Q06. What are the differences between EMIR and BOSS?
A06. While EMIR and BOSS are similar packages there are some significant differences which make them applicable to different types of Electro-Mechanical repair and servicing. EMIR is an 'after the fact' job costing system which means that costs
are typically recorded after they are done, as opposed to live capture. For example, EMIR can use Timesheet labour costing to capture the labour costs from a previous day, whereas BOSS will capture labour costs live by asking Engineers to log on and
off jobs as they actually repair items.
EMIR produces one invoice per job, as each job is unique and is costed individually, and the invoice will describe the work carried out in detail, whereas BOSS will produce an invoice that contains multiple jobs
grouped by part number, with no need to describe the repair work carried out as it is designed for a fixed price repair environment where a contract is already established to repair part 'x' for price 'y' every time one is received.
This is why EMIR is
suited to industries such as Electric Motor or Pump repair, where work received is less predictable and usually quoted for individually and may involve 24 hour working, and why BOSS is suited to 'cleaner' repair such as Computer related equipment or
audio-visual products where costs can be captured live by the engineers actually doing the work and significant quantities of the same items are seen frequently.
The job costing and overall job management is therefore different in the two systems, though much of the functionality provided is similar between the systems.
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Q07. When will EMIR Easy V4 be released?
A07. EMIR Easy V4 has been available from the 22nd June 2005. There is more information available here and there are short demonstration videos available here.
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Q08. Why is there no Evaluation software available?
A08. There are several reasons why we don't provide our products as Evaluation or downloadable versions, although you can view EMIR Easy demonstration videos that are available here:
a) We have provided evaluation copies in the past and have found that very busy business people [like you!] simply don't have any/sufficient time to look at the software in detail and if they do, they do not necessarily appreciate or discover all that the system has to offer.
b) We prefer to meet our customers and develop a business relationship, as we are solution providers. We are not just trying to sell software. We want to provide all aspects of the IT solution that you need to produce the best business management system for you.
This could involve selling you software from other vendors, advising and providing hardware and networking, and most importantly discussing YOUR business practice and ensuring that the installed system will suit your needs.
c) We have spent 10+ years perfecting the software and its functionality, and we'd rather it didn't fall straight into our competitor's hands!
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Q09. How can I see the software to be sure it is what I need?
A09. If you are interested in purchasing EMIR Easy [for the smaller business], then you can view demonstration videos that are available here. If you are interested in our Standard or Professional solutions, then we are happy to provide you with a FREE, No Obligation demonstration of the software at your premises. This will give you the chance to see the product in action, look at all its features that interest you, and ask any questions you would like to regarding the software,
our organisation, and any other issues you may have.
We are frequently demonstrating the software all over the UK, so there will be someone in your area typically on a monthly basis. Simply call us on 01480 210169 and we'll arrange a mutually convenient appointment. All we ask is that you
have a budget of at least £995 and sufficient dedicated time [about 2 hours] to devote to reviewing the software properly and to discuss the required solution in some detail.
We are happy to demonstrate for groups of your employees providing suitable facilities are available on your site.
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Q10. What are the hardware requirements to run EMIR and BOSS?
A10. EMIR and BOSS are designed to run on Windows or Novell based, PC-Networks. They will not run on Unix or Linux currently. Windows XP Professional or Windows 2000 are the current preferred O/S for workstation machines but EMIR can run on Windows 98 also.
We recommend the use of peer to peer networks for 3 users and under, while file servers are recommended for 4 users and above. EMIR and BOSS can run happily on WAN implementations, in conjunction with Citrix
and other terminal emulation products.
Any current industry standard PC is fine, minimum recommendations are Pentium III with 128MB RAM and at least 100MB free hard disk space. A CD-ROM drive is required to install the software.
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Q11. How can I order the Software?
A11. The normal method for ordering comes via the following process:
a) Contact us for more detailed information on EMIR and BOSS.
b) Arrange a demonstration.
c) Demonstration of the solution at your premises to your key staff.
d) A quote will then be provided for the total implemented solution including Training and Support and any hardware or other services required.
e) After your order acceptance, installation and training will take place by our staff, ensuring you can use the system as soon as the training is complete. Payment terms apply as per Q05 above.
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