Development Update

New features in the development pipeline for 2010 and beyond

Windows 7 Compatibility

Clarity is currently compatible with Windows 7 when installed outside the 'program files' folder. A new file location standard established with Windows Vista and extended in Windows 7 has lead us to adopt a new software installer process, which is currently in development.

The new installer will negate the need for a separate upgrader, instead a single executable will be capable of deploying Clarity to your machine on XP, Vista or Windows 7 and upgrade any existing installation if appropriate. We are currently in the testing stage of development, working through the scores of different installation scenarios and database combinations which are possible. The new installer will be released this month as part of Clarity v3.8.

Essential Development

Our user base is growing consistently and the demands we face from customers and advances in development technology make it necessary for us to carry out two essential projects:-
  1. A move to the latest version of our software compilers which will open the opportunity to increase user interface functionality and performance.
  2. A change of database server engine within the software. Using 'thin-client' technology will unlock huge potential for software improvements including, increased performance, enhanced security, significantly more robust data integrity, better multi-user access, pop-up alerts, automated upgrades, web-integration and many more features we are excited about passing onto all our customers.
Note: Neither of these projects will bring software changes which require you to upgrade or change your PCs, servers or software.

Other News

We are working on extending many elements of the software. As such we have put a very quick Market Survey together. Please click on the boxes after each of the following articles. By doing this you will have an input into the future direction of the software. Many thanks in advance.

Mobile Job Sheets

A mobile data supplier to the service industry has been identified to output data from Clarity to your field workers such as services engineers, installation or fitting personnel. The solution includes collecting job time against the job and also personnel tracking by GPS so you can see exactly where your workers are and how long they have been at each location. It will even show how fast they are travelling. This works using a mobile phone input and will bolt on to existing technology (you will only get the GPS data if the phone has a GPS device enabled in the phone)
TIMESCALE : within 3 months subject to response.

Interested?    Very   Moderately   Not at All

JDF Tickets Workflow Integration

This is specifically targeted at printers and digital printers. We are looking at adding JDF information (a new industry standard) to electronic job tickets in the Production module at the time of Job Card creation. This will open up the connectivity with many of the workflow software packages on the market. We are in the process of discussions with one partner, a leading workflow software supplier to the print and digital print market.
TIMESCALE : within 3 months subject to response.

Interested?    Very   Moderately   Not at All

File Drop and File Sign-Off

Targeted at the all users who receive and send drawings, artwork or other large files from their customers, we are in the process of expanding our much tried and tested web-based file drop software and releasing it to clients. This will hook into the Clarity file Documents function such that all files are kept connected to the jobs they refer to. A sign-off process will give you a traceable electronic drop and verification system which will help eliminate costly mistakes.
TIMESCALE : within 3 months subject to response.

Interested?    Very   Moderately   Not at All

Web-based Job Info

Aimed at all clients who wish to send their job information from Clarity to the web, this feature will enable the ability for your customers to access a password protected area on your web-site where they can access their current quotes & orders, view progress of their job to completion and despatch.
TIMESCALE : Undefined and subject to response.

Interested?    Very   Moderately   Not at All

Web-based visibility of Support Status and Knowledge Base

We are about to change our support system which will lead to the possibility of putting our help desk & support information out on the web, within the website's secure User Area. This enables us to keep you informed and you can see the threads of work we are doing behind the scenes to solve particular issues. It will also enable the ability to provide a knowledge base and a more live FAQ area for Clarity.
TIMESCALE : Internal deployment Dec 2009, external deployment Q1 2010.

Interested?    Very   Moderately   Not at All

Outlook Integration

We are adding the ability to synchronise your Activities Diary with Microsoft Outlook. This will enable the onward synchronisation with Mobile Phones and PDAs through Microsoft Active sync or other translation software compatible with Microsoft's Exchange Server.
TIMESCALE : After the essential development projects described above.

Interested?    Very   Moderately   Not at All


Name:
Company:
Clarity Professional Touch Systems Ltd, 7 The Pavilions,
Cranmore Drive, Solihull, West Midlands, B90 4SB
Tel +44 (0) 121 248 2448   Fax +44 (0) 121 248 2450		 Issue 5 November 2009

ISSUE 5 - Article 4
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