Creating the Perfect Fit

ICS finds niche with client customization instead of offering off-the-rack solutions.

What's the difference between buying a suit off the rack and having one tailor-made? The off-the-rack suit that you finally found in your size isn't the exact color you wanted, and the suit in the color you like is a little too small across your shoulders. But the tailor-made suit is perfect -- the right style, the right color, the right fit -- because the tailor took the time to build it only for you.

Too often, companies with complex IT needs try to buy solutions "off the rack" and end up with systems, applications and processes that may work, but never really "fit." International Computer Systems (ICS) understands that each business is unique and thus requires unique solutions to challenging IT problems. Over the years, ICS has built customized solutions and lasting relationships with its customers, helping them do everything from switching servers and streamlining database activity to updating entire network systems.

Enterprises that have sought help from ICS include Atlanta Records Management (ARM), J&C Nationwide and a slew of others. Although some of the companies seeking help have similar problems, many of them come from different industries, and all of them require custom solutions.

A technology company that specializes in providing applications for managing eligibility information for medical facilities needed expertise in helping to tweak its existing database, a system that had been in place for 10 years. It was necessary for the company to integrate a database that could efficiently deploy applications to customers, providing information on how and who to bill for patient services.

After evaluating the situation, ICS offered the solution of switching from DataEaseNetPlus to Visual Basic 6.0. With the company's approval, ICS not only integrated Visual Basic, but also recreated a program that operates with the front-end logic of Visual Basic to create reports. Within five weeks the entire integration was complete.

"Most of the providers that the company contacted were advising them on how to proceed with the DataEase program," said Lee Padron, chief engineer for ICS. "Yet, they were becoming aware that it was probably not their best option for the future. After two weeks of intensive coding, we created an entire application it had taken a year to produce in DataEaseNetPlus."

Another company that has benefited from the customization skills of ICS is ARM, a company offering total access to business-critical documents at a moment's notice. ARM uses ICS's extensive IT support for everything from developing the customized applications required in managing the archives to the networking systems on which they run.

Over 10 years ago, ICS built an ARM-specific application that used the DOS-based DataEase to perform the records management tasks required, automating processes that had once been done by hand. Seven years later, ARM turned to ICS again. This time, ICS created a Windows-based application, FileEase, that allowed clients to manage their own files internally before shipping off-site.

"Due to the increase of Internet use for conducting business tasks, ARM recently looked to ICS to convert its entire DataEase system to a state-of-the-art Visual Basic/SQL Server system that allows online, real-time Internet access to records. This new solution is totally Internet-enabled for e-commerce," said Matt Brown, senior Visual Basic engineer at ICS. "With this product, ARM's clients will simply go online and request the box or file they need, then see it arrive at their desk within the time required. This system will give ARM a lot more flexibility and performance, allowing it to serve the customers even further."

An additional long-term business relationship for ICS is with J&C Nationwide, a company that offers a matching service that screens qualified applicants and refers them to facilities that need Locum Tenens -- temporary replacements for medical staffs.

In 1995, ICS helped J&C Nationwide solve the complex issues of safety, security and quality care that both patients and facilities require in the matching process. This time rather than updating an existing system, ICS built a solution from the ground up. The solution required heavy-duty database experience and an understanding of the workflow and processes required to make matches.

"We built J&C Nationwide's solutions from the ground up and produced a comprehensive solution to suit its business needs," said Padron. "As a result, they've gone from a handful of employees in a single location to five offices nationwide with dozens of specialists dedicated to matching needs with abilities."

The solution had to manage basic data concerning the physicians' contact information, preferences for assignments and areas of specialty. Additionally, it had to closely match and verify credentials of the professionals. Database work was only part of the project as ICS also provided the network design, deployment and support for J&C Nationwide's LAN and WAN that enabled the company to deliver its services.

Recently, ICS continued its dedication to J&C Nationwide by creating an Internet-enabled version of its work. The solution originally created for J&C Nationwide still required manual processing, so ICS offered L-T 2000, which will offer companies a more automated product that encourages self-service by both Locum Tenens and the facilities that hire them.

Over the years, ICS has designed and implemented solutions to fit the individual needs of companies. Many enterprises find a niche by specializing in a specific industry, while ICS's niche is customizing solutions for companies from all types of industries. Customization is essential for businesses to effectively keep pace. 

Call 800.294.1609 for more details.