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Arcspan FAQsCompany QuestionsProduct Questions
User Questions
Training and Support
Security QuestionsSUBMIT A QUESTION
Company QuestionsQ: What advantages does Acrodex offer to firms who are members of CEA? A: Consulting Engineers of Alberta members are eligible to receive discounts on Arcspan licensing and ASP services. Please contact us to request further information.
Product QuestionsQ: What is PSA? A: According to Webopedia, "Professional Services Automation (PSA) refers to a suite of software enabling IT service organizations to manage people and skilled resources." In other words, PSA helps companies to better operate and organize their time, invoicing and billing, expenses, projects, people and more. Click here to see what Arcspan can do for you.
Q: What are the differences between Arcspan's ASP Model and the Licensing Services Model? A: The hosted Application Service Provider (ASP) Model offers users access to the comprehensive suite of Arcspan solutions via the internet. Users require only a browser to access Arcspan and therefore can use the application anytime/anywhere. The ASP Model has the ability to run on a variety of platforms and requires minimal maintenance. Charges consist of a one-time installation fee and a monthly fee per user of the system. On the other hand, the Licensing Services Model involves installation of the application on the client's internal server network. The client must ensure that the appropriate hardware and infrastructure installations have been installed prior to Arcspan implementation. Charges consist of a one-time installation fee and annual license renewal fees. Help-desk and client support packages are also available for purchase.
Q: How do I receive upgrades to Arcspan? A: ASP Model users enjoy seamless upgrades installed and tested by our technical implementation team. ASP clients receive 2 weeks of notice for any changes that will be deployed on their site, and have the ability to opt-out of any unwanted upgrades. Licensing Model users will receive upgrades in executable file format. Major release upgrades may require our technical team to implement the updates at your location. Major release upgrades are offered at minimum one year intervals to ensure the continued smooth operation of Arcspan.
Q: What sort of maintenance does Arcspan require? A: The ASP Model of Arcspan requires minimal user maintenance; occasional Windows updates may be required to ensure the application continues to run smoothly. ASP users must have Java, Internet Explorer and Active-X reporting installed on their computer. Licensing users are responsible for maintaining and upgrading their hardware and infrastructure. Acrodex is able to offer networking and IT Professional Services to help your company maintain these systems.
Q: How long does it take to implement Arcspan? A: The length of the implementation process varies depending on a variety of factors including:
However, on average an ASP deployment for a small to mid-sized company takes approximately 2-4 months.
Q: What platforms are compatible with Arcspan? A: Arcspan is compatible with most platforms. Users require only Internet Explorer, Java and Active-X reports installed on their computer in order to access Arcspan.
Q: How much return on investment can I expect from Arcspan? A: On average, customers currently using Arcspan have experienced a minimum 10% - 15% reduction in non-billable hours. For a 50 person firm, this can result in an approximate annual increase in gross revenue of $588,000 (based on an average hourly billable resource rate of $70.00)
Q: How do you compare to other PSA vendors? A: Designed to operate within a Microsoft environment, Arcspan is a robust and secure application with several unique features such as: 7 levels of project information capture to help you plan projects from start to finish, 6 levels of security role-based access, bi-directional interface with Microsoft Project, Online Analytical Processing reporting (OLAP), all of which is available either as a hosted solution or for licensing at your site.
Q: Can Arcspan be integrated with other software applications? A: Arcspan can be integrated with several applications including ERP solutions like Microsoft Great Plains or Intuit QuickBooks, document management solutions, project management tools like Microsoft Project, and payroll systems including those of Ceridian and Intuit.
Q: What is Arcspan Express? A: Arcspan Express is essentially a portal version of the full Arcspan Enterprise Model. Its user-friendly interface provides a Self Service area in which employees can choose commands through the use of drop-down menus (i.e. enter time). There also is a Corporate Links section, a Message Board and a Scratch Pad to write notes. Depending on the user's access level, they can connect to the Arcspan Enterprise Model.
Q: What types of organizations can benefit from Arcspan? A: Arcspan can be customized to help a variety of professional services organizations streamline their operations. The application is adaptable to the engineering sector, non-profit organizations, IT companies, independent software vendors and consulting agencies, among others.
User QuestionsQ: How do I get rid of unwanted assigned activities on my timesheet? A: Activities on your timesheet will be saved either if they have been added as permanent timesheet items on your Activity QuickList, or if there is time entered against them. If you want to add an activity temporarily (i.e., a week), use the drop-down menu on the bottom of the timesheet. Select the activity you wish to add, and click on the "add" icon on the left. Permanent additions or deletions can be completed by clicking on the QuickList icon and changing your Display Preference and Activity Set. Use the Add/Remove buttons (>), (<) on the Available List to move items to your QuickList. For more information please download a "Quick Guide - Basic User" instruction manual.
Q: Am I able to enter time towards any projects, or only the ones I am assigned to? A: As a user, you are only able to enter time against projects you are assigned to. This feature is designed to reduce the possibility of error as it condenses the timesheet activities available. It also offers project managers peace of mind, ensuring that only employees with project manager permission are able to bill a project.
Q: Am I able to see all projects, or only the ones I am assigned to? A: Depending on your access level, you will see different things. As a business unit manager or project manager, you are able to see all active projects for your business unit. System administrators have the ability to edit any existing projects and create new ones.
Q: Can Arcspan create charts/graphs? A: Through the use of Online Analytical Processing reporting (OLAP), Arcspan users are able to manipulate different variables to create and format graphs. Users must first download an OLAP cube onto their desktop in order to link data from Arcspan to a MS Excel spreadsheet. Once an OLAP cube is downloaded, users have access to a wealth of information; these graphs can be manipulated to display relevant, up-to-date variables and are useful tools in analyzing trends over time.
Q: What happens if I forget my password? A: Arcspan users can contact their internal HR Administrator(s) who can open the Admin module to reset their password. Users can then log into Arcspan using the temporary password and then personalize their password to ensure privacy.
Q: Is Arcspan able to accommodate for our company's irregular billing and invoicing periods? A: The Arcspan Team can customize the application to fit your organization's billing and invoicing cycles. Any special specifications should be brought to the attention of the Arcspan Team prior to implementation.
Training and Support QuestionsQ: What type of training is required to use Arcspan? A: Arcspan offers a comprehensive training program with all new implementations. Training services include:
Q: Is there on-going customer support? If so, what are your hours of operation? A: Arcspan offers a variety of client help-desk and support packages. Arcspan Support can be reached by telephone from Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30 am to 5:30 (MST). After hours email support is available to all clients as is emergency telephone support. Email: sales@arcspan.com Phone: 780.426.444 ext. 508
Security QuestionsQ: Is Arcspan secure? A: Arcspan uses a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol; SSL encrypts information between the server and client to ensure absolute privacy of your valued information. The Arcspan servers are kept under lock in a secure facility. A fully equipped secondary location exists to support our disaster recovery plan.
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