Improving information management & project proposal automation at Data#3

Abstract

[Abstract]: This dissertation describes a software development project completed for an ICT Solutions company called Data#3. Customers utilise Data#3's expertise for a wide range of software and hardware projects. The aim of this project was to streamline the production of their project proposal documents. The Solutions Sales Specialists who prepare proposal documents identified the need to implement additional functionality into an existing piece of software. This piece of software, the ADCA (Automated Documentation Creation Application), loads into Microsoft Word as a tab on the Microsoft Word 2007 Ribbon Interface. The primary objectives of the project were: - Modify the ADCA to accommodate new information elements. - Allow information retrieval from an “Information Management Repository”. - Integrate support for the Master Proposal Template. A list of functions was formulated to satisfy the requirements. These functions were designed and developed using Microsoft Visual Studio 2005, and the project was carefully managed in order to ensure a successful outcome. The functions were developed and tested concisely, and the piece of software was able to fulfil the objectives of the project. The tools are now available for the Solutions Sales Specialists to produce high quality documents more efficiently.