Accord FOCUS proves big hit with their clients

Accord announce the launch of their new, fully integrated, software package "FOCUS".
 
Accord has built a reputation for delivering high quality AS/400 software solutions and the "FOCUS" product again pushes them ahead of the competition.
 
"FOCUS" is a fully integrated business solution covering everything from the initial quotation through procurement, manufacturing, despatch, stock control, invoicing and financials.
   
Combining the robustness and scaleability of the IBM AS/400 server architecture and the ease of use and familiarity of a windows style interface "FOCUS" offers the best of both worlds.
 
The system is incredibly flexible and can be tailored simply and swiftly to the special requirements of any business. Special modules exist for dozens of industries ranging from motor component manufacturers and steel stockholders to pottery manufacturers and importer/distributors.
 
"The Accord FOCUS package provides our clients with the latest advances in presentation and ease-of-use technologies without losing the strengths our ‘standard’ package approach to software implementation that we have learned over the last 20 years."

Keith Lilley
Managing Director

From Prospect to Balance Sheet!

A recent survey of Distribution and Manufacturing Companies between £1 and £30 million turnover has produced results showing that little progress has been made in terms of creating fully integrated systems that provide the entire Company with reliable relevant information. These results have come as no surprise to Accord Computer Systems Ltd.

Despite the growth of PC networks and the availability of low cost Windows standard packages many companies are still duplicating data entry and are unable to provide chief executives with a fast accurate picture of the key measures of business success. In many cases spreadsheets and standard databases have become "bottomless pits" consuming time, effort and resource for little or no return.

Often the computer system is seen as an overhead rather than a dynamic tool to aid business growth.

Of course it need not be like this as another survey of small and medium sized IBM AS/400 users has revealed. One respondent put it this way.

"The problem with IBM AS/400 and Accord Software is that it works! Everyone assumes other systems can produce the same results and when they don't they either accept far lower standards or end up throwing money at the system in a vain attempt to match the quality and functionality that only IBM AS/400 and Accord provide. We know because we came back to Accord and the difference is amazing".

There are many factors why the IBM AS/400 and Accord solution is seen as the optimum system for Distribution and Manufacturing. However the two most frequently quoted reasons were the Accord Sales Order Processing system that provides a "Window on the World" and the fact that the software writes directly to the database contained in the operating system.

One of the most common myths in the business world is that IBM AS/400 is the province of big companies. This could not be further from the truth.

It is however true that some of the UK's most successful businesses are built around AS/400 systems.

On average, one AS/400 is shipped every 12 minutes throughout the year. The same operating system, OS/400 runs on all the AS/400 models. This means that small companies can enjoy the same level of sophistication as the largest multi-national.

For ease of use, OS/400 combines an integrated relational database, communications protocols, security features, system and network management features, printing and file maintenance - all accessible from easy to understand menus. This means that everything a small or large company could possibly need to manage its Information Technology is built into the heart of the system. For co-operative processing and client server computing the AS/400 supports, and is linked to over 4 million PCs. This means that virtually any investment in IBM compatible PCs can be utilised. For example spread sheets can be dynamically updated and interfaces can be created to "seamlessly" transfer information to and from standard PC packages. The possibilities are endless.

One factor often overlooked by small and medium sized manufacturing and distribution companies is the value of enhanced communications provided by the combination of AS/400 and PCs.

For some Distributors and Manufacturers who supply leading retailers Electronic Data Interchange has become the norm yet it is surprising how few software packages include this as standard.

Accord software has provided this option at no extra charge for some years and Accord can advise and assist companies to maximise the use of electronic communications options to improve customer service.