SOFTWARE FEATURES - Sample features and functions
Fully web browser based
RELIANCE is a modern web browser based application. Users simply access the system (via the internal network or Internet) through a web browser e.g. Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, Safari etc. Importantly, RELIANCE is only installed on a server. RELIANCE requires no additional software or plug-ins on end-users' computers, unlike other 'web based' products with web interfaces to older Client/Server platforms. Beneficially, RELIANCE has long-term savings for IT departments in terms of time and effort since there is no software deployment costs related to end-users' computers. RELIANCE continually adopts the latest web technology tools to deliver a contemporary and up to date experience.
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Enterprise risk and event logging
A unique feature of RELIANCE is the way it can involve participants in the risk and compliance process with minimal disruption to their working day. The software has a range of user friendly enterprise screens where staff can go to a web page on their network (Intranet) and enter basic information, for example, about risks, events etc. Also, responsible staff receive 'active' emails from the system that provide links to update screens. Both of these enterprise tools increase staff participation while imposing minimal constraints on their normal day-to-day work activities.
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Configurable risk matrix
The RELIANCE risk matrix can be easily configured to handle any risk assessment framework. Risk matrix dimensions (e.g. 5x5, 3x3 etc), colours, values, descriptions, parameters and other criteria are easy to setup and modify. Consequence and likelihood level tables are flexible and can be simply created by copying and pasting from source documents. Risk matrix modifications are easily handled and resultant changes (e.g. risk rankings) are automatically re-calibrated and updated across the system.
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Dynamic heat maps
RELIANCE transforms your configured risk matrix into a dynamic and versatile 'heat map'. A single mouse click takes the user to a unique interactive matrix display that is information rich with 'real time' change request capability. A unique point of differentiation with the RELIANCE 'heat map' is its 'drill down' capability. Each square of the 'heat map' is active and enables users to pinpoint and seek corresponding risk information underlying the items displayed. This is far superior to common 'heat map reports' that are limited to data output with no opportunity for 'live' user interrogation and interaction. RELIANCE users can easily filter their data for 'heat map' display (e.g. Top 20 risks, Finance group risks etc) and then simply print, export or save as required.
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GRC Calendars
RELIANCE takes the user on a journey through time with its unique GRC Calendars. While boasting a familiar 'look and feel' (e.g. Microsoft Outlook) the rich functionality and navigation options ensure this is where the resemblance ends. RELIANCE enables users to travel back to the past and forward to the future to closely monitor what is going on. Each user's experience is seamless when switching between monitoring different activities e.g. risks, controls, actions, obligations, events, reviews etc. When an activity requires further scrutiny, the user can simply drill down from the calendar into the detailed information.
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Automated work flow
RELIANCE improves work flow. It automatically alerts, reminds and escalates with the minimum of fuss. The system becomes the "eyes and ears" of the risk and compliance process as it emails specified staff on an array of reportable items. For example, email recipients learn when an action is overdue, upon creation of a new item, immediately a compliance breach has occurred etc. The scalable nature of the email reminder and escalation system ensures that work flow is transparent, well controlled and seamlessly integrated with your normal processes.
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Performance benchmarking
RELIANCE enables you to build a strategic framework within the system that enables performance management and benchmarking. This is tied neatly into the risk and compliance systems so that strategic performance can be monitored closely against pre-defined criteria. The strategic framework is capable of handling a range of measurement types, for example, key performance indicators (KPIs), key result areas (KRAs), Balanced Scorecard, objectives and goal setting, corporate risk tolerances etc. This feature appeals to the Board and executive management as it provides them not only with a regular benchmark report on past performance but also acts as an early warning system to future performance. In this respect it becomes an important planning and decision-making tool.
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Monitoring and reporting is simple, quick and extremely flexible
One of the standout features of RELIANCE is its overall monitoring and reporting capability. There is a wealth of options to suit all tastes ranging from 'drill down' dashboards, interactive 'heat maps' and exportable information registers through to standard reports, two-dimensional charts and activity calendars. This reportable information, for example, can be listed, filtered, sorted, grouped, aggregated and compared over time. RELIANCE combines simplicity with flexibility to make a powerful union when it comes to monitoring and reporting.
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24/7 Online Help plus Risk and control libraries
RELIANCE has a comprehensive 24/7 Online Help facility hosted on a secure Internet site. This provides simple and clear explanations on how the software operates. It also includes an expansive, detailed library of risks and related controls that act as a great reference check.
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LICENSING - License models and fees
- How is RELIANCE licensed?
The software is licensed in perpetuity and there are three license models to choose from:
- Standard license provides access to a maximum set of licensed set of users, e.g. 5 users. This is suitable for single users or smaller teams. This license also limits the amount of server installations to the production server and backup server.
- Concurrent license is more flexible than the standard license. It enables you to register a required number of users, e.g. 100, yet only license a specific number of these users, e.g. 10, to access the system concurrently. Basically, this would provide system access for the 100 users, albeit not at the same time. For small to medium type organizations this can deliver an enterprise solution without the price tag of an enterprise license. This license also limits the amount of server installations to the production server and backup server.
- Enterprise license has no restrictions in respect of users and has greater flexibility with server installations for backup and training purposes. This is the ideal license for a larger organization.
- How are license fees calculated?
We operate different license fees for the models above. The Standard license and Concurrent license attract a base fee plus user license fees. Naturally, the Concurrent license has a higher base fee because of its greater flexibility with user numbers. Both Standard and Concurrent licenses can be purchased for individual users or groups of users. The latter attracts group discounts and the fee per license reduces as the number of licenses increase. The Enterprise license is a flat fee based on the size of the organization. For all licenses, the total purchase license cost is used to calculate the ongoing annual maintenance and support fee (20% of cost).
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IMPLEMENTATION - Setup, training, data migration and customizations
- What's involved in setting up the system?
RELIANCE software is easy to setup and usually takes no more than 1 day. It is normally done with the customer on-site or remotely via our web conference facility. We provide pre-setup materials that outline what information needs to be gathered. When this information is ready the system setup becomes a simple mechanical exercise.
- What training do you offer?
We run basic training courses for general users and advanced training courses for in-house trainers. Administrator training is not a formal course as it is covered during the system setup process. Training is normally delivered in person at the customer's PC training facilities or other venue. We also conduct training remotely via our web conference facility. Training materials are provided. A training summary with course durations is shown below:
- Risk system user - ½ day (in person or via Internet; normally up to 15 trainees)
- Compliance system user - ½ day (in person or via Internet; normally up to 15 trainees)
- In house trainer - ½ day (in person or via Internet; normally up to 15 trainees)
- Administrator - 1 day (not a formal course as covered during setup process in person or via Internet; normally up to 5 trainees)
- Can you migrate our existing data into RELIANCE?
Yes. We assess your information in Excel or similar format and script it into RELIANCE. This is a seamless exercise and ensures your current data is ready to use when the software is installed.
- Can you build special reports or modify the software according to our needs?
Yes to both. We offer a bespoke report building service. A simple report can be built in a day while more complex reports can take a few days. The 'out of the box' system is very flexible and is usually sufficient for most customer's needs. That said, we welcome customer feedback on software change requests and where these improve the software for everyone we include them as part of our normal software maintenance program. Special software modifications unique to a customer are built to specification on a fixed price basis.
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MAINTENANCE & SUPPORT - Upgrades, technical support, help desk
- What is your software maintenance and upgrade policy?
We are committed to the ongoing development of RELIANCE. We release upgrades, updates and new modules throughout the year. Further details are shown below:
- Upgrades - Major development (new features and major changes to existing functionality). Bi-annual release schedule. Included in annual maintenance fee.
- Updates - Minor development (Patches, fixes and minor changes to existing functionality). Released as required. Included in annual maintenance fee.
- New modules - New module development. Released when available. New purchase fees apply.
- What sort of support do you offer?
Apart from technical and Help desk user support, we also provide a Help facility on the Internet and a secure online user group portal. Further details are shown below:
- Technical support - Software engineers provide remedial support to resolve software faults (covered by annual maintenance and support fee)
- Help desk support - Help desk personnel deal with requests on how to use the software (Fees are 'pay-as-you-go' based on user requests. Minimum 10 call/request package)
- Internet Help - Online database that provides guidance on proper software usage and includes data libraries to choose from e.g. risk library
- User group portal - Secure web portal that enables information sharing.
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TECHNICAL - Hosting, installation and technical requirements
- Who hosts the software?
Most of our customers prefer to host the software in-house. This is the normal situation since most customers already run other web browser based applications or maintain their own Intranet. However, we do offer a hosted service arrangement whereby we host, maintain and support the software from a secure web site. Customers need only have access to the Internet to access and use the system. This tends to suit organizations that have a limited internal IT department or costly outsourced IT arrangements.
- Do you install the software or do we?
We work with the IT department on a case by case basis. We can install the software remotely by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection. Alternatively, we provide assistance and advice over the phone and email to in-house personnel and they perform the installation. For local customers we can perform the installation on-site.
- What hardware/software do we need to run the system?
RELIANCE is a modern web browser based application. No additional software is needed on your PC or laptop to access the system. The software is only installed on a server. The system is not resource hungry and below is a brief technical summary:
- End user access via a web browser - Internet Explorer 6.0 and above, Firefox 2.0 and above
- Database - Microsoft® SQL Server 2000 and above
- Web server - Internet Information Server (IIS) 5.0 and above
- Application server - Microsoft® Windows Server 2003 family
Please refer to the Technical requirements brochure below for detailed information.
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BROCHURES
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