Chain-Sys: What Is a Software Product Company?

Chain-Sys: What Is a Software Product Company?

Computers have been around for a long time, but the general public still doesn’t fully understand how they work. Because of that confusion, there are often many questions surrounding companies that offer computer products and services, especially when those products and services are amorphous. Read on to learn what a software product company like Chain-Sys is.

Software vs. Hardware

The first (and most important) thing to understand is the difference between software and hardware. It’s in this distinction that a lot of confusion around the nature of software comes from. You may think about hardware stores when you hear this term—in that case, hardware refers to things like nails, screws, and cabinet fixtures.

In this case, however, hardware refers to all the physical components required for a computer. This includes the RAM sticks, CPU, video card, hard drive, and more. On the other hand, software is the programs and processes that tell those pieces of hardware what to do. Your web browser, for instance, is a piece of software on your device.

Software: Product or Service?

With that said, many people aren’t sure whether companies that offer software provide a product or a service. That discrepancy is understandable, as products are traditionally known to be physical goods. We believe the best way to look at it is that software companies provide products and services. The design and upkeep of software is the service, while the software itself is a product (albeit a digital one).

Software Company Services

In addition to developing and maintaining software, many software product companies also offer IT services so that you can ask questions about the software. Some software companies may also provide services or products to assist with cloud data management or other processes—it depends on the company.

Now that you know what a software product company like Chain-Sys is, we hope you better understand what we do. If you have any remaining questions, we’re always happy to talk. Contact our team today!

Fundamentals of Robotic Process Automation

Fundamentals of Robotic Process Automation

The information technology field seems to come with a never-ending procession of new ideas and programs that you must learn to stay ahead of the game. Robotic process automation is the latest in this long line, and it may be one of the best. However, it can go over the heads of some who try to understand it. With that, consider the fundamentals of robotic process automation.

Explaining Robotic Process Automation

When you hear or see the word robot, you probably think of either a boxy character who says things like “beep” and “boop” or the Terminator. Robotic process automation, or RPA, involves neither. The robots in this instance are within the software, which is to say there are no physical bots of which to speak.

These digital RPA bots can perform rudimentary human tasks—specifically, tasks that require a lot of hours but not a lot of brainpower.

Understanding How RPA Is Useful

You’ve likely had employees complain about busy work at some point. It’s the kind of work that needs to get done, but no one wants to do it because it’s rather dull.

RPA can replace humans—thus freeing up your employees to focus on more important tasks—in instances where the work is rule-based, contains defined inputs and outputs, has a predefined trigger, and has sufficient volume. If all of the above apply to areas in your line of work, those tasks are the perfect candidates for robotic process automation.

Using RPA Optimally

In many instances, the best place to use RPA automation tools is in finance. Much of the financial sector involves moving numbers from one place to another and adding or averaging them. RPA saves your employees from this repetitive work and frees them up to focus on things that require human intuition.

Now that you know the fundamentals of robotic process automation, we hope you have a deeper understanding of how machine learning can take the weight off many of your employees and set the stage for a more efficient company moving forward.

Why Businesses Should Use RPA To Automate Business Processes

Why Businesses Should Use RPA To Automate Business Processes

The fact that you’re reading about robots doing work humans don’t want to is indicative of the incredible technological strides humanity has made in the last few decades. Only a few short years ago, people would need to grit their teeth and perform this tedious work, but today, that is no longer the case. Read on to learn why businesses should use RPA to automate business processes.

What Is Robotic Process Automation?

Robotic process automation, or RPA, is an emerging technology designed to automate the necessary but tedious tasks done as rudimentary business processes. You know the ones we’re talking about—scouring through financial records, cross-referencing names and dates— all the unpleasant, boring tasks.

Software bots become virtual workers that can perform time-consuming tasks instead of devoting your living workforce to these processes.

Quicker Completion of Tasks

Humans are great, but they aren’t as quick to devour data as computers. Staffing costs and resources are a significant consideration of every management team, and RPA allows you to focus your people on tasks where people are still required. As you save money by not wasting the time of your workforce, you’ll also notice that projects are completed more quickly with a robot.

That said, implementing RPA requires a little time up-front to start automated workflows for your bots to follow. However, once the initial investment is made, you’ll see immediate results.

Enhanced Finances

Financial processes are one area where mistakes can devastate a business. Robotic process automation can help your accountants by doing the busy work that needs to get done. From payroll to financial planning, letting your bots complete these tasks will save your company precious time and money.

Upgraded Data Security

Human error is a factor you need to consider as a manager. Robots can’t make human errors—it’s literally impossible. When you employ robotic process automation, your data will stay safe from mix-ups and miscommunications.

Now that you know why businesses should use RPA to automate business processes, upgrade your system with smart bots that can take some of the weight off your employees’ shoulders.

4 Characteristics of a Great Smart Bot Application

4 Characteristics of a Great Smart Bot Application

A good web application builder can be the difference between a functional user interface that your customers enjoy and one that’s so difficult to parse that you lose clients. You shouldn’t need to fight your application builder when you want to make a change—it should work with you. Read on to discover the four characteristics of a great smart bot application builder.

Reliability

An application builder that does precisely what you want it to do 70 percent of the time is not a good one. You want a builder that you can keep returning to and getting the same great results repeatedly. This can mean an app builder that doesn’t crash or one with excellent customer support. Either way, reliability is one of the four keys to a great builder.

Security

Today, data security is of the utmost importance. No one wants to add personal information to a site that may be prone to malicious attacks, so if you use a web application known for weak security, it may affect your sales.

Performance

One of the biggest turn-offs when using a website is slow performance. It’s enough to convince the average user to close the window and find an alternative! Make sure your web app has excellent performance to avoid this outcome.

Usability

User experience is everything in a drag-and-drop app builder. That’s not to say that a great app builder can’t be complex or packed with features, but everything should have its place and be intuitive. When you think to yourself, “I wish I could make this happen,” and the app builder has a simple path to that outcome, you’ll enjoy your experience more while getting the results you want.

Now that you know these four characteristics of a great smart bot application builder, make sure your app builder is as intuitive as you need it to be. It shouldn’t feel like pulling teeth when you try and perform a simple development task—you and your application builder should work in perfect harmony.