Custom Project Management

Project Administration with Contact and Management Information

Maple Leaf is an established, independent firm of property consultants specialising in retail and commercial property.

Maple Leaf first contacted us when experiencing problems caused by an inadvertent Access upgrade

Problem

In the process of resolving the upgrade problem we uncovered a number of systemic issues that had contributed to the situation.

For instance the code written in the original Project Management system was more complex than was necessary, using temporary tables and copying data. Much of this code was unstructured, and appeared to have been modified frequently in an attempt to get it working.

In addition, fundamental table keys had been omitted, which led to confusion in the design of the application. Navigation throughout the system was difficult, and there were a number of bugs with broken functionality.

Solution

We re-structured the data model and re-built a new Project Administration database from scratch taking only the "essence" of the original. This is easer than you might think, and certainly cost-effective , since the "hard bit" is generally working out what the system should do.

We re-implemented the algorithm for the rental analysis calculation, removing the need for temporary tables and unnecessary copying. These calculations are now automatically applied instantaneously.

With a well defined data model and re-engineered architecture, we were able to simplify the navigation throughout. Improved contact management links to each relevant project, so it it is easy for our client to track progress from enquiry to completion and beyond.

Finally we were able to extend the project to handle new project types that he had been unable to manage within the previous system.

Our business database is an essential tool for us, not only providing us with project monitoring reports but also dealing with fee projections and supporting features to monitor comparable evidence and carry out valuations which are core to the work we undertake. The inability to use the database when problems arose was a major problem that simple backup copies were unable to resolve.

PC Access’ swift response to assess and resolve the problems was vital to enable us to continue to operate effectively as a business. Their ability to provide us with a short term fix as well as a long term proposal to make the database more efficient were thorough and professional and as a result we did not hesitate to ask them not only to undertake this work but to upgrade and improve the database to make it a more efficient and effective tool for the business.

Whilst this process is ongoing at the time of writing we have been impressed with what they have produced to-date in their provisional designs and from our own experience would have no hesitation in recommending them.

John Williams, FRICS ACIArb MEWI Maple Leaf Property Consultants Ltd