Why Synergetic?

Why upgrade to Synergetic from your current administration database?

Computing Directions believes that no client should implement updates just because they are the latest and greatest. SYNERGETIC is a comprehensive Management system for Schools and other Educational organisations.

Synergetic has been completely rewritten using the latest techology, whilst retaining the key concepts and features of NICHE (our previous product), the database design is enhanced. We have used the advanced features of current technology and development tools, complemented by our 20-year history and involvement with schools. We have invested over 12 months in a detailed evaluation of the technology choices and have chosen 3 world industry standard products to assist us in our evolution to Synergetic - a fully 32 bit windows application and open database.

Technology

Our database has changed from a proprietary storage method to Microsoft SQL server. This gives clients unparalleled ability to access database information in Synergetic using your choice of 3rd party proprietory applications (assuming you have appropriate access rights). For example, Data analysis in Excel or Access, Mail merging in Word. Critically, SQL server will enable us to adopt future developments in Web technology.

The Synergetic application is written using the RAD (Rapid Application Development) tool - Borland Delphi. It is faster and more powerful than Visual Basic and allows us to use many new features that modern computer languages have - such as object inheritance and code re-use.

We have chosen to use Crystal Reports to:

1. develop the standard application reports and listings and
2. provide clients with an intuitive report writer for in-house development of custom reports.

Crystal Reports allows us to design reports and lists, charts and statistics which are integrated with Synergetic, however clients also have the ability to customise virtually any report that comes out of the system or add their own reports to Synergetic.

What benefits will you, as our clients, receive?

• a modern client/server integrated School Management System that will cater for schools with wide area networks (WANs) or smaller local area networks (LANs)
• a tool with a common look and feel as well as following the Windows standards - any user who is familiar with Windows applications will feel comfortable with Synergetic.
• the speed and flexibility of Synergetic in the 32 bit windows environment is unmatched
• screens are intuitive and easier to use - important for casual users
• able to view multiple screens simultaneously
• a fully Year 2000 compliant solution
• Crystal Reports provides professional looking reports in keeping with modern office practice and laser printer technology
• common "ID" across the database - this means that a future student keeps the same ID when they become a current student, past student or a staff member. It also eliminates the problems with can occur, using alphabetic codes, if students or parents change their name
• lists and lookups are alphabetic surname rather than the traditional alphabetic code, which created a mis-match when surnames have changed
• ability to launch with ease from one program to any other related program. eg Community, Students, Classes, Results.
• user definable tables with user developed screen views and reports
• Synergetic is provided with an installation set-up program that makes it easy to install and un-install on individual workstations, as per Windows standards.
• the assessments system supports exporting/importing results to a computer not on the network, therefore allows staff to enter assessments results and comments at home. These results are incorporated back into the Synergetic database for secure but easy access within the application, for collating and printing
• ability to preview all reports on the fly as you enter assessment results - also integrates with Word 2000 spell checker
• new enhancements to the Future Student and Fundraising systems include a separate future student enquiry database, scholarship management, event management, prospect tracking and more
• Synergetic can handle the most complex split family relationships. We have not yet found an example that the new database design cannot handle.
• The General Ledger is fully integrated with other modules. For example receipts immediately update the General Ledger and debtors as soon as they are entered.

Timing

Synergetic was released in 1999, Web Intranet in 2003 and the Community Portal in 2005.

Further .NET C# developments are underway with the expectation that the main application suite (excluding financials) will be migrated from a Windows environment to a advanced v2.0 .NET Web environment during 2006/2007.

(Please refer to roadmap for details)

Synergetic is ready for you.

Thank you for your interest.

Computing Directions Australia