Author: Justin Hesser

Reliable database software can provide a firm foundation for any organization’s data operations. Companies, nonprofits and groups across all sectors and areas of business rely on software solutions to help keep track of important data, whether it’s a school that must collect its students’ personal information or a business that is required to track vital financial data.

These clients can turn to any one of a number of software developing companies to implement their database software. However, it’s important to work with a developer that understands the client’s individual needs and concerns, as well as the demands and intricacies of the software being used.

Custom application development can be a rewarding endeavor when working with qualified software developing companies, but not all can promise the best service and experience. With a collection of developers and consultants certified to work with the industry’s top database software, Kyo Logic can provide the knowledge and solutions clients require to get their database up and running.

Understanding custom application development

Most organizations or companies can identify the value of database software without much trouble, and many turn to software developing companies after pointing out a simple problem. For instance, a small business might realize it needs a better way to track and record inventory, or a company’s accounting department may desire a more organized way of conducting billing processes.

It’s when these individuals try to conceptualize solutions that the process becomes more difficult. Some may have trouble verbalizing their current capabilities, while others might simply be unsure of the best way to go about buying and implementing database software.

When working with a software developing company that has experience both in consulting and development, clients enjoy the benefits of a one-to-one collaboration with experts that can introduce them to the best database software solutions and help put those strategies into place.

A solutions-oriented approach to developing database software

Customers that seek new database software may have a single problem they wish to fix – increased user acceptance or a reduced error rate, for example – but custom application development should also look to provide a wholesale solution to customers’ database needs.

At Kyo Logic, consultants and developers seek to connect clients with database software that will improve accuracy, network health, security and functional challenges. By taking this approach, Kyo Logic is able to provide customers with a more comprehensive solution to their database software needs, solving their immediate concerns while building the foundations for future success.

Clients remained informed at every step of the process, so that they can be sure that their custom application development is proceeding exactly the way they wish.

Kyo Logic’s industry-leading consultancy and development

Aside from a proven approach to successful database software developing, Kyo Logic provides its customers with a number of advantages when compared to the services of other software developing companies.

Kyo Logic is an established leader in prominent development communities, including the FileMaker Business Alliance and TechNet. In addition, all Kyo Logic experts are certified in the latest version of FileMaker, with many holding credentials for past versions of the software as well. With a collection of FileMaker developers and FileMaker consultants on staff, Kyo Logic can offer clients support for this leading software.

Whether they require business productivity solutions, custom application development or other database assistance, companies and organizations can rely on Kyo Logic. With a specialization in customer-facing extranets and the ability to analyze information flows and integrate internal and external systems to maximize efficiency, Kyo Logic’s experts are prepared to help any client increase productivity and drive value for their own customers and stakeholders.

Information security has become an increasingly pressing issue as business processes designed to promote operational flexibility have put data at risk.

Innovation in the business technology field has yielded positive results in the way of building efficiency and improving productivity. New strategies such as bring-your-own-device (BYOD) are changing the way a number of companies operate, as it’s easier to access data, share it and communicate, particularly on the go. However, such changes have generated a heightened sense of concern regarding the safety of sensitive information.

Earlier this week, a proposal was submitted to Washington that would boost the security of network infrastructures across the U.S. private sector. Hackers have evolved concurrently with technology, so it’s up to the companies themselves to stay ahead of the cyber criminals.

Michael Manchisi, group executive of MasterCard Worldwide’s global processing business, spoke with the government blog The Hill about the importance of protecting shared data.

“The private companies want to be sure if they’re sharing this information and acting in good faith that they want to be protected,” Manchisi said.

In the meantime, companies can bolster their database software to not only enhance sharing efficiency but protect the safety of shared information. By initiating custom application development on a FileMaker platform, businesses can build solutions that will help maintain data security even as it is shared between various machines, systems and users.

For example, a system designed to share customer data and process payments from a multitude of devices is ideal for productivity, but any action that puts that information at risk is not only bad business, it could violate a number or regulations pertaining to customer security. Developing a system to protect that information will allow businesses to operate carefully without compromising efficiency.

As the new year gets underway and marketing executives start to map out initiatives for 2013, it's important to be cognizant of trends that are reshaping the way we do business. While some professionals remain steadfast in their assertion that old-school methods can still yield positive results, those that ignore marketing innovations are setting themselves up for failure.

Companies that have not yet capitalized on social data must do so in 2013. As Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and even Google Plus and Pinterest become increasingly popular ways for users to communicate with their favorite companies, the amount of data being formulated by such interaction is growing at a substantial rate.

Social data volumes should reach even greater heights in 2013, primarily because marketing professionals should use social media even more this year. In fact, a recent article in Business2Community suggests that engaging with Facebook users is so important, deleting a company account is better for the brand than not using an existing page.

"Is your Facebook fan page full of unanswered questions and/or complaints? Is it because you simply lack the time it takes to engage with them? Then go ahead and delete your page," writes Steve Parker, the author of the article. "If you cannot work out the time or funds to manage it, it's better to not be there at all."

This is not an ideal solution. While a virtually unused social media account is probably worse than having no account at all, the amount of data that companies can obtain from social engagement is too important to pass up, so it's imperative that all businesses do whatever it takes to maximize their social presence.

Conducting advanced social activity and managing excessive data must be done with pristine efficiency, so finding a way to optimize operations and harness data so it provides the best value is paramount. A FileMaker-based custom database software system can allow businesses to best capitalize on social operations.

Today, every company is trying to go green. Not only does it protect the environment by reducing an organization's carbon footprint, it can yield a number of financial benefits. Companies that invest in renewable energy solutions such as solar and wind can receive tax credits and decrease operational spending, but changes don't have to be as extensive as that.

According to an article in the Louisville Biz Journal, the Christian Care Community's downtown campus in Louisville, Kentucky, is making a number of major changes to its facilities and operations, all in the name of going green.

"The changes are a part of a $2.6 million energy-efficiency project for the Louisville-based nonprofit organization," the article says. "The campus, at 960 S. Fourth street, is home to about 500 seniors. It comprises three buildings, totaling 250,000 square feet, with 122 skilled-nursing units, 386 independent-care and assisted-living units and 30 tradition-care units.

In facilities this large with this many people living and working in it, energy efficiency can be an issue simply because there isn't enough collaboration between departments and employees and numerous machines are being used at the same time, often that doesn't need to happen. Oftentimes, companies can increase their energy efficiency by changing simple daily processes.

Adopting modern technologies such as mobile devices can allow organizations to reduce energy usage, as long as custom application development yeilds a quality system that allows users to access applications and share information. A FileMaker-based system can add an additional layer of efficiency into daily operations at any company, thus improving green standards compliance. Doing so can help organizations receive valuable benefits, in addition to better serving the community and environment.

In the old days of doing business, certain executives had specific goals. The CFO worried about finances, the COO managed the day-to-day operations and the CIO handled technology and data management. That’s starting to change as new technology has promoted collaboration and more executives are inheriting additional roles and conducting more tasks.

An article in Computerworld suggests that chief information officers are becoming increasingly involved in standard business decision-making processes. As technology becomes a more important component of daily operations, it’s up to those in charge of managing technology and technology workers to find a common ground between IT and standard business processes.

Brent Gregory, the IT Director at timber and wood products provider Potlatch, spoke with the news source about the tactics he implements with his employees. He indicated that he encourages his IT workers to become better informed about the ins and outs of wood and timber so they know exactly how their technological prowess is helping the company.

“The goal is to have these IT people take ownership of the applications that most matter to these groups,” Gregory said. “I’m really trying to push them to do the same work I’m doing for their particular specialties. I’m trying to focus more on getting with the moneymakers of the company.”

Getting everyone on the same page may be a strong idea in theory, but it requires a tremendous amount of collaboration, which much be handled with the utmost efficiency. FileMaker-based custom software to promote data sharing is an ideal solution because custom application development in this environment can create flexible and scalable solutions. This would let businesses give valid users a proper level of access and allow for fast and easy communication.

As we begin a new year, now is as good a time as ever to strategically plan operational improvements and procedural changes. Chances are, there are at least some business processes that can be quicker or handled with greater efficiency. This is particularly true with startups and small and midsize businesses (SMBs.)

SMB owners tend to wear many hats. Oftentimes, they are the head of sales, the marketing coordinator, the accountant and they work in the field, all while maintaining themselves as the face of the company. Owning such an organization can be daunting. If daily tasks aren’t performed with the utmost efficiency, it will be difficult for the company to succeed.

An article in The Next Web stresses the importance of operational efficiency in SMBs and startups.

“When you’re running a startup, there never seems to be enough hours in the day to get stuff done,” the article says. “Between meetings, executive decisions, handling personnel and balancing a budget, it’s next to impossible to feel like you’ve hit your maximum efficiency and actually made process.”

Fortunately, technological advancements have made our lives easier and improved daily efficiency in and outside of the office. However, businesses need to capitalize on these tools to experience any true benefit. For example, using mobile technology can help professionals stay organized and get things done while on the go, but a system must be in place to properly store and share information between devices, particularly in instances where collaboration is required.

Working with a Filemaker developer to build custom software can help small businesses gain the solutions they need to build efficiency and streamline processes. This will ultimately lead to increased productivity and improved profitability, so any investments made into new business software should deliver a strong return.

One of the most challenging aspects of new software implementation is user adoption. Many employees, especially those who have worked with the company for many years and have extensive experience with legacy systems, are often hesitant to adopt new software into their daily operations.

However, as technology advances, it becomes increasingly important for companies to keep up with changes so they can stay competitive in their industry. Eventually, businesses will have to get their employees – even the more stubborn veterans – to learn and use new systems as they are deployed to them.

An article in the online publication Customer Think examines the struggle between businesses and their employees as it pertains to the implementation of new systems and solutions. Jacob Morgan, the author of the article, said that it’s up to companies to educate their employees on the value of new business systems.

“Education can play a crucial role in showing employees that using these tools isn’t going to take more time but will help them save time by making their jobs easier,” Morgan writes. “Understand where your users are spending their time and show them how using the new tools will cause them to spend less time doing the tasks they are doing now.”

Training complacent users will be difficult, so it’s important to keep all information regarding the process organized. Database software can help companies create real-time reports that track the training process. As users reach new checkpoints in the adoption process, automated data entry will give companies the ability to closely monitor all pertinent bits of information.

Working with a custom applications provider can allow companies to customize a system to properly manage any business solution adoption process.

As the year winds down and businesses start planning for 2013, one of the chief concerns most companies have is how they will manage their growing volume of information. Big data is growing at breakneck speed and won’t be slowing down as we enter a new year.

The digital revolution has dramatically changed the way companies manage information. Today, data comes from all angles and, with the level of online activity growing by the day, most of it is digital. What were terabytes of information in 2011 became petabytes in 2012. As there is no end in sight, it’s important to implement solutions designed to manage growing data volumes.

Doing so cannot only prevent major challenges in the workplace, it can also be beneficial. The more information a company has to work with, the better it can modify its product offerings and customer engagement methods. An article in the online publication Business 2 Community examines the advantages increased data can bring to a company.

“Big Data technology is generally applied in all sectors of society, but especially in critical areas that benefit from this technology in a number of aspects, such as: loyalty and customer retention because they can create behavior patterns, promotion of new products and services since they can anticipate the needs of their clients, forecasts and projections because commercial transactions have also been digitized and optimizing production and distribution methods, which is where logistics systems come into play,” writes Andre Klein, the author of the article.

Database software can help businesses tackle big data challenges in 2013 and implement information into new-year strategies. By giving decision makers a real-time view of all pertinent data, they can make smarter businesses decisions for the company.

 

As advanced technologies become more affordable and easier to implement, an increasing number of industries are finding ways to incorporate them into their daily operations. The healthcare industry is one that, in recent years, has seen a large spike in the use of electronic medical record (EMR) software.

According to the Commonwealth Fund, nearly 70 percent of primary care physicians in the United States reported that they were using EMRs in 2012, which is up from 46 percent in 2009. But, these figure are mild compared to the Netherlands and Norway, which boasted a 99 and 98 percent user rate respectively. New Zealand and the United Kingdom followed, tied at 97 percent of physicians.

While the United States may be still adopting newer technology into healthcare facilities, many biomedical manufacturers are beginning to see increased sales with international clients. For example, Integrity, a Florida-based medical device manufacturer, has recently announced additional contracts with Ecuadorian hospitals.

“Continued expansion in Ecuador, coupled with the incredible response we are receiving from our other South and Central American partners, represents significant demand for alternative and non-surgical solutions for tens of thousands [of] people negatively impacted by chronic lumbar and cervical pain,” Enzo Pardo, an international sales representative at Integrity, said in a press release.

For medical companies similar to Integrity that are either globalizing or expanding into new markets, both sales forces and marketing departments may need to invest in more dynamic software to maintain the increase in production in foreign territories.

By consulting FileMaker developers, these businesses can create the custom database software that may be needed to ensure that product and brand integration into these markets goes smoothly. Sales representatives can use this technology to separate statistics and figures from domestic and international sales and clients. Marketing departments can keep advertising analytics from South America separate from Europe and North America, while also being able to synthesize them all into a holistic, global view.

Customer service is a major issue for any company. But, as online retailers begin to increase in popularity, these strictly digital businesses have found that not having a tangible presence for consumers to go to with problems and questions can exacerbate the standard customer service challenges.

For example, Inc. Magazine recently spoke with Audrey Griffith, the owner of online vintage-clothing retailer Modcloth about how it was able to solve critical customer service issues. The company was experiencing an ever-increasing backlog of complaints and customer service requests without enough information.

“Our biggest issue was that we lacked reliable statistics about our performance, ticket first-response rate, first resolution rate, satisfaction ratings and industry benchmarks,” Audrey Griffith, customer-care manager at Modcloth, told the source.

In addition, Griffith also stated that they need to be able to comprehensively understand why customers came to their brand and be able to turn that data into information that will allow them to create better business decisions.

By consulting FileMaker developers, businesses can create the custom database software they will need to properly store critical data points, such as who is complaining about what, when they issued the complaint and even how high of a priority this industry may be.

While having the ability to acquire this customer service information is the first step in improving customer relations, it’s not the end of the story. In order to properly analyze this data and turn this information into actionable decisions, business owners will need to store and organize it in a database that is customized to their specific needs and can help them make the decisions they need to improve their company.