Information Systems and Office Automation
Our information systems practice is staffed by consultants who have extensive experience not only in strategic planning, internal systems design and computer operations, but also in such specialized areas as system software, teleprocessing and networking, distributed processing, microcomputers and efficiency/effectiveness measurement. Tech/Knowledge offers assistance in the design, selection, and implementation of management information software including financial and manufacturing systems. Our approach utilizes a structured methodology for requirements definition, ranking of alternatives, selection and design. Once the solution is defined, we provide the project management to ensure successful implementation.

Some of the information systems services we offer are:

Systems Planning-Identifying information systems objectives and requirements; developing long-range information systems plans; conducting feasibility studies for computer installations and applications; designing new/revised computer systems; evaluating alternative data processing approaches versus on-site systems; evaluating vendor proposals for computer hardware/software; assisting on technical aspects of contract negotiation; analyzing purchase versus lease options; planning for on-line, real-time systems, teleprocessing, database systems, minicomputers, microcomputers, evaluating word processing and office automation packages.

System Installation-Developing plans, specifications and schedules; estimating costs for system implementation; assessing MIS staff requirements; managing large projects; Operating Procedures Manuals; supervising programmers and contractors throughout implementation; testing new systems and applications before conversion; providing post-installation follow-up and review.

System Operation and Control-Reviewing information systems organization, management and operating policies and procedures; conducting Time-Motion studies; evaluating internal controls, developing standards for programming, documentation, and operations; reviewing security, backup, and disaster-recovery procedures; developing contingency plans; developing procedures for allocating data processing costs to users, and capacity planning/performance studies.

Outsourced Operations and Management-Tech/Knowledge can provide complete, hands-on daily management and operation of your information systems, frequently at a lower cost than can be accomplished with employees. We provide experienced, trained and certified staff, with a greater degree of experience and expertise than the average, who can address a wide range of issues. They will get to know your business and work as part of your team. But these individuals are not alone. They are backed up by the entire resources of our firm, making it easy for us to address your specialized issue, or resolve a problem faster or more effectively. The strategic perspective we have gained from our consulting expertise can help you build an information technology function that is highly responsive and has a strategic view of your business -- without the heavy overhead usually associated with employing such a group in-house.