Cloud Computing and TIMMS On-Demand

Disprax were featured in the TimberTrader News publication talking about simplifying the way businesses invest in IT.

Paul Gallo explained, “Many businesses are interested in having premium software for their business; but with only a few people that would be using the system, they can’t justify the upfront outlay of the IT hardware and the resources to manage it. We feel there is a widening gap between the tools available to businesses with larger IT budgets and smaller businesses are forced to compromise.”

Cloud computing or software as a service can offer the best of both worlds; access to state-of-the-art technology without the upfront investment or the resources required for ongoing maintenance. This ‘hosted’ service provides remote access to software and IT hardware, and tasks such data security and backups are managed for you. With minimum outlay, you can use a single system for your businesses accounting and inventory management without having to become an IT expert.

“This naturally frees up significant resources allowing a business to focus on core activities and achieving strategic goals.”

Disprax have created a version of the TIMMS software suite, available remotely and managed by Disprax. John Menagh (CEO) explained, “TIMMS On-Demand offers a consolidated version of the TIMMS suite of modules designed just for smaller businesses. The software along with the IT equipment it exists on is maintained off-site by Disprax.” He said, “Your data is always secure and backed-up and you simply log in to access the most up-to-date software version and hardware.”

TIMMS On-Demand offers you:
• More time and budget to spend on core business activities
• Hassle free access to leading business technology
• Automatic maintenance and availability of upgrades
• Predictable ongoing costs
• Guaranteed data security and regular data backups

John added, “We know that integrating software into the day-to-day running of a business is a big task and offer solutions span all levels and growth phases. Technology can transform the way we do business and businesses don’t have to compromise when it comes to accessing the right tools.” Find out how your business can free up time and resources to do what it does best by calling Disprax on (03) 9682 3700.

March 2009 Timbertrader News - Disprax were on the front cover talking about how to "Let your business shine this year"

Disprax has been working closely with the Timber industry for nearly three decades since establishment, Disprax's primary objective has been to develop business management tools that address the specialities of running timber businesses. This is true today and Disprax has developed into one of the largest suppliers of business software and professional services to the Australian Timber industry.

TIMMS is used across timber wholesalers, retailers, importers, manufacturers, sawmills and frame and truss plants and Paul Gallo, Managing Director for Disprax since the company’s inception, explained “the TIMMS software suite was first created in 1982 and has undergone innovation and continuous improvement. When first developed, TIMMS consisted of modules for Financials, Order Entry and Inventory Management but today it has 25 integrated areas of functionality covering a broader range of business activities. In fact, TIMMS is currently undergoing the biggest stages in its evolution with more capacity than ever before to help timber businesses succeed.”

Paul is conscious of the challenges faced by businesses at the moment but is still optimistic about the year ahead. “Disprax is launching three major developments to start 2009, extending the TIMMS suite with functionality that is designed to help businesses work smarter and not harder. While it’s a saying that’s often heard, in the year ahead it will be more important than ever for businesses of any size.”

“We recognise the importance of business management tools for our customer’s livelihood and so TIMMS is under constant review and improvement with a lot of input from our customers, directing the updates made in each release. This means that the software is not only getting better all the time but with features that our users actually need.”

You can read the full article in TimberTrader News March edition but if you want to learn more about TIMMS, just call us on (03) 9682 3700 or email sales@disprax.com.au

November 2008 TimberTrader News : Data is a Resource

Paul Gallo recently commented that “the business data recorded every day is one of the most important strategic tools a business has available, as it helps to form a picture of how the business performs under certain conditions. Data has little value on its own but once extracted and manipulated, it becomes a relevant story providing the opportunity for businesses to react to the current environment or scenario. Ideally, analysis of the information you produce enables proactive decision making, to be ahead of the game and in control of the success of your business.”

Paul explains that “business agility refers to the speed and flexibility by which you make decisions” and posed the questions: “How quickly can you react to new market information or changes in market conditions?”

Responding to the need for enhanced business agility in the recent economic climate, Disprax have created a Business Intelligence tool. Business Intelligence has been around since the early 90’s and describes the methods of improving decision-making using available data. Paul explains that “relational databases are not well suited for near instantaneous analysis and display of large amounts of data and many decision makers go through the process of extracting data into a spreadsheet and then using pivot tables or other tools to present the data with some context, making it more meaningful. Using superior technology large amounts of data can be extracted, manipulated and loaded into data warehouses. Presentation of data using online analytical processing (OLAP) displays data in a meaningful context almost instantaneously, without having to spend hours manipulating it. For example: to enable comparing this month’s sales to last month’s; reviewing how much of the total revenue a specific product brings in; looking at which customers deliver the most profitability. This context makes the analysis process much easier, naturally speeding up the process of decision making and benefiting the business.“

As a strategic tool, your businesses history should help you direct the future success of your business. If you are not actively using its data to gain a competitive advantage, or you feel you’re spending too much time creating and distributing reports then it’s worth taking some time to assess whether you are getting the most out of your data and your time. Like many things, choosing the right tool can allow you to spend time on more important aspects of your business.