Custom Programming
Each business has unique needs, including some that require custom solutions. Our Special Projects Group consults with clients to create specialized reporting or a complete processing system.
Our mission is to solve business problems for our clients without changing the standard functionality of Spectrum™. Instead of altering the inner workings of your accounting software, we create programs that work within Spectrum and maintain the integrity of the software. This allows you to receive regular upgrades without having to reprogram your solutions.
From something as simple as creating a custom invoice format to creating an entire custom module, such as an Equipment Rental system or Dispatch system, we create programs that will continue to work with Spectrum into the future.
We Work With You
Once we receive your request for information, we will make every attempt to contact you within one business day in order to gather information about your specific needs. There is no charge for this initial informational session.
Once you request custom programming, the first step in the process is to consult with one of the Project Leads. During these sessions, you work with a Project Lead to review the business' needs in detail and discuss options to resolve them. Due to the time commitment from our team, even if you decide not to proceed with the actual programming, these consulting sessions are chargeable.
The Programming Specifications are then written up to document exactly how the programming will work and to provide an estimate of how long the programming will take. This is an interactive process; we encourage your feedback and participation. The specification is not finished until you review and agree with the solution.
Once you approve the Programming Specifications, they are placed in the programming queue. Usual programming delivery time is four weeks from the time we receive a signed specification. We also offer a rush processing of your requests.
Upon the completion of programming and quality assurance testing, we will assist you with the installation of your program. In addition to programming, we will provide you with documentation and instructions for your solution, including online Help files.
How Custom Programming Works
Custom Programming functions are maintained independently of the standard Spectrum functions. This allows clients to upgrade to new releases of Spectrum without having their custom functions reprogrammed. Generally, custom programs are added to a CUSTOM menu tab. For example, if we program a custom Overtime Calculation for a client, a CUSTOM tab will appear on the client's Payroll menu, and they will run their custom calculation from this menu.
In order to maintain the integrity of the standard functions, we do not modify standard functions or files when doing custom programming. For example, if a client requests a custom Payroll calculation, we do not modify the standard Payroll calculation. Instead, we create a separate process. The custom Payroll calculation would be performed either before or after the standard Payroll calculation, depending on the program design.
Of course, some items cannot be directly solved with custom programming. For example, if a client makes a request for longer check numbers in Spectrum, all of the standard files which store the current check number size would need to be changed. This would not be possible via custom programming nor is it recommended. In instances where it is necessary to either enter or store additional information, we would more than likely make use of the user-defined fields available in Spectrum, or we would create custom files to store the information.
For every answer to your business needs, our highly trained staff will find a creative and effective solution that will maintain the accuracy and integrity of your Spectrum system.
For more information, please e-mail us at: specialprojects@dexterchaney.com