IMPROVED PERFORMANCE THROUGH DATA ACCESS

Quick access to information, making more informed decisions, both are essential to any well-run business.

The computer database has become a commonly used and important information management tool in today's competitive business environment. Computer databases have replaced the cluttered filing cabinet to store and manage and facilitate access to the wide variety of information essential to the efficient operation of numerous business activities. Using related technology, database information can be directed to those that need it, when they need it.

Depending on your needs, databases can contain pictures/images, sound clips, and full-motion video in addition to traditional data elements. With Computer Telephony Integration, callers can interact directly with a database to access information on products and pricing, order status, and many other interesting and informative topics. Similar links can be provided to the Internet to give any web site a truly dynamic quality.

Use of databases provides decisionmakers with the up-to-date, timely information needed to make informed decisions and run day-to-day operations. As technology advances, databases are being linked more and more with diverse capabilities to provide interactive, virtually hands-free control, over routine operations.

TYPICAL USES FOR RMS DATABASES

Although many of the databases that ROCKWOOD MANAGEMENT SERVICES developes are designed to improve marketing and sales operations, we also provide data solutions in a number of other areas. A few examples of our database developments are:

• Direct marketing databases that help users focus communications on interests of recipients. Profiles of individuals are developed and messages are targeted and directed to groups of individuals that fit specific profile attributes. Work we do for Consultant Liaison Programs (CLPs) is a good example.
• Comparison of internal data with competitor information is another use of RMS databases. For example, in the world of advertising and public relations, many large companies track estimated advertising expenditures and the media exposure of their competition. Extensive arrays of data are often required to adequately describe the complex market information that needs to be tracked. Our databases have been used to support this important activity.
• Product sales materials, catalogs and technical references for installation, maintainance, repair, and use.
• Learning from past successes and failures is a good use of databases. Key parameters that are tracked allow predictions and the modification of events to maximize the likelihood of future success. In selling, information is collected on customers to better predict needs and the criteria required to make sales. Leveraging identified strengths, salespeople can then do more of the things that maximize positive results.
• Matching open positions with available personnel is a typical job for our RMS skills databases. With proper profiling, a list of candidates can be reduced to a select few for personal interviews. Not only are results obtained more quickly, but use of the database promotes more thoughtful consideration of the skills really required for a given job.
• Environmental health and safety is another important area where RMS databases have been applied. Our databases have been used to study past accidents and exposure to hazardous materials thereby avoiding reoccurrence. Also, Material Safety Data Sheet information can be stored for routine access to assure safe handling of hazardous materials, or prompt instructions in the event of an emergency.
• Customer feedback is collected in some of our databases. The information is then analyzed to determine areas where process changes will help improve customer satisfaction.
• Databases can be used to track the results of numerous business processes . Obviously, increasing output efficiencies can directly boost profits. Similarly, improving quality to make things right from the beginning, reduces handling and the cost of correcting errors. Trends in operating statistics allow us to determine where to focus attention and make changes. Once changes have been made, we monitor and compare results with baseline data, making further changes when warranted.
• Help desk support is improved by using our databases in conjunction with a Windows-based expert systems tool. With it, we can save top experts for only the most challenging calls.

TYPICAL DATABASE PRODUCTS WE USE

Using commonly available off-the-shelf programs and platforms, allows us to help you realize benefits quickly. Enhancements can be continually made to provide further benefits. Most of the database development we do is based on the following Microsoft Windows or Macintosh programs.

• dBASE (PC)
• Fox Pro (PC & Macintosh)
• Paradox (PC)
• Access (PC)
• Approach (PC)
• FileMaker (PC & Macintosh)
• 4th Dimension (PC & Macintosh)
• Lotus Notes
• Rbase
• Informix
• Oracle

Recently, we have begun development of capabilities to link these tools with Internet Web sites to facilitate information dissemination and updating.

BUSINESS PROCESS DEVELOPMENT

Use of databases is a key element in the data collection that supports assessment and reengineering of business processes. Collecting baseline information, making changes and checking results is simplified through a modern data collection and reporting process. Report writers and graphics/presentation tools allow management to see the dramatic portrayal of results.

WE SUPPORT SPECIAL NEEDS AND REQUIREMENTS

You are invited to contact us to discuss capabilities that are important to your business.

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