Review of Vista Enterprise Software System by Viewpoint - Case Study Example

Review of Vista Enterprise Software System by Viewpoint Name Institution Introduction Enterprise software systems have been regarded as complicated systems that are hard to use (Dezdar 2012, p.1918). These systems are not viewed as customer-driven or usable because they are domain oriented to specific fields such as human resource, procurement and accounting. Users are often frustrated at the lack of usability of enterprise software systems especially when they have been accustomed to elegant user interface designs of free applications. This frustration by users makes enterprise software systems less likely to be adopted by users or businesses (Dezdar & Ainin, 2010, p.450). Designers of these enterprise software systems often have to grapple with the challenge of developing dynamic software with a user-centric interface. In addition, designers are challenged with the development of usable enterprise software systems such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) software that can be integrated with other components of the system such as business processes and information (Usamanij, Khosla & Chu 2013, p.1131). Vista Software Vista is an enterprise software system by Viewpoint. It contains a suite of computer solutions that help contractors manage their operations effectively and efficiently. The software is designed for contractors with medium to large-sized businesses. Vista software is designed with contractors in mind because it integrates different aspects of their operations such as accounting, project management, cloud computing, service management, batch indexing and work center management. These integrated modules appear as menu options on the main dashboard. 1.1 Module Capabilities Vista has different modules that pull data from a centralized database. This centralized structure is one of the benefits of enterprise resource planning systems (Batada & Rahman 2012, p.603). Vista’s centralized structure consists of a database and application modules sucha s project management, safety and accounting. The project management module has a good interface. The Vista dashboard has a project management (PM) work center, project management administration and project management dashboard. The PM work center has a large workspace with menu for creating new orders, modifying orders and transmitting the orders. The location of the menu at the top makes it easy for the user to access key capabilities. In addition, the workspace is large enough to accommodate the different order sizes and to enable the user to shift between orders. It even allows a user to perform two orders simultaneously while keeping track of the progress of both orders. The PM Admin module has a scheduling capability that allows the user to create a calendar of activities for each project. The benefit of this calendar option is that it can be viewed on a daily, weekly, monthly or yearly basis. Daily viewing allows the user to examine the tasks to be completed that day, the time of completion and duration that each task will take. The drawback of this capability is that the contractor would have to define the tasks for each project beforehand, define the costs and duration for each activity and then enter these details into the enterprise software system. The accounting module has a simple interface help contractors manage their financial affairs. This module is useful because it collects information on costs from labor, contractors or other activity costs that could affect the construction business. The benefit of this module is that it incorporates progress billings that meet the standards of the construction industry. In addition, the module’s dashboard allows the user to generate Crystal reports in a user-friendly format. A drawback is that the system does not generate balance sheets or profit and loss statements. In addition, the software does not provide lookup options to view histories which reduces its functionality. Vista has a safety module that helps the contractor view the safety of his firm and his employees. The safety module shown in figure 1 collects monthly reports of accidents and produces summaries in a simple format. The module can produce reports of accidents by month and by severity. Information quality is very important in these modules because the accuracy of information provided influences the user’s perception of the business (Roses 2011). Figure 1. Safety Module of Vista Software by Viewpoint 1.2 Integration of Modules The integration of modules is a key benefit for Vista. Rather than just having project management capabilities, the software can link each project with accounting module so that the user has an effective way of assessing the job costs, expenses and billings for each project. This costing is provided in an easy-to-read format for any type of user, whether the contractor or the accountant. The module also provides flexible billing formats that are created through easy one-step process. These formats enable managers to make critical decisions more effectively. This improvement in decision making is a benefit of enterprise software systems (Dezdar, 2012). 1.3 Flexibility and Versatility Vista is versatile because it integrates different modules such as the accounting and accounting in a seamless manner. The software can also integrate with other computer applications such as Microsoft Office. The software also works well with operating systems such as Windows 8, Mac OS and web browser. Vista is versatile because it has mobile capabilities. The mobile field application shown in figure 2 has an easy to use interface allows employees and managers to keep track of production hours and equipment use via tablets and smart phones. On the interface is the name of the project (such as First Ave Elementary School), name of the employee, punch card and time sheet. The main dashboard is located to the left of the mobile field interface alongside equipment, productivity and labor time that show the individual labor, productivity and equipment use. To the right of the interface is the list of members of the crew working on the project and their titles. This mobile field capability is important because contactors can enter field data at their own time or convenience. Construction crew can also view field data such as their daily equipment use and work hours in a quick and easy manner on their smart phone or tablet. 1.4 Cloud-based Features Vista has cloud-based features that allow the user to take advantage of cloud based platforms and capabilities. This capability is important for contractors that upload their drawings on the cloud. The cloud feature allows construction crew to upload and share drawings in a flexible manner. 1.5 Bid and Service Management Vista has capabilities for managing construction bids and services. This bid management capability can be viewed on a smart phone or tablet. Service management is facilitated through the service management (SM) work center. The SM work center is shown in figure 3 below. The work center contains details of each order such as order number, description (such as repair), status (open or closed), name of the customer, the service site and the description of the site (such as historic building or hotel). The SM work center dashboard also has an area for locating items, call center service numbers, schedules, range of work orders (billable or aging) and service management agreements for customers. The success of the use of these service options, however, depends on user characteristics such as education and IT experience. This is because studies have shown that users with IT experience and education have greater satisfaction with enterprise systems (Dezdar 2012, p.1920). 1.6 Customer Support The customer support team is quite attentive. They respond to complaints or feedback from customers about their software. The support team responds in a friendly manner and is willing to take the software user though the steps when one gets stuck navigating the software system. Another relevant aspect of customer support is that they take complaints seriously. In the case of a software bug, the customer support team would have the technical team to contact the client to try to identify the nature of the problem. Once the bug is identified, the technical team works on the bug and produces a better version of the computer software. The implementation team manages this software correction and issues the client with the updated software. In some cases, the technical team and implementation team would improve the client’s software at his own convenience. This cooperation is important because it improves user satisfaction of the software. 1.5 Drawbacks The drawback with the software is that it requires training. Vista users require training to take advantage of the software capabilities and technical improvements provided by the vendor. Another drawback is that Vista cannot be customized. This inability to customize means that the software cannot align to the specific needs of each construction business (Kanchymalay et al. 2013, p. 1788). However, Law, Chen and Wu (2010, p.297) argue that inability to customize is a benefit for users because customization increases maintenance costs and the risks of implementation failure and Conclusion Vista is a versatile and flexible software for people in the construction business. The enterprise software system is supported by a good customer service team, is easily integrated with operating systems, allows mobile use and incorporates valuable modules to enhance the user’s experience . References Batada, I & Rahman, A 2012, ‘Measuring system performance & user satisfaction after implementation of ERP’, Proceedings of Informing Science & IT Education (InSITE) Conference, pp.603-611. Dezdar, S 2012, ‘User satisfaction issues in ERP projects’, World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, vol.6, pp. 1918-1921. Dezdar, S & Ainin S 2010, Enterprise resource planning implementation success in Iran: Examining the role of system environment factors’, World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, vol.66, pp.449-455. Kanchymalay, K, Krishnan, R, Arif, F, Amiruddin, S, Salam, S & Hashim, UR 2013, ‘The extent of ERP customization towards user satisfaction in daily operation for manufacturing companies’, Journal of Computers, vol. 8, no.7, pp.1788-1792. Law, C, Chen, C & Wu, B 2010, ‘Managing the full ERP cycle: Considerations of maintenance and support requirements and IT governance practice as integral elements of the formula for successful ERP adoption’, Computers in Industry, vol.61, no.3, pp. 297-308. Roses, LK 2011, ‘Antecedents of end-user satisfaction with an ERP system in a transnational bank: Evaluation of user satisfaction with information systems’, Journal of Information Systems and Technology Management, vol. 8, no.2. Usamanij, P, Khosla, R & Chu, M 2013, ‘Successful product or successful system? User satisfaction measurement of ERP software’, Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, vol. 24, pp. 1131-1144. Read More