Programming

Our prefered programming language is C++.  This language allows us to produce full enterprise class applications which can interface into all Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) and stand alone or flat file database applications.  It also allows us to develop library files (dll or lib or ocx) files which can then be further utilised through third party applications such as Microsoft® Office.

We use C++ as the basis of our more advanced Microsoft® Excel® add-ins to give us native functionality and superior speed of processing.  Together with VBA to control the user interface, it provides a robust and secure platform for any customised processes or functions.

We are proficient in Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) which is embedded in all of the Microsoft® Office products.  It is the successor to the basic script macro language that was available in Office products previous to version 5.0.  VBA allows you to automate many of the common manual tasks that companies perform every day, sometimes taking hours for a person to import or type data and manipulate that data or report on that data.  We have produced many VBA systems that have reduced all of the manual tasks to a single button click.  Some of the more complex systems include the RATCH Australia Electricity Generation process and the QSuper Human Resources Dashboard system.

VBA also allows you to develop a “Dictator Application”, whereby you remove all standard user interface aspects of Excel® and replace them with your own customised Ribbon tabs and File menu (Backstage) items.

Data Analysis

We can build complex data analysis models utilising IBM® Cognos (formerly TM1).  Cognos is a sophisticated multi-dimensional Business Intelligence (BI) tool, which can be used to analyze and report on any type of corporate data, be it General Ledger, Sales, Labour, Procurement or Inventory, Plant and Equipment, just to name a few.  Cognos can load data from any ODBC compliant data store as well as flat files.

Through the use of Rules on cubes, we are able to build complex models for Planning and analysis and incorporate Business Rules for production of Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s).

We can also perform or build analysis tools, combined with our programming skills, directly in Microsoft® Excel®, using native Excel® functionality or by designing and building custom User Defined Functions (UDF’s).

Our own EzXLReporter Add-in is a prime example of this data analysis and reporting capability.