Implementation
This covers not only those companies that are starting out in the use of computers for the first time, but also those that are expanding or enhancing the current use. We are happy to work with a company to identify their requirements, to source suitable equipment and to arrange it's installation and configuration. This may involve the purchase of a single PC and software to carry out computerised accounting or it may be the introduction of a network to connect some existing PCs in order to share printers and files or in some cases it may the expansion of an existing network to include more staff, more sophisticated equipment or even more complex applications.

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Application Development
Many organisations find that as they start to rely more and more on their computers to support the business the standard "off the shelf" applications may no longer meet their specific needs. Skills & Systems Solutions’ staff discuss the processes involved and create a program to support the work. Examples of the applications developed include databases to record customer contact details, to track the location of documents and their related references and to provide an order processing system for a telephone sales operation.

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Training
The installation of a computer system and it’s success is dependent on the use made of it by all those involved. Training is the key to this success. We provide a range of courses in the use of PCs and the common applications - word processing, spreadsheets, databases - from beginner through to advanced levels, as well as more technical courses aimed at network system administrators. These courses can either be run at our premises in Menstrie, at customers’ own locations or in suitable hired premises throughout Scotland.

Training can be provided in a range of standard application packages including the products that constitute the Microsoft Office suite - Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook.

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Technical Support
Once a computer system has been installed it is all too easy to assume that nothing will ever go wrong. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Skills & Systems Solutions provide an on-going support service to customers that can either be a simple telephone help service or can be a more pro-active service requiring regular visits to customer’s premises to identify, and where possible resolve, problems. The service can be purchased as occasional one-off visits, as a number of hours that can be called off as required or as an annual support contract. In the case of the latter two where we have not been involved in the installation we will carry out an audit of IT equipment and associated peripherals and software before making any recommendations as to the best option for an organisation to take.

Technical support is provided in one of three ways.

1. At a basic level we will visit to resolve problems in response to occasional one-off requests. Note, however, that there is a minimum call out charge (currently £65.00 + VAT) for this and that the level and speed of response for this service cannot be guaranteed.

2. A number of hours (minimum 5) are purchased in advance. This means that when a problem does arise staff know they can contact someone who knows about their systems and who will respond within a guaranteed time depending on the level of the problem.
3. In the case of a larger organisation we normally recommend an annual support contract which not only provides the sort of assistance listed in 2 above, but which also includes a more pro-active support function. This usually takes the form of an agreed number of hours per week or month spent on-site at the customer’s premises to cover routine installation and maintenance work.

IT Audit
A thorough audit will be carried out and will cover some or all of the following :-

• Identification of the location, specification and age of all IT and related equipment, including PCs, printers and other peripherals.
• Identification of all application software in use, including brands and versions.
• Identification of any existing warranty, support or maintenance agreements in place.
• Identification of backup and recovery procedures where necessary.
• Assessment of the skill levels of operators.

On completion of the audit a report will be submitted highlighting the areas and types of services that can be offered. These will include a recommended level of on-going technical support as well as training and other services.

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