http://www.entellic.com/rw/index.htmlThe Latest from Entellicenresults@entellic.comCopyright 2006 Entellic Corporation2008-07-04T07:50:59-07:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:59:37 -0800results@entellic.comSoapbox2007-08-08T09:23:59-07:00http://www.entellic.com/rw/news/files/d45ecdc48067189cfe916a2982d4f0e0-8.html#unique-entry-id-8http://www.entellic.com/rw/news/files/d45ecdc48067189cfe916a2982d4f0e0-8.html#unique-entry-id-8During a rigorous validation and verification (V&V) review of a FileMaker system, I was struck by the number of details checked by the quality assurance staff. Great attention was focused almost exclusively on mathematical calculations and data protection.

However, the reviewers had far greater difficulty determining the validity of requirements relating to "ease-of-use" and "intuitive interface". These requirements were listed along side the logic expectations of the system.

I'm convinced that workgroup systems fail to live up to their potential due to poor user interfaces more often than for logical problems. People won't use a system if the interface intimidates them. Even when the logic of a solution works as advertised, they will find another way to solve their problems if the system lacks a meaningful experience to accomplish the given task.

The bulk of my professional career was spent in printing and publishing, an industry upon which the intangibles of good design became both an art and a science. Millions of dollars are spent every day to assure that a page design moves people to action.

Graphic designers are trained not only in digital creation, but in how people interact with a design. Advertising agencies establish focus groups to determine if the outcome of a specific ad will lead to results. Editors watch readers "eye travel" to determine if graphic elements on a page keep the reader in the story for as long as possible.

These same principles apply to good user interfaces.

Every organization has a personality. Every workgroup projects its own identity. The toolsets they employ must conform to these dynamics for real work to be accomplished. When workgroup software is incompatible to the character, disposition or expectaions of a team, it will fail...despite the fact that it delivers an accurate result for an equation or provides access to valuable data.

While these thoughts are really nothing new to experienced technology consultants, I am reminded, again, of how much rigor must be placed on the interface of a project. If a client cannot express an objective standard to measure the effectiveness of a user interface, then it is our job to state such standards.

Where are the tools to measure user interface guidelines? To this date, the best series of practical, measurable user interface rules are found in Alan Cooper's "About Face" series. I would encourage anyone with a passion for effective software to scoop up one of his books, today.

On a more immediate, practical level, the next time you pick up a brochure or magazine, keep track of where your eyes travel as you scan, then read, its content. Now, take that same approach to your user interface. Ask yourself if the user's eye moves to where you want when entering data or prompting an action. What roadblocks did the interface impose on the user when initiating an action? Ask yourself how your UI can be validated as an objective quality component to the system you've created.

Even as the V&V process completes for another of Entellic's workgroup projects, I am challenged to achieve the ultimate interface that inspires people to maximize their efforts.]]>results@entellic.comHappenings2007-03-08T12:00:00-08:00http://www.entellic.com/rw/news/files/168c64d8b1cfff878778ff7415ed7e9f-7.html#unique-entry-id-7http://www.entellic.com/rw/news/files/168c64d8b1cfff878778ff7415ed7e9f-7.html#unique-entry-id-7In February, 2007, Entellic Corporation was approved for a Software Bundling Agreement (SBA) by FileMaker, Inc., allowing the company to sell FileMaker® Pro software as a component to Entellic's Waste Inventory System.

During the past several months, Entellic produced a system to track the processing of radioactive containers across tightly controlled inventory control areas managed by U.S. Department of Energy contractors. The system provides isotopic characterization and site conversion for each incoming container, then tracks the joining of container values to new outgoing containers.

The system also pre-evaluates the effects of radioactive values to destined control areas prior to moving the containers. Real-time container tracking takes place using batch bar code scanners. All data is stored on a local area network, served by FileMaker Server.

Entellic applied for the SBA to provide end-users a means to purchase a comprehensive, specialized workgroup application built on proven workgroup software. FileMaker software was selected because of its unique combination of benefits:

• The FileMaker development environment allows for rapid flexibility, allowing Entellic to adapt its solution to the specific requirements of each governmental site.


• FileMaker provides Entellic developers with almost unlimited graphical user interface options, leading to greater user acceptance.


• FileMaker Server allows for a robust method of serving data while balancing the processing requirements to workstations.

"Whenever we sell a system in D.O.E. space, it endures a comprehensive validation and verification process by our customers," said Duane Wilton, President of Entellic Corporation. "Working in FileMaker allows us to focus on solving difficult workgroup problems with confidence in the delivery of the resulting solution. The bundling agreement allows us to transfer that same level of confidence to our customers while resolving a variety of procurement challenges that would otherwise be present from a two-vendor purchase."

For additional information about Entellic's Waste Inventory System, contact Entellic Corporation at (509) 529-4201, or at results@entellic.com.]]>results@entellic.comSoapbox2007-01-07T15:46:59-08:00http://www.entellic.com/rw/news/files/44af61337e77c30acf047f79a72eadc0-6.html#unique-entry-id-6http://www.entellic.com/rw/news/files/44af61337e77c30acf047f79a72eadc0-6.html#unique-entry-id-6Do you remember the old television show "To Tell the Truth"? In the show, one person was selected because of an interesting vocation or experience. Then, that person and two impostors would attempt to convincingly answer celebrities questions in hopes that they would be chosen as the real person of interest.

Within every data-driven project, one of the greatest struggles is discovering its real requirements. Each person in an organization offers a different idea of the requirements. Or, more likely, people have difficulties in articulating more than just an overview of the requirements that will make or break a project.

Entellic understands this difficulty. Gathering the details takes more than just asking questions off of a checklist. In most cases, requirements are learned by onsite observation and collection of sample input and output documents. Assuring that the real requirements are captured means repeating them back in the form of a requirements document.

Yet, as fourth-generation database technologies become more robust, another way of gathering requirements is taking shape: In some cases, rapid prototyping can be effective. With tools like FileMaker® in the hands of experts, there are cases in which the data dictionaries, workflow, and basic interfaces can be fleshed out in a matter of days...in the same amount of time it would take to create a requirements document.

The inherent value of rapid prototyping is apparent:

• People think visually. The ability to see the the project requirements assists them in communicating what they really want.


• Developers are usually better at communicating in tables, interfaces, and processes than they are in sentences and paragraphs. Rapid prototyping allows database programmers to quickly manifest what they think a client wants. Words don't stand in the way.


• A foundation is laid. If a project's intent is accurately portrayed in the prototype, some development tasks are already accomplished, ready to be built upon. When you recognize that the lifespan for many data projects is less than three years, this fraction of development time can hold costs down.

Of course, rapid prototyping is not intended to replace all pre-development documentation. And, it can be a total waste of time if the interpretation of a client's needs is completely missed in the prototype development. Even worse, it can foster laziness by developers and analysts.

Yet, even with these risks, the advent of desktop database development tools lends itself to move forward with this method of communicating requirements. Even a well-written requirements document can lead to disappointing results and rework due to human communication limitations. We believe that people really do think in pictures more than words. They know it when they see it. We believe rapid prototyping should be attempted.

What do you think? Send us an email with your experiences, biases, or ideas. Is this the way to make the real requirements stand up?

Watch for additional thoughts on rapid prototyping in future posts.]]>results@entellic.comSoapbox2006-10-17T21:00:34-07:00http://www.entellic.com/rw/news/files/69f9a5d4a88b94c5103433e15ae920fe-5.html#unique-entry-id-5http://www.entellic.com/rw/news/files/69f9a5d4a88b94c5103433e15ae920fe-5.html#unique-entry-id-5Last year, Entellic installed a point-of-sale system for a college bookstore that incorporated Symbol™ bar code scanners. This experience with the scanners prompted us to find new ways to use the technologies beyond retail operations.

A short while ago, a government client was seeking a way to eliminate data entry into their document tracking systems. Bar code readers were the logical choice. The result: Now, as paper records are delivered to clerks, a small bar code label is immediately affixed to the margin. Every time an activity with a document takes place, such as check-in or check-out of records during various technical review processes, the bar code is scanned to record the activity: This process creates a virtual audit trail without a number of entry steps.

And, more importantly, when the final document is ready for archive as a PDF, the document is named properly during the conversion process by scanning the barcode as its title. The bar code scanner is used to make each document process less cumbersome and error-free.

This is just one inexpensive way to automate what was once a clumsy manual entry process.

That same organization is currently incorporating bar code scanning into their inventory control operations. But, this inventory is not typical. Containers of radioactive material are moved from control areas. Therefore, the error rate for these movements must be "zero."

Entellic assisted the organization by creating several bar code applications that are uploaded into several industrial-grade batch scanning units. The applications administer remote data capture operations in a tightly-controlled, linear process. Upon docking the scanner, the data is uploaded as a batch into a FileMaker™ application. This application, named MoveControl, evaluates the data for errors. Three things occur as a result of the evaluation:

1. The operator is released to make the sensitive container movement from one inventory control area to another.


2. Live data is synchronized to the primary container tracking systems, allowing administrators to have a "live" portal into container movement activity.


3. An "audit trail" is created to demonstrate compliance to procedures for all container movements.

Obviously, each example in this story is specific to the needs of our clients. However, the combination of remote data capture, error control, and live reporting makes a strong case for any organization.

For more information about how bar code scanners (or other devices that scan labels that incorporate radio frequencies in lieu of optical bar codes), call Entellic, today.]]>results@entellic.comRelationships2006-09-26T17:13:28-07:00http://www.entellic.com/rw/news/files/b059294226b744f4f7cde0e715683b62-4.html#unique-entry-id-4http://www.entellic.com/rw/news/files/b059294226b744f4f7cde0e715683b62-4.html#unique-entry-id-4The first project that Entellic carried out for EnergX was five years ago. They needed a training management system that was customized around the specific invoicing requirements of multiple DOE subcontractors and a variety of private companies, ranging from municipalities to small businesses. And, the system had to import data from PeopleSoft and from an Entellic-created online enrollment system.

And, it had to be done in just a few weeks.

Entellic delivered the system and has supported EnergX ever since. To this day, Joan Howard, Contract Manager at EnergX-TFE brags about how our system is the most accurate training database at the Hanford site.

Through a variety of other projects ranging from contract management systems to remote safety survey systems, Entellic has supported EnergX at multiple sites. It was only natural that in November of last year, Entellic received a call for a special project.

EnergX was called in to manage a TRU/Low-level waste processing center in Tennessee. From the get-go, it was apparent that automation and records management would be a requirement for the project's success. Within a few months, Entellic produces a Records Management System that linked meta data to PDF files on a FileMaker server. The system would produce barcodes to identify each document, then control the scanning, naming, and writing of files in specific locations on the server.

The Records Management System was a positive element during a pre-audit of the site's operation.

Now, EnergX was awarded to contract to manage the site. Entellic congratulates EnergX and its employees and subcontractors in demonstrating to the DOE its prowess in operation of the facility.

And, we are committed to making sure EnergX is fully supported in its workgroup operations. Currently, Entellic staff is creating an Inventory Management System that tracks the radio-nuclides and activity of each container moved throughout each control area.]]>results@entellic.comHappenings2006-08-25T13:58:24-07:00http://www.entellic.com/rw/news/files/8521e739ec8059b480ae740c38b4799f-3.html#unique-entry-id-3http://www.entellic.com/rw/news/files/8521e739ec8059b480ae740c38b4799f-3.html#unique-entry-id-3One of the good things about being an independent consulting business is that you can choose nearly any toolset to get results. At Entellic, our staff has been using FileMaker since version 1.5 in one capacity or another.

At the FileMaker Developer's conference this year, we had an opportunity to hear directly from FileMaker personnel about the current and future capabilities of the software. One thing is apparent: While FileMaker is already a stellar tool for integrating data and providing easy-to-use workgroup toolsets, it's only going to get better.

Though Non-Disclosure Agreements will not allow us to say much more than that, we can tell you this much: If the next version of FileMaker delivers only a fraction of the potential features, it's going to blow away the obstacles between workgroups and legacy systems. Of all the gadgets in a workgroup's toolbox, FileMaker will rise as the most trusted, capable tool for gathering, processing, and reporting online and offline data.

Therefore, we are pleased to commit ourselves to providing a superior level of FileMaker development and implementation.]]>results@entellic.comHappenings2006-08-04T18:19:59-07:00http://www.entellic.com/rw/news/files/5562b700d898e036e3cca7dc34e42c04-1.html#unique-entry-id-1http://www.entellic.com/rw/news/files/5562b700d898e036e3cca7dc34e42c04-1.html#unique-entry-id-1FileMaker® is really pouring it on when it comes to workgroup processes that integrate Web technologies. As legacy systems move toward browser-based viewers, workgroups can now use these tools as a component to their FileMaker systems.

Entellic personnel will be onsite in Orlando to take in as much training as possible. Special emphasis will be placed on PHP integration as FileMaker promotes its latest APIs.

We will also be sharpening our skills in XML integration.

Watch for a report from the conference in mid-August.]]>results@entellic.comHappenings2006-07-06T16:42:39-07:00http://www.entellic.com/rw/news/files/fb958a8f2d49c39edc39a8ccf7931bd9-2.html#unique-entry-id-2http://www.entellic.com/rw/news/files/fb958a8f2d49c39edc39a8ccf7931bd9-2.html#unique-entry-id-2At the Department of Energy's Small Business Procurement Conference, Duane Wilton surveyed a variety of exhibitors to discover their perceptions about workgroup challenges. Speaking with more than 25 representatives from 17 companies, it is apparent that contractors understand the problem of I.T. department support for workgroups.

As one vendor described it: "Our purchasing department relies on information from the [legacy] system for contract and personnel information. But our real work takes place in spreadsheets and word processing documents. If there is a way to create a small system that can pull information from [our legacy system] and work with it independently, that would be valuable to us."

Of the 17 companies surveyed, nine were interested in learning more about customized workgroup systems from Entellic. Four purchasing agents were supportive in directing Entellic to end users to discuss specific workgroup needs for their operations.]]>results@entellic.comHappenings2006-06-27T10:14:55-07:00http://www.entellic.com/rw/news/files/e5bbf60ad01090b74355cdad760b8505-0.html#unique-entry-id-0http://www.entellic.com/rw/news/files/e5bbf60ad01090b74355cdad760b8505-0.html#unique-entry-id-0It's been a few years since Entellic sent a representative to the the Department of Energy's Small Business Procurement Conference. This year, the conference is practically in our back yard, in Seattle.

Entellic's president, Duane Wilton, will be onsite at the conference to meet contractor representatives and evaluate Entellic's prospects of expanding its scope further into the DOE community. In addition, the conference offers a variety of sessions to help small businesses, like Entellic, sharpen skills in project execution and proposal preparation.]]>