Business Process and Workflow Management
Bespoke software can greatly increase efficiency and management effectiveness in complex business processes.
Horisk are experts in using web based and offline software to perform complex tasks more efficiently.
Many business processes involve multiple stages that require to be monitored, numerous forms and documents that require analysis and storage, and multiple users and customers that all need to be kept up to date. Horisk have used web technologies to develop software to help many organisations improve processes with exactly these characteristics.
We begin each project with a detailed analysis of existing processes and prepare data models and specifications for our client's approval. This process often highlights areas of the existing processes that are unnecessary or inefficient and only exist because "it was always done that way".
The benefits of our systems include:
- Automate repetitive tasks such as sending reminders
- Cut down on paper and postage costs
- Avoid re-keying of data and increase data accuracy
- Generate real time management reports with a single click
- Allow customers to manage their own account
- Keep customer informed automatically
- Increase efficiency by monitoring every stage of a process in detail
- Free up staff time to focus on more valuable business goals
See below for some examples of the software we have developed for our clients.
Online Recruitment
Horisk developed an e-recruitment application for the Human Resources department at The Robert Gordon University. The HR team had to manage a complex process of recruiting all levels of staff from porters to professors. With requests originating from a multitude of departments each with their own specific job requirements, application and interview processes.
Horisk developed an integrated web based system that allows authorised staff throughout the university to create job specifications and application forms online for approval by HR and the relevant management staff. These vacancies are then automatically advertised and online application forms made available for applicants to complete. Once the applications are submitted the system handles the short-listing and interview process through to the final generation of a job offer and contract for the successful applicant.
Features include:
- Automatically advertise vacancies
- Create an online application form
- Filter applicants against pre-defined criteria
- Invite candidates for interview
- Schedule interviews and book interview space and panel
- Generate job offer and contract
- Conduct orientation and request set-up of facilities (email, phone extension etc.) for new post automatically
For more information 
Online Recruitment Case Study (PDF 1200Kb)
Accommodation Management
Horisk have developed a number of solutions for booking and managing accommodation. These include Hallpad, a web-based application for universities and colleges that allows students to apply for accommodation online and then go on to accept or reject an offer of a lease, pay deposits and complete direct debit mandates for ongoing rent payments. The software replaces a cumbersome manual process that may involve handling multiple types of paper application forms and leases, and communicating repeatedly by post with thousands of students. For more information on this software visit www.hallpad.co.uk
We have also developed a commercial application for a holiday operator offering chalet ski holidays in the French Alps. This allows potential guests to check availability and prices online, get a bespoke quote and go on to book their holiday. After booking it allows the guests to manage all their requirements online in a secure account. Here they can book airport transfers, lift passes, ski lessons and equipment.
This has replaced a manual system that required staff to deal individually with every availability enquiry, quote request, ski hire etc. whether or not it resulted in a booking.
Automating many of these processes has allowed the business to expand more quickly, take on more properties and welcome more guests.
Online Applications
ApplyOnline enables direct applicants to the University to apply for courses online, and is intended to make the current paper application form obsolete. Applicants can store partially completed forms, and view completed forms as a PDF. Data is error-checked and collected in a format to ease its insertion into the University's existing Student Information System.
ReviewOnline is the equivalent back-end workflow system designed to improve the process of evaluating application forms within the University. Admissions tutors can view applicant details, create and record communications with the applicant and record their decision which is automatically transferred to the existing Student Information System
ApplyOnline and ReviewOnline formed the major part of a Business Process Re-engineering project at The Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, which was a runner-up in the Guardian sponsored AUA Awards for Excellence 2004 and was Highly Commended in the Universities and Colleges Information Systems Association (UCISA) Award for Excellence 2004.
Online Applications Case Study (PDF 1Mb)
Publishing Workflow Management
Deadline is our application developed over the past 10 years to manage all aspects of the publishing process for small and medium sized magazine, directory and guide book publishers. Deadline has a number of modules each dealing with a specific part of the process, including;
- Customer relationship management
- Advertising bookings
- Editorial Commissions
- Listings
- Flat-planning
- Invoicing
- Auto layout in Quark and Indesign
Online Retailing
We have developed a number of e-commerce applications for clients selling anything from fishing permits to orchid essences. All these applications had some key benefits in common:
- Live stock status
- Immediate payment processing
- Efficient dispatch management and order tracking
- Live sales and management reporting
- 24/7 availability
- Low transaction cost
Our latest e-commerce website is Healingorchids.com