Product Description

total-axs is a browser-based software application that helps companies to produce complex documents that require multiple contributors. It offers collaboration, workflow and user management out of a box. You do not need a skilled technician to configure the system for you.

Easy to use, intuitive navigation makes this product easy to implement enterprise-wide. Training for the basic user is 2 hours.

The software offers a defined process enhancing quality and minimising mistakes. A document library allows storage of images and files helping you keep all important information together in one place.

At-a-glance view of the document progress keeps the manager in control thereby eliminating confusion over document versions and approvals. Reporting functions help you draw out important information to assist in planning and organising of future documents.

More details are available to the judges on CD, or see the attached  axs-system_brochure (1) (pdf).

Innovation

total-axs defies a historical, globally accepted process of producing complex documents. It saves time, improves performance, efficiency and security, minimises risk and provides a new granular level to collaboration. It provides users with online access to an intuitive interface through which to create, edit, compare and approve document content. total-axs keeps you in control by providing an at-a-glance view of the progress of the document at a page level.

The software was created as a result of witnessing constant frustration from clients producing complex documents. Material was always late and risk of errors high. Time was wasted on the process of chasing contributors and seeking approvals, instead of quality checking and contributing to the performance of content. total-axs takes care of the process allowing you time to contribute to the quality of content.

The total-axs process is suitable for any complex document with multiple contributors or approvers. Being browser-based, access is 24/7 from anywhere. An HTML document version is provided ready for publishing with the click of a button to your website, intranet or laptop.

The software offers collaboration and workflow with pre-determined security access taking care of user management. The process is automated by email notifications as the document progresses through author / editor / approver stages.

Performance

The software has been professionally built with Microsoft Dot Net technology. The intent from the outset has been to make it visually and functionally similar to Microsoft Word for ease of use. The navigation is simple and nothing is more than a couple of clicks away. The software offers on-screen feedback as to the success or failure of tasks that are performed.

It is has been built to be accessed through Internet Explorer and Firefox browsers on both Mac and PC. File transfer between PC and server has 128 bit encryption providing equivalent security to internet banking. 

Several levels of client support are provided. The software is available commercially on an annual licence basis that includes fixes and patches, upgrades and maintenance. Also offered is training and on-site consulting to ensure smooth take up of the software. For ease of licensing the software is controllable at a user and or document level. Companies using the software can license on a user basis whereas service providers wishing to use the software to produce HTML documents and websites for others, can license it on a per document basis.

The software is capable of enterprise-wide applications for tender production, annual reports, prospectuses, policy documents, procedures or technical manuals.

There are two types of workflow – standard that offers three user levels - Author, Editor and Approver - at a page or section level, and an Approver at the document level. Simple workflow has one level and progresses from Author straight to document Approver.

The system offers reporting - where time spent in the content editor is tracked and reported on per user. More can be made available as all data is stored in an SQL database.

Potential

The software has significant potential as it can be used for any complex document creation that involves multiple contributors. This however is a very wide target, so we have deliberately narrowed it down to two specific areas – Annual Reports and Tenders. Once companies start to use the software, we are confident its benefits will be recognised by other document producers.

The proposed legislation due mid 2007 to allow companies to produce their annual reports online and only supply printed documents to those shareholders who specifically ask for them, has created enormous potential for the product. The US, UK and NZ have already passed such legislation in recent months, opening up opportunities globally in an industry worth five billion dollars Australian.

This shift to online reporting underpins environmental considerations. Recent research by Chartered Secretaries Australia states:

• 1 tree is used to produce 100 copies of an average size annual report (83pp)

• the average print run of a Top 200 Australian company annual report is 186,000 copies = 1,853 trees per company

With the need for paper/printed reports about to be radically reduced or potentially eliminated, the need for competent online alternatives is creating a new market.

The software is applicable to industries that rely on tenders for new business generation, specifically high value ones with multiple contributors as in the construction industry. With tenders being produced potentially 30% faster, the win/loss ratio can be improved significantly or the company can apply for more tenders with the same staffing level.

Presently designed for application in English speaking countries, the software however has been built in uni-code enabling fast adaptation to other languages.

Other information the judges should know

The software has progressed up to version 5.4. It has been successfully used for web site applications like Centennial Coal Limited – www.centennialcoal.com.au  and Hickson Lawyers – www.hicksons.com.au These have been used successfully by the clients for a few years. More recent document applications have resulted in specific advanced features being added. The software was used to create the Coates Annual reports for 2005 and 2006 - http://www.coates.com.au/investors/annual/2006/  and http://www.coates.com.au/investors/annual/2005/