Unsurpassed Technology for Construction
Spectrum is built on the best available technology:
1. Microsoft SQL Server Database
Spectrum uses SQL Server to provide secure and reliable storage of all your company data. With SQL Server, the information vital to running your business is centralized for easy access, management and distribution. Built-in tools make it simple to perform transaction processing, which allow users to roll-back and restart the process in case of error.
2. Microsoft Server Operating System
Spectrum operates on Microsoft Server because it offers a powerful multi-user and multi-processor operating system that can exceed the requirements of our smallest to largest clients. Microsoft Server has also proven to offer the lowest “total cost of ownership”, providing users with all the tools needed to configure and maintain their system reliably and efficiently.
3. Software Development Framework
Spectrum is built using the best software development tools available. These include PRO-IV, Crystal Reports, Java and Microsoft.net. Dexter + Chaney chose Northgate Information Solutions’ Pro IV Rapid Application Development Framework to build the business processes in Spectrum® Construction Software. This allows us to respond quickly to the needs of our customers and enables Dexter + Chaney to be the technology leader among construction ERP developers. For example, Spectrum was the first construction management software to offer integrated document imaging back in 1999, today we have more customers using Document Imaging than any other construction ERP company.
“We are heavy users of Spectrum’s Document Imaging capability. We scan 20,000 documents per month. Having electronic access to these documents at each person’s desk is a real timesaver!”
Pro IV is designed for creating "industrial strength" software used by major corporations like Ford Motor Company, Dell Computer, Amazon, Proctor & Gamble, and Fujitsu. It's even used to provide treasury management and capital markets software for the world's leading banks and corporations whose combined users trade over a trillion dollars worth of financial instruments every day.
A key feature of this tested and proven framework is its independence of technologies and platforms. Dexter + Chaney's long-term customers have passed through decades of technology changes while utilizing consistent, growing and evolving software capabilities. With each new release of Spectrum, Dexter + Chaney customers have immediate access to the latest technology without losing any past functionality or company data.
“At Lease Crutcher Lewis, we have used Spectrum® Construction Software from Dexter + Chaney since 1986. We began with a 4-user system running on the Xenix operating system with a proprietary, flat-file database. In 1994 our system had grown to 24 users when we transitioned to the UNIX operating system. In 1999 we had grown to 72 concurrent users and moved to Spectrum’s Windows version running on Windows NT and the Btrieve database. Today we run Spectrum using the Microsoft SQL Server database. Throughout every operating system and database transition since 1986 all of our data has converted electronically, we have never endured a manual data conversion. And we have never had to repurchase our Spectrum software when new versions have been released, each new version was included as part of our annual maintenance program. It has been a smooth evolution across databases and operating systems. Thanks to Dexter + Chaney, Lease Crutcher Lewis has been able to operate efficiently and without interruption and we’ve kept our construction software at the leading edge of technology.”
What Spectrum’s Superior Architecture Means to You:
Superior Performance
Spectrum delivers fast processing of complex tasks and can handle high transaction volumes to meet the toughest demands of today’s construction environment. One Spectrum client handles 800 concurrent users daily while another client processes about 3,500 payroll checks per week, all using standard Dell Servers. Superior processing speed and efficiency is made possible by Spectrum’s server-based architecture.
Superior Scalability
Spectrum can serve from one to one thousand concurrent users. Spectrum processes all data calculations on the server. Individual workstation performance does not restrict Spectrum's data processing speed. This makes managing the system easier and more cost effective, providing flexibility and support for construction company growth.
Superior Remote Access
Information is critical for busy project managers and construction execs, who need access wherever they work. Any internet connection using a VPN will enable Spectrum users to access company information, print reports or perform any other task within Spectrum. Since data processing is all handled by the server, there is no need for third party add-ons, like Citrix, Terminal Services or remote printing programs. Many other programs require these which increase complexity and costs for software and hardware. By comparison, Spectrum saves time and money.
Superior Security
Security is built into Spectrum from the ground up. The database is stored in Microsoft SQL Server and is not directly accessible by users. Spectrum makes it easy for your non-technical Spectrum administrator to reliably manage the security profiles of all users who need to have access to your data in Spectrum.
“Once we had Spectrum up and running it became evident to everyone that the software was very user-friendly. The multitude of reports and search criteria was getting us the right information we needed to do our work. The overall effectiveness of Spectrum has made everyone’s jobs easier and reduced our work time.”
Superior Flexibility
Your users want to see reports and queries formatted to suit their needs. All Spectrum reports are written using industry-leading Crystal Reports. This makes it easy for non-programmers to customize the report formats and create new formats to their needs. The optional Query and Dashboards module allows users to create customized queries and deliver these automatically via email. For example, project managers can receive daily or weekly job status reports automatically.
Superior Affordability
Spectrum is designed to handle small to medium size contractors without a dedicated IT staff. Because it’s less complex, it’s simpler to set up, requires less IT support and database administration. Spectrum can be significantly lower in cost because there’s no need to purchase and set-up Citrix, Terminal Services or special printing programs for remote access.
Superior Integration
Spectrum integrates smoothly with leading estimating systems and numerous other construction-specific applications such as Textura and ComData. Since all Spectrum data is stored in Microsoft SQL Server, users have the ability to integrate with this data in a wide variety of programs, including Microsoft Office and any of the hundreds of third-party applications that interface with SQL Server. All of this is controlled by SQL Server's built-in security, so access is limited to authorized users. This makes it easy and secure to share data across your company.
“Spectrum® Construction Software is a great tool for our diversified business. With each new version things keep improving. I feel like we are on the leading edge of technology.”
Superior in the Future
Spectrum’s architecture allows Dexter + Chaney customers to upgrade their systems without losing any data or functionality. All valuable company information, financial data and job history will translate electronically to the new version. Your database will remain intact and secure throughout the upgrade process. What’s more, all upgrades are provided at no additional charge as part of Spectrum's annual maintenance program. Spectrum users never need to re-purchase their software.
Tested and Proven
In the real world, Spectrum proves itself every day. Why not ask your sales representative for details on how you can use superior technology to help your construction company grow?