Services
Insight Online - Total Managed Service
The Insight Online Total Managed Service enables all the technical overheads and workload, associated with traditional functions relating to database management, upgrades, new installations and re-installations, to be avoided by the Client. Symology hosts the application software and manages all server-side functions.
Utilising thin-client deployment technology, the Service is broadcast via a telecommunications network. Communication to the Service is by either a virtual private network (VPN), a partitioned section of the Internet set aside for accessing the service, or a dedicated point-to-point leased line.
View/Download the Insight Online Total Managed Service overview (PDF)
Street Works Notice Management - Pay-Per-Works Managed Service
Symology’s Street Works Register 'Pay-per-Works' Managed Service provides a comprehensive, low cost, solution to organisations which only record a small number of Works each year, though are still required to comply with the latest Traffic Management Act legislation and associated Street Works Code of Practice.
Utilising thin-client deployment technology, end users can simply connect to the service over the Internet and immediately start using the system.
View/Download Brochure (PDF)Internet Service Provision
Symology offers a comprehensive package of internet services, which may be tailored to meet individual site requirements. As a complement to Insight operations, they provide the benefit of a one-stop "turnkey" service for communication needs such as automated ordering or Electronic Transmission of Street Works Notices.
A complete service can be provided, including registration of the required domain or IP addresses, installation of software and hardware, set up and maintenance of an ongoing account, all hosting facilities and provision of FTP space. The service is provided in association with an internet service provider, but Symology will offer a one-stop arrangement, such that users need only deal with Symology for all aspects of the service.
For users who already have access to internet facilities, Symology offer a hosted, managed and security-controlled FTP site which can be used as a staging point for incoming data, to avoid the security dangers of allowing anonymous access into local networks. Together with sophisticated software to automate the data transmission process, including inbuilt security and audit trails, these options offer an effective, competitive and safe way of achieving successful inter-operability.
System Implementation and Project Management
An effective approach to the management of system implementation projects is essential if maximum benefit is to be achieved from software technology. Symology is convinced of the fundamental value of the "joint responsibility project", involving close and intimate cooperation of staff from both software supplier and user, aimed at defining optimum operational methods and procedures.
The concept that user procedures must be changed to suit the software is wrong. However, it is equally wrong to ignore any prospect of changing user procedures, where benefits can be gained from doing so. Powerful software technology can often be used to eliminate relatively inefficient manual procedures, and must be used to do so if the full benefits are to be achieved from the investment.
Symology Implementation Consultants and Project Managers are highly skilled at working with customer staff to develop and implement methods of operation which maximise service levels at minimum cost.
Customer Support & Consultancy
A comprehensive Service Agreement option offers peace of mind on all products, and the surety of ongoing successful operations. The agreement covers product maintenance, a direct contact for all day-to-day support and assistance, together with the ongoing provision of new software releases and enhancements.
Symology software has an excellent record of reliability. In addition to resolving the occasional operational problems, the Customer Support Desk offers advice and guidance to help users gain maximum benefit from the systems. Symology operates a policy of immediate telephone access to the fully qualified customer support and consultancy personnel; not a "here is your registration number, someone will ring you back" approach.
If an analysis of requirements is necessary at a more comprehensive level than can be provided by telephone, a range of on-site consultancy services is available. Each consultant has specialised knowledge and experience in particular technology or business areas, together with a general understanding of the full scope of the entire product range and the functional areas in which it operates.
Data Take-on
Software is available to allow the import of data into the Insight range of products, from standard ASCII file structures. These import facilities may be customised to suit any format of data, and include sophisticated facilities for code translation, data field splitting and merging. However, they are completely screen-driven and do not require any technical computing capabilities.
As an alternative, Symology will also offer services for loading alien data on behalf of users.
Turn-key Project Services
In many areas, Symology can provide a complete range of services and management to meet specific project requirements. Two examples are:
- the creation of a complete Level III gazetteer, to BS7666 National Street Gazetteer standards, including setting up a mapping system. O.S. data and Symology tools are used to prepare a complete map-based Level III gazetteer in the form in which it can be used within the Insight range, and in the form for export to NSG.
- the preparation of a complete asset management plan. This may involve network definition, contracting for survey data collection, processing of data, production of condition evaluation data, and recommending asset management plans to meet specified objectives or service levels. The project may also include presentation of the data and recommendations in sophisticated graphical form, using the full power of GIS technology.
Training Courses
A comprehensive range of formal training options provide detailed instruction in different functional and technical aspects of the product range. All courses and workshops incorporate extensive practical exercises, and are run in a specially-designed training environment, with hands-on facilities for delegates.
Customer Services Workshop
A two-day workshop covering the functional capabilities of the Customer Service system, and exploring how it can be customised to meet all the differing needs which arise.
Street Works Register
One-day and Two-day training courses are available, which provide an overview of the entire scope of Street Works operations. These courses may be tailored to either highway authority or service utility operations.
Maintenance Standards (and UKPMS) Tranches 1 & 2 Workshop
A two-day intensive study of inventory and survey data requirements, the detailed processing rules which are used to evaluation condition and select appropriate treatments, and how to interpret the results.
Maintenance Standards (and UKPMS) Tranche 3 Workshop
A two-day advanced course exploring how the predictive modelling and cost/benefit evaluation facilities in the Maintenance Standards module can be used to develop a Best Value strategy for Asset Management.
Application Administration Workshop
A comprehensive two-day study of the facilities for database definition, application customisation, security and access authorisation.
Technical System Management
Two days spent intensively studying the structure of the software components and the database, in order to ensure that the System Manager is fully equipped to deal with all aspects of system installation, maintenance and enquiry.
ODBC Database Access and Ad-hoc Reporting
A range of one-day and two-day courses for each functional area of the system, providing a detailed understanding of the data structures and content in order that ad-hoc reporting tools can be used effectively to meet all reporting requirements.