Claromentis Intranet Software Blog

We have completed the initial testing of our new extension of InfoCapture e-forms onto PDAs and Mobile phones.

Previously, although you could enter data to start an automated Process Manager workflow from your phone, you were basically using a browser and had to have an internet connection.

We now have a downloadable application solution for both the  mobile windows and Symbian platforms, to enable users to enter data into forms that start the workflow process.

The user no longer needs to be connected to the internet – they can keep collecting data and as soon as a connection is available the data is entered, the issues reported to the server and the workflows take over.

Process manager data entry

This is a significant enhancement to the Claromentis process manager solution.

Corporate News, Products, intranet applications e-forms, process manager

As we continue to work on the definition of what will become Claromentis 6.0 I feel that it is important that we ensure ideas can migrate without effort between applications. For example they mature from initial idea shouts on collaboration walls to collaborative exchanges and onwards to execution as a Project.

collaboration

As an intranet software supplier we are always driven to ensure each application is intuitive and fully functional -  but in the post 2.0 world an important aspect within an integrated framework like Claromentis is to make sure that the transition between applications is effortless, and does not require regeneration of information already captured and exchanged.

In some areas we are strong, but in general I feel we need to have more  awareness of the living evolution of a single idea into something that can be executed by an identified team. We are strong for example at making sure a Project in Project Manager has integrated forums, document management and resources – but not so strong in enabling with a single click the creation from a forum or blog an actual project, as an idea moves from collaboration to execution - with no loss of information.

Corporate News, General Intranet Posts, People and Cultural Issues, Products, intranet applications intranet applications, intranet ideas

I want to make the relatively simple point that on many occasions the concept of context for a particular question, request for a solution or recommendation can, if we are not careful – remain uncertain – when often it is the most important aspect of any such debate.

What do I mean?

Lets consider a relatively simple example. As part of a large scale implementation of an intranet solution for a very large company we might be asked ‘what would it cost to implement a procedure for submitting purchase order requests?’

The context should include analysis of the following : “Who is asking, and what authority do you have to change an existing project?” “Do you know if your request might conflict with come other stakeholder in the business?” – “What expert knowledge do you have for the correct procedure for submitting PO requests across the business?” “Do you know the scope of the intranet project?” “Do you know what departments are included or excluded as authorized participants for the intranet project?” “If some departments or stakeholders are excluded do you know what the cost would be is we allow two systems to control such a fundamental process?” “Do you know what the cost is of potential errors if we allow multiple systems to coexist?”

Possibly most importantly : “Should I include the cost of establishing if this is a valid request within the context of the established road map for this intranet project?”

These are just a few very trivial examples of what can go unanswered if the context of the question is not established.

One of the Claromentis core values is Clarity, and that means we must make sure when any client asks a question our staff are very aware of any possible misunderstandings due to the context of that question not being clear.

We have a valued reputation as a consultative intranet solution provider. That means we absolutely must be responsible for thinking about context – as the client will very often not be sensitive to this, and expect a short term answer that is valid, but from our point of view too simplistic – and therefore dangerous.

Providing we are sensitive to context all such questions are welcome, interesting and often lead to hitherto undiscovered return on investment for our client. Without Claromentis staff taking full responsibility for establishing context we might inadvertently mislead a client, which is understandable but unforgivable!

Corporate News, General Intranet Posts, People and Cultural Issues

The title of this blog could have been a question, but I prefer it to be a heading.

We had a corridor conversation a few days ago, Mike and I, and I mentioned  that I wanted him to think about how we might extend InfoCapture so that we can report Process Manager issues on a PDA, those processes to upload to the Claromentis server as soon as it is connected. A great many processes in certain industries start with PDA input of initial data, and then complex work flows need to take over. For example office surveys, certain types of audits.

Within the context of my chat, I was expecting some kind of possibly in 6 months, what version of Claromentis – series of discussions. The normal priority setting of what should make a Claromentis release, and what should miss out.

It is now a few days later and he has the application installed on his Nokia  phone, with the developer now coding the mobile windows version.

We have never met the developer – Mike just put out the work on an open source developers recruitment platform, and it’s done. No fuss, no headache – minor investments and great functionality.

What an amazing leap in our software, from talented people unconstrained by any limitations.

The heading of this Blog could not have been a question – because it doesn’t have an answer.

Corporate News, General Intranet Posts, Open Source Intranets, intranet applications

The recent development plans for the Project management application are extremely thought provoking.

We are now delivering a true collaboration hub, where individuals defining a new project can very easily select powerful collaboration tools that are appropriate for their requirements. These elements form the collaboration hub.

They may select from a Gantt Chart based approach because task management is critical, or version controlled document management, news channels, forums and form based work flows for any conceivable set of requirements. The Claromentis framework provides all of the permissioned access required to ensure users have exactly the access they need, without becoming cluttered and overloaded and that clients can engage with staff, suppliers and partners as required.

This is truly exciting – we are delivering collaboration hubs within a programme managed framework. Every project has an overview area, and each user can specify their preferences for receiving information by email when information changes in the project. Because the Claromentis framework is so comprehensive we can assemble for anyone involved in collaboration exactly what they need, with a very deep functionality set that extends across all areas of customised information management.

Corporate News, Products, intranet applications online collaboration, project management

The purchase this month of Claromentis Document manager by SCOMI, a public engineering company in Malaysia is particularly important as on a group basis they are employers of over 4,800 employees at 65 locations in 36 countries.

They worked with Michael Christian and Alexander Polyanskih from Claromentis to specify a document submission wizard, which working with our name pattern records management functionality will ensure that all new engineering documents are automatically given an appropriate reference number on addition to the document management system.

Engineering Document Management

We look forward to working with the staff of SCOMI to provide a robust document management system for this significant Malaysian public company.

Claromentis around the world, Corporate News, Intranets by Industry Sector or Job Role document management

The most published department in the UK government, the Department for Communities and Local Government, has purchased Process Manager - the e-forms solution from Claromentis.

This will be a fascinating project for Claromentis as Process Manager is a focus Product for 2009 and working together with the Local Government Department will allow us to ensure  the product receives the feedback to ensure it is developed to met the real needs of our business process driven clients.

Claromentis around the world, Corporate News, intranet applications e-forms, government e-forms

Claromentis as a company recently embraced 5 core values that form a foundation of all of our approaches to our projects, and to our work with partners and suppliers alike.

Choice : this expresses itself in several areas, but is certainly one of our main values.
Any Operating system, any browser, any database, any delivery mechanism , any language.

Design : all of our interfaces area a pleasure to work in. Corporate software should be attractive, welcoming, intuitive and inspirational.

Clarity : we believe that most business challenges and IT solutions can be either clearly communicated in simple language or else are a distraction for all concerned.

Risk Management Our engagement model working through a proof of concept before significant funds are committed ensures that we minimize your risks in selecting Claromentis as a partner.

Fun to work with. We deal with complex information and process management issues – these should be important to your business – solving them should be an enjoyable process of working with talented people that can together make a difference.

I was in an all day client meeting today with a range of stakeholders in a complex Portal project that involves various private and public sector companies and organizations. And my conclusion from that experience is that the most valuable of these 5 values, particularly in the early stages of any project, is Clarity.

Time and time again we are able to engage people with diverse backgrounds, understand their requirements and explain the possible solutions in a clear, concise and meaningful way.

All of the other values build on a solid foundation of a clear understanding of the business requirements. There is no point having fun working together if the business definitions are unclear – fun would soon turn to tears. So although being clear takes effort, focus, patience and communication skills I personally believe it is our foundation for all projects.

1 Corinthians 13:13 And now stays faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Nigel : Claromentis Blog : Choice, Design, Clarity, Risk Management and Fun : the greatest of these is clarity.

Corporate News, People and Cultural Issues clarity, values

I am very pleased to say that Claromentis has received ISO9001 accreditation for Quality Management.

This includes the audit of our bespoke and core code processes, which are end to end from specifications to sign off.

It ensures that we :

• Have a set of procedures that cover all key processes in the business;
• Are monitoring processes to ensure they are effective;
• Keep adequate records;
• Are always  checking our code for defects, with appropriate and corrective action where necessary;
• Are regularly reviewing individual processes and the quality system itself for effectiveness; and
• Are facilitating continual improvement.

Thanks to everyone for your help with the work we put in over the last 6 months to gain this important certification.

Corporate News, Intranet Development and API ISO9001, Quality

I am delighted that the Government Department for Communities and Local Government has purchased Claromentis e-forms solution.

The software will help them launch and control form based processes and workflows, not just on their internal intranet but also when interacting with the general public in the UK.

Department of Communities and Local Government

The project will start during November.

Corporate News, General Intranet Posts e-forms, government, intranet software