Our long-standing relationship with Feedback Data meant that the company came straight to us to develop Microtrak Evolution, a new generation access control product. The modular system combines facility and personnel management, real time monitoring and post-event analysis. We designed the software from scratch, using state-of-the-art technologies to create a highly functional and user-friendly package that was also cost-effective.
Feedback Data manufactures and supplies time and attendance systems based on various technologies, such as bar code, magnetic-stripe and proximity readers. The company offers hardware and software components and integration services to enable the capture, manipulation and transfer of workplace data.
As a leader in the UK time and attendance market, Feedback Data wanted to add a low-priced access control product to its portfolio, mainly for small and medium-sized companies. Future Processing fulfilled the brief, delivering high quality software on time and at a competitive price.
Microtrak Evolution was an entirely new access control product, involving specially-developed software operating in conjunction with new door controllers. Effective communication between software and hardware was essential. The system is designed around an IP-addressable door controller, which plugs directly into the customer's existing TCP/IP computer network. The Microtrak Evolution application connects with the controller via a LAN, WAN and over the internet.
Because swipe cards are a key part of the system, the software incorporates a badge designer module, which enables users to create and print their own cards featuring the company name, logo and other images.
Microtrak Evolution was developed using C#, .NET Remoting, MS SQL Server and Web Services. It is network-enabled and takes advantage of the latest communication techniques to connect client and server through an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI).
Effective communication with the customer during the development stage is an important part of any project and in this case the project manager was in permanent contact with Feedback Data. Every three weeks we sent the company new builds with information about what had changed. We also supplied real-time information about the project's progress via a special web-based project management software.
As well as providing technical support for Microtrak Evolution, we deliver support services to Feedback Data and its customers. These range from phone calls to remote desktop assistance.
Through Microtrak Evolution, Feedback Data has been able to achieve its goal of bringing to market an access control package at an attractive price. The growing number of users shows that Feedback Data's customers are also happy with our work.
"We have developed an outstanding relationship with Future Processing over the past five years. The company supplies a wide range of software skills which allows us to provide an excellent and on-time solution to our customers."
David Sawyer
Chief Executive
Feedback Plc
