Software house bets more heavily on web-based applications

The manufacturing industry is investing heavily in software packages that optimize business processes and improve efficiency. However, the processes are constantly evolving, which means that the software also needs to be kept up-to-date. They know this better than anyone at i-Theses, which specializes in the development and implementation of high-quality software solutions for the precast concrete sector. With PreCastOffice, i-Theses developed complete and fully integrated software for the precast concrete industry. Today they focus more strongly on web-based applications, such as iTs ProjectManager.

Text | Johan Debaere  Image | i-Theses

With this application, you get a picture of what has been approved and what is awaiting approval. This is important info for production planning.

The specialists of i-Theses introduced with PreCastOffice a complete and fully integrated software solution for the precast concrete industry that supports all types: prestressed and reinforced hollow core slabs/walls, wide slabs/predges, combination floors, precast beams and columns. "This fast and easy-to-learn software digitizes all steps in the business process: from sales and design through planning and production to final administrative processing," explains CEO Rony Verlee. "The CAD-based applications are under the name Auto-Floor/BeCo/Stairs, while the planning and administrative applications carry 'Desk' in the name. The PreConSlab calculation software can be used to design and analyze prestressed and reinforced concrete floor systems. Soon, a calculation module for precast stairs will also be available."

This clear dashboard allows one to evaluate all critical information at a glance.

Focus on web-based applications

The specialists at i-Theses continue to optimize their software with new features, allowing it to continue to meet customers' changing standards and needs. Lately, the focus has been on Web-based applications, which allow people to work more smoothly from a distance. Indeed, COVID-19 has only increased the demand for such solutions. Along these lines, the "my i-Theses" platform was also developed, which allows the security of the software to be done via Web instead of the well-known hardware dongles. No separate login is required. If an Internet connection is present, the system itself recognizes the license.

In one clear graph you get a comparison of production over different years.

One such development is iTs ProjectManager, a Web-based application that allows users to have the necessary information at their fingertips on any hardware, in any place and at any time. "We all know the problem: you are at a customer's site or get questions over the phone about delivery time, status of projects, planning in production, quotations, .... Often you have to contact a colleague or gather information in different places. That takes a lot of time and certainly doesn't come across as professional," Verlee states. "With our new development, you can retrieve and clearly visualize all information about a project, such as price agreements, production plans, drawings, mails, etc., at the push of a button. The features in the iTs ProjectManager include the creation of customers and projects (CRM), the creation and follow-up of quotations via the PlanDesk Admin, visibility of the long-term planning via the PlanDesk Capacity Planner, the phasing of projects, the follow-up of approvals, the project status and the management of documents (EDM), the statistics, .... This application is part of the PlanDesk group and can be used locally on a workstation, as well as securely via smartphone or tablet."

Responding to market demands

In the future, too, i-Theses intends to continue to respond to market demands. "We are in the midst of developing even more web-based applications that will then be applied earlier in the field."  concludes Verlee. "On the other hand, the focus is also on communication with the production machines. Thorough automation is the key to success, especially in a highly competitive market like precast concrete."