supply chain and the relationships that they maintain with a broad range of subcontractors and suppliers in diverse construction disciplines. Our custom software helps to maintain the integrity and quality of the supply chain by monitoring performance, streamlining the procurement process and providing traceability from initial tendering right through to contract completion.

Customer Testimonial

Project Type:

Database Application, Desktop Application

Service Provided:

Design & Build, Customer Support, Software Maintenance

Key Technologies:

Microsoft Access, Office Automation, Visual Basic 6, Crystal Reports

As principal contractor, Stepnell is responsible for overseeing safety and insurance for major construction projects. Further aiding management of the supply chain, the Insurance Management system provides reminders to subcontractors when their insurance information is required, and provides an easy-to-use web interface for completing returns. With several thousand subcontractors on record, Acumen Business Systems has significantly streamlined this onerous task.

Customer Testimonial

Project Type:

Database Application, Desktop Application

Service Provided:

Design & Build, Customer Support, Software Maintenance

Key Technologies:

Microsoft Access, Office Automation, Visual Basic .NET

In this particularly complex tender bid, Stepnell were required to submit electronic versions of their tender documentation. We assisted by producing an auto-run multimedia menu system for the resulting CD-Roms, as well as CD production, disk artwork and printing. Stepnell's bid was ultimately the winner - although we are certain this was overwhelmingly more to do with their experience, expertise and quality than our presentational skills!

Customer Testimonial

Project Type:

Multimedia

Service Provided:

Design & Build, Media Production

Key Technologies:

Macromedia Flash

Stepnell operate a simple Microsoft Access Personnel Database which although not originally created by Acumen has been maintained and updated by Acumen for many years. There have been numerous enhancements including transferring the back-end data over to SQL Server thereby allowing it to communicate with the Suppliers & Subcontractors Database.

A new application was required that would automate the generation of reports from the existing database and email them to the required recipients. This resulted in Acumen designing and implementing the 'Stepnell Personnel Service' which works unnoticed in the background. An additional 'manager' application allows administrators to configure various system settings e.g. email recipient etc and set the frequency that reports should be generated.

Project Type:

Database Application, Desktop Application, Windows Service Application

Service Provided:

Design & Build, Enhancement, Customer Support, Software Maintenance

Key Technologies:

SQL Server, Visual Basic .NET, Crystal Reports

Technographics specializes in high performance heat applied transfer decoration for the sports wear, apparel, lingerie and shoe industries. Typical applications include 'Branding', insole labels, size & care labels, T-shirt graphics, and names, numbers and logos for team sports wear. Some of these labels come in the form of barcodes. Many of these barcodes are used in situations where it is vital that no duplicates exist.

Acumen Business Systems were commissioned to design and develop a replacement for their existing DOS based barcode duplicate detection scanning system. The new system incorporates all the functionality of the original system plus the ability to read Alpha-numeric Datamatrix 2D barcodes and traditional 1D barcodes with up to 14 digits.

Customer Testimonial

Project Type:

Database Application, Desktop Application

Service Provided:

Design & Build

Key Technologies:

SQL Server, Visual Basic .NET

The Refill Centre exists to remanufacture and supply high quality printer cartridges at a very competitive price, at the same time minimising the environmental effect caused by not recycling the original cartridge.

Acumen Business Systems implemented The Refill Centre's website, drawing on existing company literature for the design. The site is backed up by a SQL database and a simple content management system that allows The Refill Centre complete control over the content of their site.

Customer Testimonial

Project Type:

Website

Service Provided:

Design & Build, Website Hosting

Key Technologies:

ASP .NET, SQL Server

The Department of Criminology, the new name for the Scarman Centre, was established in 1988 and undertakes research, teaching, professional training and consultancy in the study of policing, public disorder, crime & punishment, racism & ethnicity, crime prevention, security, risk, crisis & disaster management, community safety, and health & safety management.

Initially commissioned to maintain and enhance the department's student record database, Acumen Business Systems has repeatedly delivered improvements to the software in a maintenance and consultancy role.

Project Type:

Database Application, Desktop Application

Service Provided:

Enhancement, Customer Support, Software Maintenance

Key Technologies:

Microsoft Access, Office Automation, SQL Server, Visual Basic 6

WRAP's mission is to accelerate resource efficiency by creating efficient markets for recycled materials and products, while removing barriers to waste minimisation, re-use and recycling.

In conjunction with Steeple Software Services, Acumen supplied a project management system to aid WRAP in managing timescales, tasks and scheduling for the broad range of intiatives that they manage. The software formalises the information held for each project and ensures that targets are met by keeping track of the milestones built into each project.

Customer Testimonial

Project Type:

Database Application, Desktop Application

Service Provided:

Design & Build

Key Technologies:

Office Automation, SQL Server, Visual Basic .NET, Crystal Reports