london borough of bexley - develop and deploy … · london borough of bexley is one of thirty-two...
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SUCCESS STORY
LONDON BOROUGH OF BEXLEYBexley’s 4D database system gives the Council’s in-house graphics studio the means to focus on providing maximum value for money for all its customers.
London Borough of Bexley is one of thirty-two London Boroughs, which, together with the City of London Corporation, make up the area of Greater London.
With 63 elected Members and over 5,000 employees, it is responsible for a wide range of services, working with the local police, schools and the NHS, among many others.
Graphics’ 4D-based system streamlines the specification of complex jobs, obtaining quotes and placing orders, without the need for specialist or
administrative support.
An essential serviceThe Council’s Graphics Studio supplies a design and print service to the Council and other authori-ties. The correct recording of ac-tions and processes is crucial to the department’s smooth running. 4D is core to Graphics’ role as the Coun-cil’s design studio and purchaser of external printing services.
A solid SymbiosisGraphics’ 4D database has been developed over the past 17 years and is now supported by specialist developer Symbiosys Systems. It helps to manage print and graphic material for a variety of internal and external customers.
The system carries out numerous
“Our 4D database is at the heart of our work. We could not function the way we do
without it.”
Richard MeekGraphics Manager
London Borough of Bexley
functions, including:
Logging of work – Noting discussions and saving emails to cre-ate briefs and print specifications, obtaining quotations from external contractors via email, and supplying quotations with options for print runs.
Archive – An online system, the data-base can automatically send custom-ers a link to a proof that needs review, accept comments, and archive that proof.
Finance – Recording contractor quotations; raising official or-ders to contractors (acceptable to the Council’s Audit department); ensuring contractors’ invoices match quotations; creating journal transfers (an internal method of invoicing).
Archival – Providing a quick and ef-ficient way of looking at completed work.
The 4D advantageCurrently employing 4D v11 SQL, the system leverages numerous 4D features to automate its most im-portant actions.
A job specification can be emailed out to contractors. The contrac-tor can add costs to the specifica-tion via the Council website, and all that’s left to do is to accept the price – all without any administrative in-tervention. This represents a great saving in time and money, and it’s a fully audited process.
Furthermore, the website gener-ated by the database also serves as a showcase for Graphics’ work and a gateway for customer information.
Flexible and sophisticated4D has provided the platform for a flexible and sophisticated busi-ness system that has adapted to Graphics’ needs since the early 1990s. It has evolved from a sim-ple method of recording informa-tion for staff members to an in-valuable tool that uses email and the web to lead the Council in electronic procurement.
The database has been developed to address specific local needs and is particularly relevant at a time when there is a renewed focus on efficiency and outsourcing.
Bexley is in south-east London and bordered by the River Thames on the north and by Greenwich
to the west. The borough employs over 5000 people.
London Borough of BexleyLondon Borough of Bexley is one of thirty-two London Boroughs, which make up the area of Greater London.
Richard [email protected] 8294 6098
www.bexley.gov.uk
Symbiosis Systems LimitedUK-based Symbiosys Systems pro-vides tailored IT solutions for the public and private sector.
Tony [email protected] 651 1877
www.symbiosys-systems.com
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4D UK, Ltd. • PO Box 251 • Nantiwch CW5 9AT • United Kingdom • tel +44 1625 536 178 • www.4d.com/uk