Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I obtain a cost estimate for a modification ?
2. How long will it take to get a cost estimate ?
3. Is there a special format for submitting requirements ?
4. After I’ve decided to work with you, what is the process ?
5. What is the typical time frame to complete a project ?
6. How do we ensure the changes will not impact other areas of
the system ?
7. Do you do the testing or do I ?
8. Do you perform the programming on our system ?
9. Will you work on-site at my facility ?
10. What about a confidentiality clause to protect my system security
?
11. How are modifications impacted by future software releases
by Epicor ?
12. What guarantee do I have that the modifications will work
to my satisfaction ?
13. What type of documentation will I receive with my programming
?
1. How do I obtain a cost estimate for a modification ?
QSS provides ballpark estimates at no cost to you. This helps determine if the cost
of the modification is justified and within your desired budget.
To put together an estimate, we first need to know your needs and desires. You can
submit this via an informal telephone discussion, (928) 443-9990, our
Web site, fax, (928) 443-9991 or e-mail, qssinfo@qss.net.
Once we know what you're looking for, we’ll put together a proposal for you. Then,
you can see how long it will take and how much it will cost. Our work is performed
on a time-and-materials basis.
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2. How long will it take to get a cost estimate ?
For most projects, you'll receive a written cost estimate within two working days
from when we receive the information. This estimate will contain a brief description
of services provided, estimated hours, cost and schedule date for delivery of the
tested modification.
On very large modifications, we sometimes need a few more days to determine an estimate.
If that’s the case with your project, we'll notify you at the time you submit the
information along with a date when you can expect to see it.
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3. Is there a special format for submitting requirements ?
That depends on the size of the project. Small changes to reports, screens and calculations
can usually be submitted with an informal telephone call, fax or email. Large projects
will require us to develop detailed specifications before we can begin the programming
phase, although we can put together a ballpark estimate based on general functional
requirements. Don’t worry about trying to create written specifications – we have
the resources and expertise to do it for you.
If you have any questions or need help putting together your requirements, just
Contact us. We’re happy to help.
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4. After I’ve decided to work with you, what is the process
?
Once we have a signed contract, we get to work. Depending on the project, we will
perform some of the programming on our equipment and upload the results, or make
the changes directly into your system development account by modem or internet access.
All changes are initially applied to a “development” or “test” account. By using
this separate account, we can test the upgrades thoroughly and you can review them
thoroughly without impacting your production system.
After we finish testing, you review, test, and sign off on the modifications. Then,
we install the enhancements on your production system. Oftentimes we will coordinate
installation to be performed after hours so your business production will not be
impacted.
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5. What is the typical time frame to complete a project ?
We usually can have small projects (under 40 hours) delivered and tested within
two weeks. Larger projects will require more time, but we strive to start the project
within two weeks after receiving approval.
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6. How do we ensure the changes will not impact other areas
of the system ?
We make every effort to thoroughly research the integrated file updates and impact
to and from other areas.
Our staff is very familiar with all systems we work on. That combined with our considerable
product development experience and substantial knowledge and skill in the field
means we’re comfortable putting together solutions that won’t impact other areas
of the system.
After we complete our development and testing, we request that your staff team up
with us for the final testing signoff. Your users are familiar with the way they
use the screens and processes and we want to make sure that the modifications will
work for how they use the system. We want your custom program to make your business
as productive as efficient as possible.
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7. Do you do the testing or do I ?
We both test the new software. We perform our work in a “test” account on your system,
so we can both make sure your new custom program works the way you want it to.
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8. Do you program on our system ?
For many projects, we work on your system in a development or test account. On large
development projects, we create the programs on our local systems and upload the
results into your test system.
All modifications are tested on your system using your data. This is the best way
to test because every business uses the software differently. By testing on your
database, we can be more comfortable with the results.
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9. Will you work on-site at my facility ?
We will travel and work at your facility if it is desired. Special rates, travel
fees and expenses apply. Over the years, we have found that it is not necessary
to program on-site. We have clients located all over the United States, plus we
have developed very large, sophisticated systems remotely. Please contact us directly
to discuss your specific needs and concerns.
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10. What about a confidentiality clause to protect my system
security ?
We have a Services Agreement that addresses this concern. Both your company and
QSS sign it before we access your system. Additionally, we have a very strict policy
about shredding all reports and protecting your confidential data. This is a very
sensitive issue for us as well as you. You can trust us with your data.
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11. How are modifications impacted by future software releases
by Epicor ?
When you upgrade your software, your modifications will need to be reviewed for
impact, then retrofitted into the new release. We can provide estimates for this
process at no cost to you.
We understand the importance of staying current with the latest releases. We take
the following steps to help make the upgrade process as painless and economical
as possible:
- We use Epicor Software Development Itemization Tools
- We clearly block program changes with comments and markers
- We name new, custom processes using custom-naming conventions
- Whenever possible, we isolate custom logic in separate subroutines and programs
If you would like more information on the upgrade process,
click here.
If you have custom modifications on your system and are planning a new software
release, please feel free to Contact us to give you an
estimate for this process.
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12. What guarantee do I have that the modifications will work
to my satisfaction ?
You have our word on it! We guarantee all of our services will meet the provided
work specifications, and that they will function consistently and accurately with
your system. If it’s not right, we will fix it…guaranteed. Customer references are
available, please contact us for more information.
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13. What type of documentation will I receive with my programming
?
It is our policy to provide summary field level prompting documentation and general
run-time instructions with all modifications. If you desire extensive field level
help, user manuals, flow charts and procedural control documents, we can provide
that on a time-and-materials basis. When you request an estimate, please let us
know the level of documentation you desire so we can include it as a separate line
item on the proposal.
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