After six months of test marketing, Planning Sciences Ltd of Wimbledon, SW19, has officially launched EIS-Epic, its micro and multi-user network based Executive Information System, which runs on any MS-DOS machine. The system consists of three parts: The Blueprint, which is a ready tailored EIS-Epic system based on high-level financial reporting, suitable for prototype use, the Toolkit, which enables the users to build and extend their existing executive information systems, and the Executive Module, which houses the data structures and menu files designed and implemented by the toolkit. Aimed specifically at business users in large and small organisations alike, the system is designed primarily for those who have limited computer and keyboard skills, and limited time. Data can be accessed by pointing at a hotspot on the screen with either a mouse or touch screen. From then on, the user is guided through the data via a series of hidden menus, or by selecting relevant information with the mouse. Because the system is designed to be easy to use, rigorous security controls are included: the user must supply a personal identification number before being allowed access to data and specific data can be opened or barred to each identification number. The firm hopes to sell 100 systems this year; they represent the latest in the company’s range of management information systems. A three day training course comes as an optional extra, and full after-sales support is promised. The Toolkit is UKP10,000, and the Executive Modules cost UKP1,000 each. Planning Sciences estimates that a typical installation will cost around UKP15,000.
