Platform Overview

Overview

The Claritum solution is a centrally managed on demand service. This means authorised users can access relevant, personalised information from any Internet enabled PC or Mac - no additional hardware or software is needed. Our systems are continually advancing to meet current and future business needs. Not only is your investment future proofed - you'll always be using the latest version.

User Access and Controls

Claritum's on demand application provides password controlled access to personalised, real time information without the need for additional hardware or software.

Multiple customers, cost centres and individual clients can be provided with branded access to relevant real time information via their corporate intranet, extended extranet or general internet access.

A Print Manager's role can be defined to granular level by use of permissions. Dependent on the organisation, roles can include senior management, sales and account management, customer services, production, buyers and finance.

Preferred suppliers can have restricted access to respond to quote requests, receive orders and instructions and provide delivery confirmations.

Branding and Configuration Options

The system has been built based on templates for easy configuration. Screens can be branded to client requirements; output documentation (eg quotations, delivery notes, request for quotes, etc) that is auto generated by the system can be formatted and branded. Based on client requirements, a series of templated management reports are provided. Additional configuration options include security privileges, cost centres and spend limits.

Performance and Usability

The solution has been designed for frequent, large scale commercial use and therefore is fast, intuitive and easy to use. Following extensive and ongoing usability testing, processes have been deskilled where possible and process short cuts have been incorporated. This ensures minimal user training is required and quick user adoption.

Architecture

The systems have been developed using tried and tested technologies delivering a stable platform with proven resilience and high levels of security. The platform has been engineered for large-scale business-use using Linux, PHP and MySQL.

Security and Data Integrity

The software has been developed for secure business critical use by multiple named users within trading partner companies. Restricted password protected user access is provided and all user activity on the system is fully auditable. The systems have SSL web connectivity and encrypted data and email transfer.

Claritum only uses industry leading secure hosting and accredited firewalls. All data is mirrored to a backup server 24 x 7 x 365 and server logs are constantly monitored for intrusion attempts.

System Resilience

The solution has been developed for use by semi-skilled users with limited knowledge of print. The resilience of the system has been enhanced to ensure consistent workflow; procedures and controls are adhered to. For example, key fields can be specified as mandatory, spend controls can be allocated by management, completed job bag information is locked and information included in quotations from suppliers is locked once submitted. A detailed audit trail logs all actions and could be used to track misuse.

Claritum would propose working with the client to assess workflow procedures and controls.

Scalability

The system currently manages thousands of transactions, using hundreds of costs centres, clients, and suppliers. Deliveries to hundreds of locations can be specified and tracked; order processing can be batched to reduce time and repeated processes.

Compatibility with other systems

Claritum's solution is often required to work alongside existing or legacy systems and as such has been designed to provide XML integration with procurement, accounting, MIS and other platforms.

Languages and currencies

The Claritum system is capable of managing trading in single languages and single currencies. The default system is in English and in Sterling (£). The solution is currently being upgraded to manage multiple languages, currencies and sales tax.

Management Reporting, Audit and Paper Trail

The product provides comprehensive management information, PDF documentation (eg quotations, RFQs, job bags, etc) and an audit trail to capture all actions/changes throughout the progress of a job. Clients can be provided with their own Access Reporting tool or a nightly data feed to write their own bespoke reports.