Database Research Post

There are many databases out there designed to help companies in areas of weaknesses and help the overall workflow. Some companies use basic databases such as PeachTree and Quickbooks but currently working with EFI Pace Print Management Software is a strong database which has helped improve the organizational structure of the company. This database offers Customer classification list by division, payment history, contact lists, job history, receivables-current and old, customer history, credit standings, Terms, and much more. "These offerings automate workflow, increase productivity and reduce costs by leveraging web-based technology".(1) This databases allow defined users to access any information about customer at the click of a button. From entry of a new job order to customer payment history EFI Pace provides all necessary information needed by the company to improve relations and gain sales. A huge advance of this database is it’s online based rather than hard drive bases. Instead of installing a program to take up space on the PC’s hard drive and operate as the company's database, EFI Pace is based off the internet and just needs a browser and internet connection. The production increase the company has had since switching over to EFI Pace is at 17% and growing. Employees are able to access all the information from a remote location (such as home) to continue working or researching on the database after work hours. It’s a great addition to the company and EFI Pace was able to critique this software to make it more industry based for the company, call it "customized".

Answers to Questions:
1. Switching any system operations databases will always have challenges within, not everyone is going to switch without trouble. Learning the new program and processing data at the same speed will take time, but once mastered the new database advancement should follow. Since EFI Pace is internet based, it’s a different operations system as a whole. The trick about EFI Pace since its internet based, employees at EFI Pace can update and service the database as needed. If there are modules or setting not working for the company, customer support can log in and fix the necessary modules to have the database run correctly. "EFI Pace analyzes the precise needs of each client to ensure optimal performance of the software and sells their software directly to printers and trade services organizations". (2)
2. Since EFI Pace is a customized database for the industry its client (the company) is competing in, each organization is at an advantage with this database software program. EFI Pace offers their customers 24/7 personal service in case the database malfunctions at any time. Companies that utilize EFI Pace with have a competitive advantage over other companies in the industry. With the speed of the database, customer detail page, and order processing modules EFI provides their customers a high end database which results in success. " Pace™ provides you with a fully integrated solution for estimating, production, accounting, sales management and e-commerce. The leading edge management information system also gives you a distinct competitive advantage by offering a new level of automation and control". (3)
3. EFI Pace is a great new database based off the internet, but what happens when the internet goes down or is unavailable? This is a weakness for companies who utilize EFI Pace services, if by chance the internet goes out the company is crippled and unable to use the database. If there was a possible way to keep the online features, but also have a back up on a server that all users can access "offline" the database would be perfect. A database that can be accessed in remote locations without needing any portable drives to access specific customer files is perfect. The weakness currently is if internet is unavailable, the database is useless. There was an situation where a transformer caught fire and power was lost to over 25,000 residents within the remote area. Since the database is currently internet based, the employees of the organization had to leave work, and continue to work remotely from their private homes, because power wouldn't be restored for a few hours and the company could suffer a nonproductive half day. EFI Pace should look into possibly doing a backup onto a hard drive every 24hrs in case of a situation like this wouldn't leave the company using EFI Pace "disabled".

1. EFI, Pace. "Pace 2020." Total Control- Anytime Anywhere. Electronics for Imaging Inc., 03/10/2006. Web. 16 Jul 2011. .
2. Tarr, Jay. "Our Pace Mission." Pace Systems Group Inc.. EFI Pace, 01/2010. Web. 17 Jul 2011. .
3. Pace, EFI. "EFI Pace." MAXIMIZE YOUR PROCESS AND PROFIT POTENTIAL WITH EFI PACE MIS SOFTWARE. Electronics for Imaging Inc., 01/2010. Web. 17 Jul 2011. .