Developed to take advantage of Internet technologies, OPTICON enables better management of construction projects and helps in greater profitability of enterprises
The revolution that computers have wrought needs no mention, so great and visible is the effect. From space flights to skyscrapers, software has been created for almost any application; the construction industry has put to good use this new, unmatched and versatile 'tool', if the computer and its programme can be so described. Unique among such 'builder's tools' is one created in India, known the world over for its software prowess. OPTICON, from Pune based SoftTech, is a web-based ERP solution developed exclusively to integrate the processes and operations of a construction enterprise.
A plug and play concept designed in a modular form, OPTICON can cover the entire cycle of a construction project, from tenders to estimates, planning and scheduling, purchase, inventory, accounts, sales, customer relationship and maintenance.
The programme seamlessly integrates all relevant data. From graphical plans, it can generate quantity estimates of building materials, activity schedules, resource and cash-flow requirements, and the like. Using OPTICON, project personnel (managers, engineers, office staff and other workers) and agencies (owners, consultants, suppliers and sub-contractors) can provide their various inputs in short, work together for an ongoing project even when they are in different locations.
With a web server located at the head office, OPTICON connects different sites to transfer data using the "CoServer". Developed by US-based CoVisible Solutions Inc, CoServer provides modules to develop web-based applications enabling officials with different roles and duties to collaborate. They can include project managers at the site or decision makers at the head office; others who become part of the project later can be connected through such modules as and when necessary.
OPTICON thus increases visibility of responsible people, and alerts them if there is a work delay in work or stocks are low. All concerned are able to take the right decision at the right time and, allocate resources online, thus optimizing use of resources and making the builder more competitive. Relations with customers can also be better managed. All this is very valuable for the firm's research division, indispensable in today's world with a multitude of choices; indeed, without a programme like OPTICON, the best researchers would be hard put to collect and manage so much data.
The ERP's data management capability is clear from the number of periodical statements it can generate.
These include reports on contribution of different types of resources, category-wise cost break-up, monthly cash-flow statement, planned vs actual progress, market price fluctuation graph, periodical resource requirement, cumulative material receipt vs consumption, and the like.
The major modules of OPTICON are: Engineering, Purchase, Inventory, Sales and Marketing, and Accounts.
The heart of the programme, the Engineering module, makes estimates using graphics or calculations. These are carried forward for further processing like requisition of materials and accounting. A project schedule can be prepared to keeping track of day-to-day activities and needs.
Purchase management covers profiles, comparison and ranking of suppliers. The module links purchase to planning, estimation and inventory control. It can also help invite tenders. Beginning with material receipt, the Inventory module keeps track of stock value, movement, etc. for inventory analysis report on all relevant aspects for better control.Sales and Marketing deals with all related activities from presales to post-sales. Among the module's templates are customer correspondence, customer follow-up, booking details, payment schedule, agents' particulars and the like. The Accounts Management module handles various vouchers, inter-company transfers, bank reconciliation, trial balance and balance sheet, etc.
To put it briefly, OPTICON is a modular, integrated, web-based, user-friendly, complete ERP solution for the construction industry. It permits quick implementation, staggered addition of modules and link activation. It is multi-company, multi-location, multi-user and multi-currency system. More details of this ERP can be obtained from SoftTech's web site www.softtech-engr.com . An ISO 9001: 2000 company, SoftTech has over 4,000 customers all over the world, including GCC, Asean and European countries. They include structural engineers, architects, government departments, public sector undertakings, corporate house, and construction enterprises. It aims at top quality at lower costs, and completes customer satisfaction.
Quotes: SoftTech is dedicated to implement OPTICON to help organisations in optimising construction processes and assist the Civil and construction engineering fraternity to computerize their activities
Quotes: SoftTech is committed to assist Civil & Construction Engineering Fraternity by leveraging Information Technology. OPTICON is a big leap forward in our this endeavor.
© Construction World 2006
