ZapDude Software

The problem became pronounced as the company was looking to acquire two other utility companies. With no uniform method of storing and processing data and documents, they were looking into hiring expensive temp service help to sort the data and provide adequate reports. In addition, they had no method of corroborating the NEW data with the structure of the current Excel Sheet collection.

After checking with several software companies, they had decided to hire a temporary staff to manipulate the data. Before they decided to hire them, one of their associates contacted our database programmer here at ZapDude. During the consultation, we were able to review a few of their Excel documents. After a short time, we were able to structure their data into a quick template, which we exchanged online during the conversation. From those documents, we recommended the creation of a Microsoft Access Database which would enforce the security and integrity of their data, and provide a few interface forms and reports to process the data with speed, accuracy, and ease of operation. In addition, the company provided us with sample data sheets from the company they were attempting to acquire.

After reviewing their data for 20 minutes, we quoted a price that turned out to be one-sixth of the next lowest price quoted from another software contractor, and almost one-tenth of the price just for the temporary help costs! When they were informed that we provide a COMPLETE Microsoft Project work schedule, a Microsoft Visio flowchart projection for their proposed database, and one person who could be contacted IMMEDIATELY during the duration of the project, they made the decision to allow us to perform their work, and gave us three weeks to complete the database.

The first thing we did was to review the data stored on their Excel sheets, where we were able to determine patterns. With these patterns, our database structure expert created the new database to house their data. Our VBA coders created the code to facilitate the transfer of over 72,000 records from Excel to Access. While the design included every facet of their original data transfer requirements, we were able to create additional functions that allowed them to import data from the template provided by one of the companies they were bidding for.

Within one week, we had completed the data transfer and had a couple of basic entry screens and reports. We also included a function to transfer data from the new database to an existing Excel template, which is superior for spreadsheet analysis, without worrying about the integrity of the data (as it was already stored in the database). After sending them the progress from our development site, they were pleased to note that not only was all their data in the database, they were able to access the data through secure means. At that time, they also had ideas of what reports and forms needed minor changes to better help them manipulate the data. We were able to perform those changes and additions at no additional cost, and, after ironing out all glitches, completed our transaction 7 days ahead of schedule.

We heard from the company again the week following their bid. Not only did they get the business they were trying to acquire, their presentation of the data acquisition method developed by our associates at ZapDude enabled them to acquire two MORE businesses located out of state. At that time they decided to use our services to further automate their processes in their facility. All computing operations are done through Microsoft Office 2003, and they have no need to develop another application.

Do you have requirements similar to this company? Rest assured we give the same level of personal development and support to EVERY SINGLE ONE of our clients!