Ether NDE chose Lakeview’s Cloud based ERP product ‘LV’ to bring all their business data into the one place and produce management reports easily and in real-time.  By opting for the Lakeview SAAS model it has allowed Ether NDE to have a fully integrated system at a fixed monthly cost without the need for investment in new hardware.

Ether NDE were experiencing difficulties with business data being held in spreadsheets. The implementation of Lakeview’s LV will bring all their business data together, and provide management reporting tools in real-time, which will promote better decision making.  By having a fully integrated system with financials it has also reduced the external costs associated with bookkeepers and accountants.

About Ether NDE
Ether NDE design and repair electrical probes and meters at its factory and office premises based in Harpenden, Hertfordshire with an international client base. Ether NDE in addition to their own products also represents selected international manufacturers of electromagnetic test equipment and accessories.

VISIT: www.ethernde.com

Author: Angela Kennedy, Marketing

Technorati Tags: cloud erp, ether NDE, saas

We believe our business proposition is absolutely unique amongst suppliers of ERP software.

We are one of a few independent software authors directly supplying ERP systems to UK based SME businesses.

Lakeview has been providing business software solutions to UK SME’s for over 25 years, and understands the needs of both customers and the demands of trading from within the UK.

Our passion is to deliver excellent business software with an outstanding level of service. When customers contact us with a ‘how do I do this?’ or ‘what am I doing wrong?’ question, we don’t turn them away, or suggest spending on training or consulting. We take the time to find a solution and our customers constantly comment favourably on our service and often recommend us to others.

Introducing LV: Lakeview’s latest ERP product

Built using the latest, proven Microsoft technologies LV is proving to be the feature rich business software solution that Lakeview is renowned for.

LV ERP can be deployed

• On premise
• In The Cloud
• Or on any mobile device or tablet

LV also boasts

1. An App that allows you to create and update transactions as well as enquire across the system.
2. A full set of API’s for business and database interfaces enabling web shops and third party products to be easily integrated in real time.

In summary

Lakeview provide end-to-end software solutions to UK SME’s: Delivering solutions that are second to none in terms of features, support and technology and offered with an unwavering level of service.

Our largest source of customer acquisition comes from existing customer recommendations, together with previous Lakeview users moving company and introducing us. This speaks volumes…

Visit and download

More about LV: www.lakeview.co.uk/lv

Download LV to your mobile: iTunes App Store

LV on YouTube: http://youtu.be/daVj_SLYdtM

To find out more

Call us on 0208 303 3329 or email info@lakeview.co.uk

Author: Mark Greatrex, CEO, Lakeview

Technorati Tags: ERP on your mobile, LV ERP, mobile ERP

Many Sales Managers or Directors create sales forecast information by collating spreadsheets received from their sales team. Not only is this a slow and labour intensive process, but it is also immediately out of date, open to re-keying errors and is owned locally.

Within Lakeview’s LV ERP system your sales team will manage their prospects, leads and opportunities (within the CRM module).  As MD, you will require easy access to sales information plus any analytic reports from anywhere and undoubtedly from within a web browser / Web Client.

With LV ERP you have the ability to:

1. Review your sales pipeline and forecasts in real-time and from anywhere.
2. Drive more effective sales meetings as you no longer require physical team meet ups.
3. Review your sales analytic reports with the team on-the-fly and remotely.

Lakeview’s LV Web Client allows anyone authorised to view the system on any device via any web browser. This allows you and your sales team to update, query or review sales data from anywhere in the world and at any time‚ keeping you in control.

LV CRM module facilitates proactive sales & prospect meetings

Use your sales team meetings to update the CRM system there and then (on-the-fly) and remove the need to make  individual forecast updates after the meeting.

With LV CRM your sales team will update both leads and opportunities once they’ve finished meeting a prospect or customer.

Using an iPad, smart phone or laptop your sales team can access LV ERP and update the system with:

• Meeting notes
• Deal values
• Convert leads to opportunities
• Convert opportunities to orders
• Convert prospects to customers

LV CRM supports electronic document management

Once satisfied with your sales forecast you can email a PDF of the report to whoever needs it, or save it for your next Board meeting pack.

LV ERP facilitates remote working at no extra cost

There is no need to purchase any Terminal Server or Citrix type software to be able to remote connect to LV ERP and no help needed from expensive external IT consultants.

Any new transactions or updates are automatically made to the LV ERP system wherever it resides in the world, or in The Cloud, so there is no rekeying and all data is viewed in real-time.

This is how sales teams and leaders should be functioning in the 21^st Century in order to provide a competitive edge, win more business, manage costs and provide excellent service.

The best way to see how ‘LV’ ERP‘ can help your business is to a talk with a Lakeview consultant on 0208 303 3329.

About Lakeview

Lakeview are authors of ERP solutions providing outstanding levels of customer service to UK SME’s for over 25 years.

——————————

Visit iTunes to download LV ERP to your mobile device

Or download our LV brochure to read more on LV ERP for mobile

Author: Mark Greatrex, CEO, Lakeview Computers Ltd

Technorati Tags: CRM, ERP CRM, LV ERP

What Is Cloud Computing?

Cloud Computing is an on demand access to shared servers, software and data using the Internet. The user accesses the cloud using any type of device (PC, Laptop, Smart Phone, iPad) that runs a web browser.

The Cloud is meant to represent the concept that the user does not need to know anything of the computing infrastructure he or she is using and that it just sits within a cloud somewhere out there. It is often depicted, as a drawing of a cloud inside which is a network of linked servers much like drawings of telephone networks or electricity grids.

The Cloud can also be seen to represent an alleged infinite capacity of computing resources available for all to use. The cloud can even be a private Cloud (at a cost.)

There are many types of applications for cloud computing from backups, data storage and email systems through to full-blown ERP systems such as Lakeview’s LV product. In theory all business and personal systems could be delivered to you via the cloud.

In reality there are of course still companies that you contract with for these delivered services via the Cloud as the latter is after all a different route to market for the products and services already on offer pre Cloud.

The way these Cloud application services known as SaaS (Software as a Service) or ‘Software on Demand’ are delivered via a subscription from the service provider.

So, what are the pros and cons for your business potentially moving to a Cloud Computing model?

Pros

Cost reduction

This is the key benefit in that there may no longer any need for in house IT hardware or technical expertise or these resources can be redeployed to other business functions.

Scalable

It will grow with your business (although you will pay more.)

Green

Companies sharing global data centres within the cloud should reduce green footprints.

Cons

Risk

Single point of failure with one supplier for all IT needs with limited negotiating power, control and costly to revert back in-house.

Access

This may well be a showstopper as you will need a telecom (Broadband or Lease) line into your business that provides reliable and responsive access to the Internet.

Privacy

Handing confidential business data over to a third party.

Performance

Many software applications are slower and less reliable as they weren’t designed for cloud deployment.

Summary

If your business is an early adopter, and prepared to take a considered risk for a cost saving, then the Cloud is certainly worthy of consideration.

For the remaining majority of pragmatic, conservative and technology laggard businesses then best to maintain status quo and keep your server and data sat safely within your four business walls (five counting your firewall!)

——————————————–

About Lakeview

Lakeview are authors of ERP solutions providing outstanding levels of customer service to UK SME’s for over 25 years.

To find out more

Please contact at info@lakeview.co.uk or call us on 0208 303 3329.

Visit our YouTube demo: UKERP

LV ERP product page: www.lakeview.co.uk/lv

iTunes business App: Visit iTunes to trial ‘LV ERP’

PDF download: LV ERP Brochure

Author: Mark Greatrex, CEO, Lakeview Computers Ltd

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Technorati Tags: cloud computing, cloud erp, erp cloud, LV ERP, mobile ERP

Lakeview are pleased to announce a rental model for its latest ERP product ‘LV ERP‘.

Renting software or Software as a Service (SaaS) is often bundled and confused with Cloud Computing. Whilst the two naturally fit together, we believe many businesses may prefer to rent their software whilst keeping the systems on-premise within the business domain and control.

Flexibility of determining usage, on a month by month basis

Lakeview offers a fixed price on a per user per month basis, with the right to use ‘LV ERP’ with maintenance, support and upgrades included.

This gives you the flexibility to increase or decrease the number of users easily and aligned against business changes.

This can also include any add on Lakeview modules and potentially third party applications supplied by ourselves.

The option to rent, either on premise or via The Cloud provides a low cost entry point rather than having to pre purchase licenses, and an option we are seeing increased demand for in these uncertain economic conditions.

The benefits of renting your next ERP solution with Lakeview include:

1. Low cost of entry and ownership
2. No need for an in house IT team
3. Flexibility of determining usage
4. Anytime, anywhere access
5. Industry specific solutions

About Lakeview

Lakeview are authors of ERP solutions providing outstanding levels of customer service to UK SME’s for over 25 years.

To find out more

Please contact us by email: info@lakeview.co.uk or call on 0208 303 3329.

Or visit our LV ERP product page here: www.lakeview.co.uk/lv

Author: Mark Greatrex, CEO, Lakeview Computers Ltd

Technorati Tags: cloud erp, erp on rent, mobile ERP, rent erp, saas erp

Many sales teams still operate paper-based processes with an order pad that requires re-keying in data when back at the office. This is clearly a very inefficient use of time, and can lead to lost business and customer service issues when data is not entered correctly or in time.

In today’s business world it’s imperative that the sales person has all the latest information to hand when with a customer or prospect and be able to close business there and then. Lakeview’s ‘LV’ ERP system can be operated via any mobile device whether it is a smart phone, tablet, laptop or an inexpensive net book and provides online access to your business data.

Using LV ERP your sales team can enter quotes or orders directly into the system, print documents onsite or email them to whoever needs them. They can check accounts, prices and the latest stock levels, and can access any menu options that are available to them in the Office.

Mobile App

If your sales team uses iPhones, iPads or Android devices then there is a dedicated LV App for each of these platforms.

For Apple users

Click here to download a functioning version of LV free of charge using demo data.   http://t.co/B66gW4Zx

There is no need to purchase any Terminal Server or Citrix type software, and no help needed from expensive external IT consultants.

———————–

To find out more

Contact Lakeview at: info@lakeview.co.uk or call on 0208 303 3329.

Visit iTunes to download LV ERP to your mobile device

Or download our LV brochure to read more on LV ERP for mobile

About Lakeview

Lakeview are authors of ERP solutions providing outstanding levels of customer service to UK SME’s for over 25 years.

Author: Mark Greatrex, CEO, Lakeview Computers Ltd

Technorati Tags: apple erp, erp app, LV, LV ERP, mobile ERP

In today’s high technology world it is now common place to find employees working from home.

From an IT perspective this can be an expensive and often frustrating experience for the home worker. Terminal Server licenses have to be procured and the connection itself can be unstable or slow with the laptop operating system, and the network software adding a burden at both ends.

Lakeview’s ‘LV’ ERP solution makes it easier than ever for companies to offer a ‘working from home’ option. Any laptop or indeed low cost net book can be connected to the full functionality ERP system via any web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer, Safari, Google Chrome, Firefox etc.)

There is no need to purchase any Terminal Server or Citrix type software, and no help needed from expensive external IT consultants.

Any new transactions or updates are automatically made to the LV system wherever it resides in the world, or in The Cloud, ensuring all data is viewed in real-time.

This is how home offices should be functioning in the 21st Century in order to provide competitive edge, manage costs and provide excellent service.

The best way to see how ‘LV’ ERP‘ can help your business is to a talk with a Lakeview consultant.

Contact Lakeview at: info@lakeview.co.uk or call on 0208 303 3329.

About Lakeview

Lakeview are authors of ERP solutions providing outstanding levels of customer service to UK SME’s for over 25 years. To find out more visit: www.lakeview.co.uk.

Author: Mark Greatrex, CEO of Lakeview Computers

Technorati Tags: business software, erp, LV, mobile ERP, remote, remote working, web erp

Given the extended period of economic uncertainty UK business leaders have come to a typically stoic British conclusion – we must press on and restart investment for growth.

UK business leaders and entrepreneurs cannot wait for the European Union to resolve its issues but instead have to show leadership. What is clear is that there needs to be financial options readily available for investment in business. With the banks still reluctant to offer support to SME’s it’s down to savvy suppliers to offer financial options.

Here at Lakeview we offer our market leading ‘LV ERP’ software and services through a number of finance options:

1. Buy the right to use ‘LV ERP’ for as long as you choose
2. Take advantage of attractive leasing options tailored specifically for your needs
3. Rent ‘LV ERP’ on a per user per month basis, as a lower cost entry point for your investment

These financial options are available regardless of whether you want your ERP solution to:

1. Reside on your IT infrastructure on your premises
2. Be hosted on ‘The Cloud

Either way we are able to evaluate, advise and implement the best solution for your business.

So, the choice is yours to make the investment in your next generation ERP system in a way that best suits your business finance, and delivers the business growth and cost savings to meet the business case.

About Lakeview

Lakeview are authors of ERP solutions providing outstanding levels of customer service to UK SME’s for over 25 years.

Find out more

To find out more please phone us on 0208 303 3329 or email info@lakeview.co.uk.

Or visit: www.lakeview.co.uk

Author: Mark Greatrex, CEO of Lakeview Computers Ltd

Technorati Tags: cloud erp, finance ERP, lease ERP, LV ERP, pricing ERP, rental ERP

There is much excitement and coverage of Cloud Computing, Software as a Service (SaaS) and Multi-tenancy architecture in the IT marketplace.

Cloud Computing means using multiple server computers via a digital network, as though they were one computer. Often, the services available are considered part of Cloud Computing.

Cloud Computing differs from the classic client-server model by providing applications from a server that are executed and managed by a client’s web browser, with no installed client version of an application required.
The term “software as a service” (SaaS) is sometimes used to describe application programs offered through cloud computing. A common shorthand for a provided cloud computing service (or even an aggregation of all existing cloud services) is “The Cloud”.
Any computer or web-friendly device connected to the Internet may access the same pool of computing power, applications, and files in a cloud-computing environment on a remote server.

Multi-tenancy refers to a principle in software architecture where a single instance of the software runs on a server, serving multiple client organizations (tenants). Multi-tenancy is contrasted with a multi-instance architecture where separate software instances (or hardware systems) are set up for different client organizations. With a multi-tenant architecture, a software application is designed to virtually partition its data and configuration, and each client organization works with a customized virtual application instance.

The costs of re-designing applications for Multi-tenancy can be significant, especially for software vendors who continue to offer an on-premises single tenant version of their product. They end up being forced to support two distinct products with all the resulting costs.

The vast majority of SaaS solutions are based on a multi-tenant architecture. With this model, a single version of the application, with a single configuration (hardware, network, operating system), is used for all customers (“tenants”).

To support scalability, the application is installed on multiple machines (called horizontal scaling). In some cases, a second version of the application is set up to offer a select group of customers with access to pre-release versions of the applications (e.g., a beta version) for testing purposes. This is contrasted with traditional software, where multiple physical copies of the software—each potentially of a different version, with a potentially different configuration, and oftentimes customized—are installed across various customer sites.

While an exception rather the norm, some SaaS solutions do not use multi-tenancy, or use other mechanisms—such as virtualization—to cost-effectively manage a large number of customers in place of multi-tenancy. Whether multi-tenancy is a necessary component for software-as-a-service is a topic of controversy.

Lakeview provides ERP solutions that can be deployed on premise, or in The Cloud, as a service and fully supports multi-tenancy.

TO FIND OUT MORE

Email us at info@lakeview.co.uk or call on 0208 303 3329.

Author: Mark Greatrex, CEO of Lakeview Computers Ltd

Technorati Tags: cloud computing, cloud erp, saas

Cloud computing or ‘Cloud’ is fast becoming a buzz word for us all, it is a platform that offers many benefits to many businesses, but it is still in its infancy particularly in the UK SME marketplace.

We have all witnessed an unprecedented global financial meltdown and a recession, companies within every industry are looking for cost savings. I think it fair to say, gone are the days businesses invest large amounts of capital in servers and thanks to the Cloud this is fast becoming a reality.

So, we look at some risks and trade-offs with Mark Greatrex, CEO of Lakeview Computers and contributor to the UKERP Twitter.

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing as a service rather than a product, whereby shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and other devices as a utility (like the electricity grid) over a network (typically the Internet).

Extract taken from Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia

What are the major benefits of cloud computing for you?

Our client base consists of small to medium sized businesses within manufacturing, distribution and wholesale marketplaces.

For us, ‘Cloud computing’ facilitates the delivery of our enterprise solution (LV) in a new way, via the web, with different pricing structures and gives businesses the ability to scale up and down easily. For some businesses a Cloud model will be attractive on a pay per user basis, for others it’s about removing large up front hardware costs, it gives business owners choice.

The Key benefits for Cloud based ERP

• Allows a faster evolution of the ERP solution and its ROI
• Requires a minimal capital outlay
• Minimal operational and maintenance cost
• Fewer IT resources needed, with easier implementation and integration path

These significant benefits are driving business owners and executives to look at the way they are currently doing business in a proactive effort to make cost savings and to stay competitive within their market place.

What do you see as the risks and trade-offs of a Cloud platform?

The key risks and issues of Cloud are:

• Security concerns of outsourcing business confidential data
• Performance & reliability of the infrastructure, particularly the connection to/from the SME’s business locations
• Willingness & capability of your software suppliers to provide an integrated solution in the Cloud
• Nervousness over relinquishing control of your IT resources to parties unknown!

The good news is that all of these risks and issues can be mitigated and concerns allayed.

Should my business adopt a Cloud platform?

Once all of your concerns have been addressed it comes down to a business decision based on cost. It should be easy to quantify the cost savings to your business of not having to replace IT hardware and associated software and having to employ IT staff to manage your infrastructure.

With the right supplier and contract the annual cost of cloud should be predictable and so your return on investment should be straightforward to calculate.

Cloud is now moving from early adoption by technology enthusiasts and now becomes attractive to those of you who are pragmatic buyers.

Authors: Angela Kennedy, Marketing and Mark Greatrex, CEO, Lakeview Computers Ltd

LV: Taking ERP mobile

Technorati Tags: cloud computing, cloud erp, LV