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

For our customers and prospects alike we promote and support a ‘Bespoke as standard’ ethos. This is our guarantee that all modifications to the software are included into the core product ‘as standard’.

How do we do this?

This is managed by having a single set of source code, by designing solutions as generic as possible and by switching features on by means of control flags.

The ‘Bespoke as standard’ commitment enables easy upgrades to the latest version of your Lakeview (LV or LM) software and to take advantage of new features as they are released.

To find out more

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

Or visit: www.lakeview.co.uk

Author: Angela Kennedy, Marketing, Lakeview

Technorati Tags: lakeview erp

That is the ERP dilemma .. or is it?

ERP (enterprise resource planning) software is commonplace throughout many industries, and there is always risk associated with buying and implementing a new solution. Changing your ERP system will undoubtedly affect multiple people, groups, stakeholders, and your core business processes, leaving you in a dilemma, choosing between a bespoke or standard ERP solution.

“Should we go for an ‘off the shelf’ solution? One that will have been created for our industry with specific modules added on but requires us to change our business processes?  Or should we look at a tailored solution because we like our specialised business processes?”

Choosing the right software solution for your business will take time.  Your selection criteria will see you scrutinise ‘off the shelf’ solutions and the more ‘tailored made’ ones.

The pros and cons

But what if you could have both?

A bespoke ERP solution with some industry standard functionality built in?

Wouldn’t it be good if you could take all the positives of both these approaches with none of the negatives?  Surely that’s possible?

With Lakeview, it is indeed possible:  I hear you say “how”.

How can you have an ERP solution capable of being tailored to the business model offer the same affordability and ease of implementation that comes with an off the shelf solution?

And, how can an off the shelf ERP solution be implemented into a business and still be upgradable?

The answer is… cleverly designed ERP software. Software designed using modern technologies, and that allows for third party integrations, upgrades and add-on modules, and built on a platform with specific industry needs in mind.

To find out more

Call Lakeview ERP on: 0845 388 3329 or email us at info@lakeview.co.uk

Author: Angela Kennedy, Marketing, Lakeview ERP

Technorati Tags: Choosing ERP, erp, ERP types, which ERP

Connecting your overseas offices or home based employees abroad can be a difficult and costly IT burden with ongoing issues around reliability, poor support and terminal server software upgrades and faults.

With Lakeview’s LV ERP system we provide a very quick, simple and cost effective solution to enable your distant employees to connect remotely.

Using any device with a web browser, employees can visit a specific URL to gain direct access to your system via a secure login.

This comes without the need to buy any additional software (although they will count as an additional user on the LV ERP system). There is no need for expensive Terminal Server or Citrix licenses or any additional software to be purchased by your Organisation.

The LV Web Browser provides access to your system regardless of whether it resides on your premises or in The Cloud.

Employees simply sign in to our LV system using a user-id and password that restricts access to other areas of the system, and as directed by you. The system is configured to the individual needs and capable of printing documents locally or to be sent via email on PDF’s.

LV ERP can be accessed using any web browser, e.g. Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and are not restricted to Internet Explorer as is often the way these days!

The data accessed is viewed in real-time as the connection is to the live database.

This low cost, at any time access to your systems would undoubtedly be of benefit to both you and your overseas offices or remote employees.

Talk to us

The best way to see find out 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.

To find out more

> Visit: www.lakeview.co.uk.

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

> Visit iTunes to download and trial ‘LV ERP’ on your mobile

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

Author: Mark Greatrex, CEO, Lakeview ERP

Technorati Tags: cloud erp, LM upgrade, LV ERP, mobile 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!)

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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

You maybe aware that Sage has announced termination of support for Sage Line 100 on September 30th 2012. This means no further development of the product beyond that date, no new releases and no changes for any taxation or legal requirements. This effectively renders the product unusable the next time there is a legal or fiscal change.

We have heard instances of Sage resellers not informing their customers and other resellers claiming they can support and develop Line 100 past this date (they can’t.)

Here at Lakeview our approach to product life cycles is very different to Sage and just about every other ERP author. Put simply we do not end life products and we do not force customers into buying an upgrade. Line 200 is sold as a natural evolution from Line 100 but in fact is a new piece of software. This is the opportunity for you to consider alternates.

Our Lakeview LM product has been providing customer with accounting and ERP functionality for over 25 years (longer than Line 100 has been in existence!) LM is still supported and developed with many of our customers still happily running their business very effectively on LM.

Two years ago we launched our LV product range which offers the rich functionality within LM plus all the latest Microsoft, Internet, Apple and mobile technologies. An increasing number of LM customers have taken the smooth upgrade path to LV based on their own decision and business benefits. Equally many Sage customers have migrated to Lakeview as the cost and disruption of moving to us is comparable or indeed less than moving to Line 200 but with much more benefits.

Lakeview LV also offers a fully functional mobile version that can work on any smart phone, tablet, iPad, iPhone, netbook, in fact any device that can connect to the Internet! This enables remote sales teams, executives and remote employees to access the system anytime anywhere.

As a UK author we also offer a completely unique proposition known as ‘Bespoke As Standard’. This means that we will modify the software to meet any needs that are specific to your business and we will guarantee that it will be included in the standard product. This enables a very smooth and painless upgrade to future releases – to our knowledge; nobody else in the UK offers this!

To find out more

Please email us on info@lakeview.co.uk or call us on 0845 388 3329.

Alternatively

Visit our website, download our LV App from iTunes or our LV brochure here.

Author: Mark Greatrex, CEO of Lakeview Computers Ltd

Technorati Tags: alternative to sage, good alternative to sage, sage erp, sage line 100, sage line 100 end, sage replacement