In today's competitive market place companies now need software packages that help companies to be as efficient as possible, whilst offering value-added customer focused services. Towards this end, two market leading software systems are available to Shepley's customers that could help revolutionise their administration, surveying, costing and customer service operations.

But, as well as priding itself on offering leading software packages, Shepley also backs this up with a high level of customer support. Shepley knew from day one that it is no good simply offering comprehensive IT packages unless retailers are first taught how to use and make the most out of them. Once this is achieved, the software can be tailored to individual customers. This unique combination can result in huge benefits to companies as it provides the ability to process, administrate, design and order a contract, from the initial enquiry to completion of the job. It saves time, money and, above all, allows companies to steal an edge on the competition whilst concentrating on achieving a high level of success in sales, installation and customer service.

The first of these two software packages is AdminBase. This is a management database system covering all aspects of day-to-day administration for home improvement retailers. This includes such areas as; removing unnecessary administration and paperwork, monitoring lead tracking, calculating salespeople's commissions, planning surveying and installation timetables, producing work-in-progress reports and an unlimited range of various customer and prospect mailshots.

Paul Thompson, Shepley's IT customer support consultant, commented, "AdminBase is an extremely user-friendly system. Once an enquiry is logged, the customer's name and details need never be entered again for the life of the contract. AdminBase automatically takes care of all correspondence including quotations, confirmation and after-sales letters. It also keeps track of financial information such as commissions and profit margins."

He continued, "This can now be complemented by Window Designer, which already enjoys the reputation of being one of the best window and conservatory design and ordering packages available." This second software package allows the user to start with a priced quotation and progress through manufacturing, delivery and invoicing without laboriously re-entering information. It is also one of the only systems available that includes full conservatory design and pricing, including roofs, as well as providing bay, bow, Georgian bar and leaded layouts.

CAD drawings can be produced by the system on screen to allow the customer to see exactly how the replacement frames or new conservatory would fit onto their house. It also allows them to visually explore different options, including door positioning, window size, and lead detail. These can also be printed to provide the customer with a visual record of their quotation. Over the past few months these packages have been taken several stages further and can now be linked to offer a more integrated approach.

Brampton Windows, one of Shepley's customers, has been using these two systems for practically all of their day-to-day processing needs for some time. MD James Still commented,

"We were attracted to the software because of its capability to design leaded and Georgian layouts and deal with ordering. We get excellent support from Shepley's IT department and have found that the combination of the systems saves us hours. The software is excellent and the options are widely thought-out. For a company of our turnover, we operate at very low staffing levels - solely because we are running our operation 100% on tailored software that works! I do not believe that we would be as successful as we are, or function as we do, without it!"

Shepley's Paul Thompson also hinted at even greater benefits in the near future when he commented, "The next stage in the development of the software will be to provide a system where our customers will be able to order by auto-fax direct to Shepley preventing the need for handwriting order forms. This is already undergoing market tests and should be available soon."

If you require any further information on these software systems, or have any additional queries regarding how IT can assist your business, please feel free to contact Paul Thompson.