Exploiting Technology, Usability

For years, we have been adding new features and greater usability to all of our products. We are now extending the scope of the products by adding new capabilities that range beyond those of the immediate application.

Microsoft SQL database versions of all products are now available for those interested in that processing model. Translation programs are provided to convert from our Vision database to SQL.

This past year, a new interface was introduced for all applications. Users saw a more pleasing graphical presentation along with greatly improved user-definable preference settings. Embedded spelling checkers are now a part of all applications.

CUBIC utility billing has seen a myriad of changes that have altered how customer service is delivered. Several years ago, we introduced Internet Inquiry. Initially, it was slow to be accepted. Now many of our customers have implemented this option. The Inquiry feature has caused a marked reduction in the number of phone calls requesting usage history and current balances.

We implemented the Internet functions in a Hosted environment. That is, we provide the service on a dedicated server maintained for Frey & Company. This became a truly cost-effective solution for everyone. You don’t need a dedicated Internet server to provide these services.

On-line payments are available as a part of the Internet Inquiry option. However, on-line payments are not mandatory. There are two payment options. In the first option, the customer assumes a convenience fee when making on-line payments. The second is for the utility to assume the cost of the service charges. On-line payments have substantially reduced shut-offs and is an added convenience for customers.

E-billing is a new alternative to mailing bills. Customers are sent an e-mail with a link to a copy of their statement format bills. We chose this method because it not only delivers a copy of the bill to the customer; it also makes the last bill available on the Internet Inquiry Web site. E-bills eliminate postage, forms, and handling expenses. It is also very convenient for those who are away from their residence. One client who studied the costs said they were about forty-cents per item. With another postage rate increase coming, E-billing just makes “cents”.

The scope of CUBIC has been expanded by offering Backflow testing and Meter Maintenance optional applications. These functions are adjunct systems for the distribution side of the operation. They are totally integrated with CUBIC and provide all of the controls needed to service these functions.

Meter Maintenance tracks details of the meter’s history and schedules testing at the desired intervals. Testing results are recorded and attached to the meter history record. Appropriate reports are also available. Water, Electric, and Gas meters can be serviced with this option.

Backflow prevention testing is a mechanism that schedules the periodic testing of backflow devices. These tests are performed either by the utility or by a plumber licensed to conduct the tests. Test requirement notices are prepared and sent to the party responsible for the testing. If the test has not been completed in the allotted time, Late Notices are then prepared. Finally, Shutoff Notices are then sent to those who fail to comply. When a testing report is received, it can be imaged and incorporated into the testing history data. A variety of reports are also available.

Soon, we will be offering an IVR, Interactive Voice Recognition option. This capability is currently in the pilot stage and should be available later this year. IVR can process incoming calls and give customers information about their account balances and usage. It can also produce outgoing calls, informing customers about actions such as shut-offs and service outages.

BUCS Fund Accounting has received a number of new capabilities that go beyond routine bookkeeping functions.

ACH for accounts payable is offered to streamline the processing of invoices for payment. ACH eliminates postage, forms, and handling costs. ACH electronically pays bills by money transfers rather than by checks. This module offers real time and cost savings opportunities.

The Positive-Pay module electronically sends a list of checks being issued along with their dollar amounts to the bank. When checks are received, they are compared to the list for accuracy. This prevents check fraud by validating amounts.

CC-Tracker is another new module designed to streamline and enhance the processing of business credit card transactions. Charge slips are entered as invoices and marked as credit card transactions. When the statement arrives, all slips are presented for reconciliation. This provides a true picture of vendor activity and highlights misuse of credit cards. Clients using this module are very impressed with how it improves workflow and control.

CHIPS Fund-based Payroll has received over two dozen improvements this year. Improvements include the new interface, embedded spelling checker, and the updating of federal tax tables via the Internet.

A Positive Pay module is now offered for payroll. It electronically sends a list of payroll checks being issued along with their dollar amounts to the bank. When checks are received, they are compared to the list for accuracy. This prevents check fraud by validating amounts.

Security has additional features regarding passwords. These features include options to force a password for every user, force the user to change their password periodically, and an option to not allow the user to change their password.

2007 User Conference

User-Centric Software, A New Vista

This year’s conference will focus on A New Vista, User-Centric Software. The dates are set for August 12–14 th at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Covington, Kentucky.

A design based around the user’s needs is called a ‘user-centric’ design process. User-centric designs provide better solutions. They constantly draw information from users on what they need and like. The design continues to be refined to incorporate those improvements.

Technology also plays a roll in the design process. As new technology become available that would improve upon the user-centric design, it is incorporated into the solution. However, it must be done in an orderly fashion. It should not intrude on the user-centric design in-place to the point of being disruptive.

Donald R. Frey & Company focuses on providing easy-to-use software solutions while improving on useful technology. We strive to maintain a balance between technology, familiarity, and usability.

With the advent of Microsoft’s Windows Vista operating system, we are presented with a new, unfamiliar, environment. Do we wholly embrace the new user interface, or do we take a measured approach to the changes? We will critique Windows Vista and determine what impact it will have on how we do things. We will also discuss some of the hardware and other software components of this new release during our user conference.

We will provide sessions on all Frey software applications. These sessions will describe new extensions and enhancements. Discussions will be conducted designed to stimulate Thinking Out-of-the-Box about how to improve our software tools. Information derived from these sessions routinely forms the core for future product improvements.

Our evening event this year will be held at the Cincinnati Historical Society’s Museum. It is one of the largest and most significant urban history museums in the country. The Museum displays materials and related aspects of the history of Cincinnati and the surrounding region. Dinner will be served on a re-creation of the Cincinnati Public Landing of the late 1850s, where you can step aboard a 94-foot side-wheel steamboat. Visitors can also see a model of the city of Cincinnati from 1900s to 1940s with working trains and inclines, as well as interactive computer stations. Visit their Internet site at www.cincymuseum.org

Conference Brochure