The Massachusetts American Federation of Labor (AFL) and Congress Unions (CIO) is the umbrella organization for more than 750 labor unions and intermediate bodies--and represents more than 400,000 working people.
As the "Union of Unions," the Massachusetts AFL-CIO is an organization with a vital charter, but their computer system was more of a hindrance than a help. Frequent system crashes were the norm.
When One8 Solutions was invited in, we found that the system was riddled with computer viruses, making it unstable and no longer secure. In addition, we recognized that with fairly modest technology improvements, we could help the Massachusetts AFL-CIO dramatically improve their internal and external communications.
We accomplished the improvements in two phases:
Phase 1: Stabilized the System
· Upgraded to Windows Small Business Server software.
· Upgraded all the workstations to Windows XP Professional.
· Installed and maintained updates of Symantec Anti-Virus Corporate Edition.
Phase 2: Improved Internal and External Communications
· Implemented Microsoft Outlook Web Access so the staff could remotely access their e-mail, contacts, and calendar information.
· Provided remote access to their PCs via Go To My PC.
· Brought in a graphic designer to create a new web site.
· Custom developed new databases.
If your company or organization is in need of a little "technology stabilization," or help streamlining your internal and external communications, contact One8 Solutions.
North Star Management is a commercial property broker and management company in South Boston. They're an extremely busy company, and yet maintaining highly detailed income and expense reports for each property is integral to their business.
One8 Solutions was called in because North Star had been experiencing virus problems and downtime with their e-mail system. They were also concerned about losing valuable client data.
The solution? They asked us to take over the maintenance and administration of all their IT systems. We accomplished the following improvements:
· Upgraded them to Windows Small Business Server software and resolved e-mail problems.
· Installed and maintained updates of Symantec Anti-Virus Corporate Edition.
· Created a data security system, including daily tape backups, with tape rotations every Friday, and new tapes every month. That way, even if a corrupted file slips through, we can go back to find a clean copy.
· Provided data recovery. For instance, we recently restored a file that was preventing them from using their check writing application.
· Provide specialized accounting services such as upgrading their MAS 90 accounting software.
The result? The staff at North Star Management now spends more time doing what they do best--managing and brokering properties--rather than focusing upon their computer system. If keeping track of the details is critical to your business success, contact One8 Solutions.
East Coast Realty is a residential property manager in Boston representing over a hundred properties. They collect the rents, record all expenses, and provide each landlord with a report and check for the net amount.
Needless to say, getting the details right is important. So in addition to maintaining their computers and network, One8 Solutions also set them up with QuickBooks. Unlike some IT companies who would see their job as complete after installing the software, we worked hand in hand with East Coast's accountant. We are well-positioned to provide such service because owner Jonathan Bello is both a Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor and an accountant.
The benefits to East Coast Realty were clear:
· Improved Check Writing - Out of six different legal entities, East Coast Realty manages twenty separate checking accounts. Before One8 Solutions installed QuickBooks, the staff at East Coast would have to cut each check by hand. With QuickBooks, they can cut every check within the system and keep accurate balances.
· Comprehensive Training - Several East Coast employees are responsible for entering data, so One8 Solutions provided QuickBooks training for each of them.
If you're looking for more than a bits and bytes understanding of your business accounting needs, turn to One8 Solutions for a help with your computer system--and QuickBooks.
Alfaro Mendosa is a builder in the Boston area who ran into a problem many small business owners can appreciate--too much work for too little time.
In keeping up with his multiple jobs, dealing with numerous workman, vendors, and customers, he was overwhelmed with paperwork. The impact was significant, especially with tax season looming.
He began entering data into QuickBooks, which was a good start. The problem was finding the time to keep up with it. When One8 Solutions came in, we recognized that he not only needed help maintaining his computers, but he needed administrative help. So we brought in a part time bookkeeper to do data entry and numerous other tasks.
With One8 Solutions and QuickBooks, Alfaro Mendosa now has a well-organized accounting of his income and expenses, plus automated check writing capability. More importantly, he has a better handle on his business.
Does "too much work for too little time" sound familiar? If so, Contact One8 Solutions. We can help.
