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TECHNOLOGY
ACKNOWLDEGEMENT
Asia Pacific Institute Of Information Technology
I would like to thank Mr. Tharindu Amersekere for his continuous support and guidance
in the preparation of this project.
By doing this project we gathered many useful qualities to our life how to work as a
team, how to coordinate with others, how to work according to a plan within a given
time and how to share our ideas. So we would like to thank all our friends and others
who helped us in numerous ways to make this project successful.
We would be very thankful to the Manager and the staff of the Hellocorp Company for
giving us the opportunity to study their system and giving us full support to make this
project a success.
Gayani Harischandra,
Mohamed Husni,
Mohamed Fahad,
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Table of Contents
Contents
TECHNOLOGY...............................................................................................................1
ACKNOWLDEGEMENT...............................................................................................2
TABLE OF CONTENTS.................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................9
Corporate Profile..........................................................................................................................................9
Corporate Information.................................................................................................................................9
HelloCorp Capabilities...............................................................................................................................10
Special Recognition.....................................................................................................................................11
Key Clientele................................................................................................................................................11
Contact Information...................................................................................................................................11
IT INFRASTRUCTURE...............................................................................................14
1. INPUTS.......................................................................................................................19
1.1 Data........................................................................................................................................................19
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Introduction..............................................................................................................................................19
1.2 Devices....................................................................................................................................................21
Introduction..............................................................................................................................................21
2.PROCESS....................................................................................................................27
Main Processing Cycle................................................................................................................................27
MS Dynamics...........................................................................................................................................31
3. OUTPUT.....................................................................................................................32
3.1 Data........................................................................................................................................................32
4.STORAGES.................................................................................................................35
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................35
Devices used.................................................................................................................................................35
5.COMMUNICATION..................................................................................................41
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List of Abbreviations
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ABSTRACT
1. Input – By researching we found that for inputs they enter a wide range of data.
For those reasons they use the basic input devices and some additional devices.
2. Process – When data is sent from the client to the FTP server it will be processed
through a wide range of softwares and the clients will get them as a meaningful
output.
3. Output – As outputs they give bills and invoices. And as output devices they use
comm. devices such as printer, speaker and monitor.
4. Storage – Since there is a wide range of data to be stored for these reasons tey
use most o the latest storage devices.
5. Communication – For communication they do not use all of the communication
methods except e mail and telephone.
Overall we have discussed the technology used, the benefits, the functionality, the
weakness and the impact of the technology towards the company.
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Introduction
Corporate Profile
Corporate Information
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(Hellocorp, 2009)
HelloCorp Capabilities
Key Clientele
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– A Top-25 Ranked Chartered Accountancy Firm based in UK
Contact Information
(Hellocorp, 2009)
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From the services they provide we selected the Finance and accounting service
section for the research on this project.
The Accounting Associates are trained and certified to process data using Oracle
Financials (e-business suite), SAGE Line 50, QuickBooks, MS Dynamics and client
specific Customized Software. Their scope of services ranges from creation of the Chart
of Accounts, Accounts Receivable & Payable processing, to generating Management
Accounts and Closure of year-end.
They offer an “Outsourced CFO Service” model for Small and Medium organizations,
allowing them to focus on the core business areas while they manage all accounting
functions. Their services include Budgeting, Variance Analysis, Consolidation of
Accounts and Reporting.
For an initial evaluation, their operational model allows clients to experience their
Service Delivery and Quality, with no commitment. They offer secure, web-based
accounting software which allows an organization to access their financial information
on a 24 X 7 basis. HelloCorp offers a high quality, low cost service delivery, with a
single point of contact to manage their client accounts.
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Services Offered
Accounts Receivable & Payable
Invoice Processing
Bank Reconciliation
Asset Management
Clearing Transactions
Mortgage Loan Processing
Tax Processing
Claims Processing
Travel & Expense Management
IT Infrastructure
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To gather information to make this project a success we used these methods as fact
findings
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The information processing cycle can be well described using these 5 factors.
1. Input
2. Process
3. Output
4. Storage
5. Communication
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1. Inputs
1.1 Data
Introduction
Inputs are a collection of raw data which needs to be converted according to the
instructions given by the user as a meaningful output.
1. Management details
2. Employee details
3. Client details
4. Security details
5. Financial details
Since Hellocorp is a large company which “provides outsourced services in the domain
of Finance & Accounting which includes a wide range of service offerings” (Hellocorp,
2009) the company itself has to keep all these details for their needs. So for future use
these details will be inputted to the FTP server.
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The Hellocorp Company receives large volumes of data. So for that they use the FTP
server. The file transfer protocol. A FTP server is a server that helps to load data which is
sent by the clients. They receive E mail alerts when they receive data from the clients.
For collecting data they use the server which is connected with an R.A.I.D device.
FTP Server
Client Hellocorp
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3.
1.2 Devices
Introduction
Input devices are devices which are used to enter data into a computer by the help of a
user.
The mainly used computer type is Personal computers. Mostly the common devices
which a computer has are used in the organization to input data. Though a large amount
of data is inputted they use the common devices which are basically used by everyone.
1. Mouse
2. Keyboard
3. Scanner
4. Fingerprint Reader
5. Card Readers.
6. Security Cameras
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Keyboard:
(Anon, n.d)
1. The commonly used keyboard brand in Hellocorp is Microsoft.
2. This is used to enter text and other commands in to a computer.
3. Desktop Computer keyboards have almost 101 to 105 keys.
4. 50 Keyboards are used in the company.
The company use this to enter details about the management, clients, employees,
security and financial.
Mouse:
(Anon, n.d)
Scanner:
(TRG, n.d)
1. Scanners are not essentials for a computer. According to your need you can have
it.
2. Is a light sensing input device that reads printed text and graphics and then
translates the results into a form the computer can process.
3. They use the scanner to scan certain documents and images.
4. 5 scanners are used for inputting data in Hellocorp.
The purpose of using this device is to scan images of the employees to upload it to
employee details information.
Advantages:
1. High Accuracy
2. High Quality Images
Disadvantages:
1. Images will take high memory
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2. Quality of the image depends
1. This device reads the magnetic stripe on the back of the credit card.
2. And data about the customer, account number, the card expiry date and the
country code is given as inputs.
3. They use 3 credit card readers for financial purposes.
This is used to record the record the payment and financial details in Hellocorp.
Advantages:
1. Up to date financial system
2. Higher Security
3. Online money transfer
4. More faster than ever
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Disadvantages:
1. Trained employees regarding the usage of the device
2. Monthly rental for the fixed line
3. Maintenance Cost
(Zaheerspeaks, 2009)
Advantages:
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1.High Security
2.Ease of us
3.More Reliable
Disadvantages:
1. High Cost
2. Employees must be trained regarding the device
3. Maintenance Cost
Security Cameras:
(Anon, n.d)
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
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• High in cost
• High Maintenance cost
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•
2.Process
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The relevant documents are received electronically as images or as adobe acrobat reader
file format. Through the secured server which is located at the client’s site, whereby
HelloCorp accesses these documents through a (VPN) Virtual Private Networking server
to this server. In another way client can send the other relevant documents through a
secured (VPN) connection, once the files are received by the HelloCorp’s servers the
project managers were alerted by an email alert system which is installed into the
database.
The final document which is ready to be sent to the client is viewed by the account
executive on a split screen display and enters it to the client’s accounting software.
The entries are 100% quality and secure city checked by qualified QC’s –
(Accountants)/IT professionals who are in HelloCorp before final submission made to
the client.
Other value added system include, the job tracking and monitoring system which is an
essential for dedicated project managers to keep up the client up to date with progress of
the work.
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HelloCorp says that they take usually 3 Days for a single project and maximum is a
week for a project.
1. Sage line 50
2. Oracle Financials (E-Business Suite)
3. QuickBooks
4. Ms Dynamics
5. Customized client software
Advantages
Disadvantages
1. Costly software and higher prices were paid to get the updates
2. Specially qualified employees to work in the software
User interface of (Sage Line 50)
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“The Oracle 11i E-Business Suite (also called Oracle Financials) is the premier
accounting and financial ERP, one of the most flexible and robust packages ever
created. The main areas of Oracle financials 11i include General Ledger (GL), Accounts
Receivable (AR), Accounts Payable (AP), Fixed assets (FA) and Financial Intelligence
(FI), Inventory Management, and Daily Business Intelligence (DBI)” (Anon,2009).
Advantages
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Disadvantages
1. Costly software and higher prices were paid to get the updates
2. Specially qualified employees to work in the software
MS Dynamics
automate and streamline financial, customer relationship, and supply chain processes in
a way that can help drive businesses success. Microsoft Dynamics comprises several
unique software products to meet almost any business need.
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(Anon, 2009)
How Microsoft Dynamics Helps to Businesses
3. Output
3.1 Data
Completed Accounting processing works are exported as a Sage Line 50 software
compatible files and are uploaded to a SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) server.
The files are organized under client names, date, job category, etc in the SFTP server for
ease of work. Once upload to the SFTP is completed, the clients’ designated email
address will be sent an automated alert through the server saying that such files have
been uploaded (specifying the root / folder) and ready for download.
The client will then download the files and use them to over-write their existing data in
the Sage Line 50 Accounting software, so the processed information is uploaded back to
the system and they have an up-to-date set of accounts.
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(Bbsol,2009)
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3.2 Output Devices
Monitors:
Printers:
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(Anon, n.d)
Speakers:
(Anon, n.d)
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4.Storages
Introduction
Storage holds data, instructions, and information for future use. Every computer stores
system software and application software.
1. Client details
2. Employee details
3. Financial details
4. Management details
5. Current business status
6. Software details
7. Security status
These information are very important to the company because of that these information
must be stored in a proper manner for future use.
Devices used
In the Hellocorp Company basically the commonly used storage devices are,
1. DVDs
2. R.A.I.D
3. Magnetic Tapes
4. VHS Tapes
5. USB Drives
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DVDs:
The Hellocorp Company use DVDs to install softwares and to store information
regarding their latest softwares.
Advantages:
1. Low in cost
2. High Capacity
3. Smaller in size
4. Portable
5. Can be viewed in most computers and DVD players
Disadvantages:
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R.A.I.D
The company use servers to store client details, financial details and current business
status.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
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2. Hardware failures are often
3. Hacker Threats
Magnetic Tapes:
Since magnetic tapes are cheap and user friendly sometimes the company use it to store
backups of employee details and management details.
Advantages:
• Long life
• High in capacity
• Commonly used for back up purpose
• Low in cost
Disadvantages:
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• Old technology
• Maintenance cost is high
VHS Tapes:
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USB Drives:
The pen drive is one of the best device we can use for our
personal purposes.
With the use of a USB drive data can be transferred from one
computer to another.
The Management or employees use this device for their personal purposes to take data
from place to place.
Advantages:
• Portable
• User Friendly
Disadvantages:
• Expensive
• No security
• Viruses
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5.Communication
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(Hellocorp, 2009)
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E-mail – Transmission of messages and files via a computer network
Technology
DCS has been developing and deploying custom software solutions since its founding in 1992. Their
Software Services Group of experienced project managers, engineers, architects and developers can
create a customized solution to meet the customers need. DCS also has a vast network of best-in-class
partners to help bring the right software solution to their customers.
1. Hellocorp Uses (DCS) Software system as a tool for Data Storage.
2. DCS has web based document storage facility for their clients.
3. DCS have launched a new web based document management storage and retrieval service based
around the TokOpen web server software.
4. This service enables documents scanned by DCS’s scanning bureau to be uploaded on the same
day to a secure web server and then made accessible instantly to any client worldwide.
HelloCorp, at the certification stage of ISO 27001 Information Security standards, which cover a wide
range of areas involving data security, redundancy, physical and environmental security, streamlining of
organizational procedures, etc, .The whole system security is controlled by the project consulted by
KPMG Ford, Rhodes, Thornton & Co.
The IT team, consists of talented professionals specialized in various technologies and skills such as
Hardware, Software Systems, Network Administration, Standards and Compliance. An in-house IT
helpdesk service is facilitated through an automated ticketing system and a dedicated helpdesk number
is offered to support various operations teams at HelloCorp on a 24×7 basis.
Diagram of Software Access for the Clients:
Security measures are taken to make sure that the information is protected.
Clients can create own passwords, so no one (not even the ASP) can have access to the
passwords.
As the data travels over the Internet, it is protected by a technology called Secure Sockets Layer
or SSL encryption. SSL ensures that the data reaches its location before it can be decoded.
For added security, the clients can create VPN between the Main Office and the Centre.
No one can have access to the data without express permission.
The data is backed up regularly and moved off-site to a remote location.
The data is stored on a multiple-hard-drive system, called R.A.I.D., every time it is saved, to
protect it from hardware failure.
The use of encryption software, SFTP servers and VPN to transfer data.
Firewalls and Proxy servers.
Up-to-date anti-virus software installed (Norton 360 all in 1 security) on all desktops and
servers.
Restricted access to servers and shared areas on the servers to ensure that only authorized
personnel are allowed to access relevant data.
Restricted access to the internet to get the maximum security.
Workstations with disabled media, such as floppy drives, USB drives and Printers.
Ongoing process to fully implement to keep up the (ISO) Standards.
With data in a secure and centralized environment, all company users are able to access
the data as and when they need.
Business with multiple locations will still allow all to work in real-time on a single set of
books which can be reviewed from any location.
A complete multi-user system, that provides all the same functionalities of a local
network.
Head offices, Branches, Sales offices, Production Centres, Accountants, Internal &
Statutory Auditors etc., can all work on the system at the same time with different levels
of user security passwords.
All the servers and security systems are regularly monitored and checked by the
technicians in the IT maintenance Department
Control system access uses a finger print scanning system & intrusion alarm to prevent
unauthorized accessing to the working premises.
Randomly monitoring personnel entering/exiting at the production floor.
Prohibiting of using storage multimedia devices in the production floor.
Environmental Control system to ensure correct temperature & humidity.
Fire and smoke alarms.
24 hour on-site security personnel.
24 hour security cameras on service in the whole building.
Weaknesses
➢ Software replacements are costly (when version upgrades are required) for example for Sage
Line 50
➢ Support for the software used and training is initially costly
➢ Multiple tasks may get delayed (example: if a set of computers need to be formatted, updated,
etc) due to limited human resources
➢ The secure FTP server needs to be backed up at all times and therefore there may be a
requirement to have constant monitoring which may consume time
Impact
As we did the research in company HelloCorp, we noticed that the company has an a good observing
technology as we saw at the time of our first visit and they are using an advanced & well organized
security system beyond the company entrance. Once we got all the details and information about their
business processes from the Accounts & Finance manager Mr. Mohammed Ehab, we were able to
understand the internal and the external dealings of the company. As a result of that we observed their
strengths & weak-points and how can be improved to develop their current process.
By doing this assignment we have got a clear understanding in how a computer technology works and
how we can implement new techniques to make it better.
Work Break down Structure
References
1. AMJ Gadjets magazine, 2009, Security Cameras Data storage devices, [Online], Available:
http://www.amj-gadgets.com/2008/06/12/security-cameras-data-storage-devices/ [Accessed May
23, 2009]
11. First Data, n.d, Google Image Result, [Online] Available: http://i.b5z.net/i/u/2009717/i/omni-
3750.jpg[Accessed May 17, 2009]
21. Vermatt, S. 2008, Discovering Computers 2009, Course Technology Cengage learning, United
States of America.
24. Splashpress Media, 2006 – 2007, Google image result, [Online], Available: http://www.lcd-
monitor-reviews.com/cheap-computer-monitors-buyers-guide.jpg [Accessed May 22, 2009]
Appendices
Interview Questions
12) How communication is done within the company and the client?
Minutes of Meetings
Marking Criteria