Comments on custom files
Computer programs tell your computer how to work. Most computers come with a disk operation system (dos), Windows, etc which basically tells the computer how to operate. Other programs are added to the computer to perform other functions like word processing, spreadsheet, database, communications, games, etc. Most of these are highly developed programs that have been written, tested and documented and many have classes available to learn how to use them. These programs may have limited ways that you can change them to suit your needs if you can figure out how to do it. If you can find a program that does what you need, exactly as you need it done, Then this is generally the least expensive way to go.
If you can't find a program for you, then someone may be able to design one. They will charge you for the program, any other programs that are needed to run the program, time to make any other modifications you need, and time to show you how to use it. Most documentation for these special programs is developed as you use it. Very little documentation is usually available because it is a custom program that is changed to suit your needs. When complete documentation is needed, you usually pay for the time it takes to do it.
I have developed custom software for over 20 years. At the time of demonstration I determine whether most of your needs can be met or not. If it looks like your needs are radically different from what I have, I do not recommend my product. Years of work have gone into these programs and there are many companies that can use them as they now exist if they do not need to be 100% perfect for their needs. Minor modifications and improvements are made as part of the training/development time that is sold with each package.
A program will be demonstrated that includes many of the features that we think you need. It will be a combination of features from several other companies in your line of business and will have a startup manual which will be used for initial training. If you purchase a package as it is quoted, custom files will be developed for you that combine the features you need and these will be further customized during your training/development time. More documentation will be added to the startup manual by actually printing from your screen the instructions that you need as you perform them. You are also expected to document your personal instructions for other employees as needed.
Your quotation will include a set amount of time for development and
training. Additional time can be purchased if needed. The initial time will
cover the information (except some report creation and development features in
the "runtime menu") you need to know from the startup manual.
Improvements may be added later for the cost of the time it takes to add them
and show you how to use them. However, sometimes new additions or changes affect
the way your old program works and you may have to make some adjustments to use
them or pay to have the new programs do what your old programs did.
Most of my packages can be divided into modules to reduce the initial cost if your business does not need the entire package. It also takes time to set up your data. You may have to enter parts of it and may not need advanced modules until later. Examples below show my city transit package in two parts. The Basic Package contains programs needed to run the entire system with Parts, Work Orders, and related files. The Advanced package is added to the Basic Package as needed and includes everything else that is developed and operational at the time you add this package. About 40 percent of the income I receive from a package sale is invested in my time to make that package better. All of my customers can then take advantage of these new features for the cost of the time it takes to update their system.
BASIC TRANSPORTATION/EQUIPMENT
LESS THAN 1 HOUR DRIVE TIMEANYWHERE, TEXAS, ARK, LA
DATE CODE DESCRIPTION AMOUNT BALANCE
------- --- ------- -------------------------- -------- --------
01/01/93 CPF SETUP SOFTWARE SETUP & INSTALL $500.00 $500.00
CCF FILES MENU SYSTEM PROGRAM $100.00 $600.00
CPF FILES CUSTOM MENU CREATION $400.00 $1000.00
CCF FILES DATABASE CUSTOM RUNTIME $500.00 $1500.00
CPF FILES EQUIPMENT/MAINT SYSTEM $3000.00 $4500.00
QPF FILES CUSTOM MODIFY-MY OFFICE $2000.00 $6500.00
01/01/93 FDT TRAVEL INITIAL SETUP-TRAIN $150.00 $6650.00
FTT TIME INSTALL/TRAIN -6 HOURS $600.00 $7250.00
01/07/93 FMT TRAVEL ARK/LA/TX-1 HR DRIVE TIME $150.00 $7400.00
FTT TIME TRAIN/MODIFY - 5 HOURS $500.00 $7900.00
01/14/93 FMT TRAVEL ARK/LA/TX-1 HR DRIVE TIME $150.00 $8050.00
FTT TIME TRAIN/MODIFY - 5 HOURS $450.00 $8500.00 SUGGESTED TRAINING PERIOD
IS ONE DAY PER WEEK FOR
THREE WEEKS-INCLUDING ONE
END OF MONTH TIME. DAYS
CAN BE PER YOUR SCHEDULE. NOTES:
BASIC PACKAGE INCLUDES
3 TRAINING DAYS SPREAD
OVER ONE MONTH. OTHER
TRAINING/DEVELOPMENT TIME
CAN BE ADDED IF NEEDED.
REASONABLE TELEPHONE
SUPPORT FOR 3 MONTHS AT
NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE. IF
PHONE LINES ALLOW MODEM
SUPPORT, SOME DEVELOPMENT
CHANGES WILL BE MADE WITH
NO CHARGES EXCEPT YOUR
LONG DISTANCE PHONE COST. $6000 DUE UPON ACCEPTANCE
REMAINDER WITHIN 1 MONTH.
THIS IS YOUR COST FOR THIS STATEMENT $8500.00
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COMMENTS: SETUP SOFTWARE, DELIVER SOFTWARE, INITIAL TRAINING, RUNTIME
DATABASE PROGRAMS & MENUS, BASIC FILES FOR TICKET SYSTEM.
MINOR CHANGES TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS WILL BE MADE DURING TRAIN/
MODIFY SESSIONS. GENERAL COMPUTER TRAINING IS ALSO INCLUDED.
SOFTWARE MAY NOT BE COPIED OR SOLD WITHOUT PERMISSION.FUTURE SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE AT THE FUTURE PHONE SUPPORT BILLED AS FOLLOWS: SAME RATES PER HOUR SHOWN ABOVE. LESS THAN 5 MIN -NO COST UPDATES ARE GENERALLY AVAILABLE 5 MIN TO 15 MIN -$25.00 FOR THE COST OF THE TIME IT TAKES 16 MIN TO 30 MIN -$50.00 TO ADD THEM TO YOUR SYSTEM. SEE 31 MIN TO 45 MIN -$75.00 RELATED SUPPORT AGREEMENTS. OVER 45 MIN - -$100.00