ProjectMate

ProjectMate is single integrated solution for automation of the companies rendering professional services (legal, accounting, auditor, consulting, marketing, engineering, etc.). A system considers all basic needs of heads, providing effective management of business and quality improvement of customer service. ProjectMate allows to automate:

• project management and resources;
• time management and costs;
• customer relationship management;
• billing;
• budgeting of projects;
• document flow.

ProjectMate is presented at the market of Russia and the CIS countries since 2002. A system is successfully implemented and is used more than in 300 companies of the sphere of professional services.

The product ProjectMate can be used in legal, the auditing and consulting companies, the organizations rendering services, working with clients in advertizing agencies, in the firms occupied with project management and in the project organizations.

In the program six main modules are implemented: "Time management", Project management, "Budgeting of projects", Billing, "CRM" and Document flow. Besides, there is a possibility of data exchange with the MS Exchange server and also with the 1C: Accounting 8 program.

The module of integration of ProjectMate with 1C: Accounting 8 allows to transfer from ProjectMate to the accounting program sales informations (acts, accounts, invoices), and in the opposite direction – information on the arrived payments. In 1C: Accounting 8 for the finance documents loaded from ProjectMate postings automatically are created, and in ProjectMate ‑ the payments imported from 1C: Accounting 8 automatically are compared with accounts. Subsequent changes in structure and contents of finance documents also synchronously are reflected in both systems.

Integration into the 1C: Accounting 8 system is performed by means of additional external processing which allows to transmit data on finance documents and transactions through exchange XML files.

Data exchange with ProjectMate is supported for a configuration Enterprise accounting, edition 3.0 set on the 1C:Enterprise 8.3 platform.

The ProjectMate system is protected from unauthorized use by means of a license key and is not subject to change by the user.

2012 October. ProjectMate 7.0

The release of the version was planned for October, 2011, however the announcement was announced in October, 2012. It is possible to call the seventh version of the ProjectMate system long-awaited: the Avikom company conducted more than two years works on new, large blocks of the program.

The possibility of synchronization of calendars and contacts with Microsoft Outlook and mobile devices, the master of initial setup and also the new module of budgeting of projects became key new products of the version. And all this, in addition to a set of other improvements of a product!

The version included as the completions implemented during support of the program to the previous, 6th edition and the serious improvements developed especially for version 7. Thus, having integrated in itself all best functions, the 7th version of a system opens a number of new opportunities and advantages to the companies of the sphere of professional services.

In particular, the module "Integration into Microsoft Exchange" became an absolute innovation of the 7-ki. It will allow to synchronize contacts and calendars of Microsoft Outlook and ProjectMate and also will give the chance of accounting of time via mobile devices.

Also managerial functions of a system are strengthened: the Budgeting of Projects block, will provide planning and tracking of execution of project budgets. It is the irreplaceable tool for managers who need to control costs for services with the fixed price and also the services constructed on model of subscriber services.

Also one more innovation – the master of initial setup is implemented in the 7th version of ProjectMate. This function will help new users (and also to those who only look narrowly at the program) independently quickly to customize a system taking into account industry specifics of a company performance and its regional features.

It is not the complete list of new opportunities ProjectMate which appeared in the 7th version of a product. And, as it was already noted, most of them are implemented on the basis of wishes and the offered ideas of users of a system.

With release of ProjectMate 7 the next stage of its development which main objective will become as completion and improvement of already existing functions – improvement of operation of the modules "Billing", "Document flow", convenience of using of a system, – and development of absolutely new opportunities begins. In plans of the company implementation of compatibility with the new Windows 8 operating system, creation a web and mobile application of the program and also the movement towards use of cloud computing.

2008 February. ProjectMate 6.0.

The main emphasis in ProjectMate 6.0 is put on improvement of the existing functionality. At the same time, however, upgrade of the available modules was not limited only to cosmetic conversions. On the contrary, the majority of innovations is directed to real increase in efficiency of the companies at each stage of business processes. The new version of the ProjectMate system shows the aspiration of the developer to purposefully follow the principles of PSA and to fully consider requirements of the small and medium-sized companies which are engaged in rendering professional services. Avoiding high costs for implementation of separate highly specialized programs, clients receive the effective profile instruments of automation integrated within the single interface.

In the module Management of Finance:

• In the Calculations area there was a function which is automatically reminding to the financial manager of need of preparation of accounts and acts on open agreements. In the new Assistant folder the list of agreements under which terms of transfer of finance documents to the client approach is displayed. The list forms on the basis of data on frequency of creation of the acts, accounts and calculations specified individually for each agreement.
• The PjmSync component for "1C: Accounting" intended for synchronization of financial information between ProjectMate and "1C: Accounting" systems 8.1 is added. Thanks to this component the financial manager can export to the 1C: Accounting program of the account, acts and invoices and also to unload from it data on the arrived payments with automatic diversity of the amounts on accounts.

In the module Document flow:

• The accurate difference between the file (the electronic document revision) and card (a set of attributes of the original document) is entered. Now in a system independent work with files without the need for filling of cards is allowed. If desired, however, the card can always be attached to the corresponding file.
• Record keeping due to creation of the additional root directory ("The folder of the company") in which cards of documents are stored is simplified (and if necessary and the electronic document revisions attached to them). The number of "Folders of the company" depends on number of home companies.
• The mechanism of formation of the nomenclature of affairs necessary for typification of documents of the company is added. Besides, special Master who helps to construct required folder structure quickly is provided in the Nomenclature of Affairs folder.
• The possibility of a subscription for notifications on the different events relating to folders and documents of storage (the publication, extraction, removal, etc.) is open.
• There was a function of creation of instructions according to documents and control over their execution. At the same time a system submits the notification about the appointed order and, by analogy with the meeting request, allows to accept it or to reject.

1. the opportunity for work with the list of the chosen directories Is added.
2. full-text search * on internal contents of the general documents Is implemented. By default search is conducted according to files of the .doc, .rtf, .txt, .xls and .html formats. After installation of complementary filters (from ProjectMate delivery) support of the .pdf, .docx, .docm, .pptx, .pptm, .xlsx, .xlsm, .xlsb, .zip, .one, .vdx, .vsd, .vss, .vst, .vdx, .vsx and .vtx formats is added

In the module Project management:

• The PjmSync component for Microsoft Project intended for import of the projects created in the Microsoft Project program is added. Due to similar integration bidirectional updating of information between two systems is reached. On the one hand, the project manager can unload data on tasks which accomplishment is controlled by means of Microsoft Project in ProjectMate. With another, it has an opportunity to precisely consider time costs on each imported task, and then to export back from ProjectMate for the subsequent analysis and adjustment of plans. Thereby, there is a synergy effect of connection of design and analytical capacities Microsoft Project with the developed ProjectMate TimeTracking-tools. In general, the PjmSync component for Microsoft Project supports synchronization by such parameters as the project budget; rates and Full Name of project participants; name, percent of accomplishment and duration of a task (including beginning and end); load of contractors of a task, etc.
• Process of management of instructions is upgraded. Now for each order it is possible to specify the controller – the employee of the company who is allocated with the additional rights to change of cast, providing to contractors access to the closed documents, obtaining all notifications about a current status of a task, etc.

In the module Time management and costs:

• When filling the record about time associated with a task the possibility of the indication of a number of hours, presumably remained before end of a task appeared.
• The PjmSync component for Windows Mobile intended for synchronization of information between ProjectMate and mobile devices (the PDA or smartphones) based on Windows Mobile 5.0/ is added 6.0. It provides synchronization of the calendar (records about time and meetings), tasks, instructions and contacts (data on employees/contacts and companies/clients).

2007 December. ProjectMate 6.0. Beta.

In December, 2007 there was a public beta of ProjectMate 6.0. Several companies took part in system testing that allowed to test its new features in actual practice and to accelerate release of the final version. It was especially important to check the mechanism of synchronization of projects with the Microsoft Project system which long ago got accustomed in the project-oriented companies, however, not solving such fundamental problems as time management and billing. Thanks to activity of all participants of beta testing by February, 2008 we managed to complete the works on preparation of release of ProjectMate 6.0.

2006 October. ProjectMate 5 R2.

The version of ProjectMate 5 R2 marked an important stage of development of a system. The integrated document flow module closely brought closer ProjectMate to the best western samples of PSA solutions for the companies of the service industry. Other important changes concerned modules of management of finance and time.

New in the version of ProjectMate 5 R2

The module Document flow which is providing creation of uniform storage of documents and having the following functions:

• Distribution of documents by shared folders for the organization of joint work.
• Management of the rights to reading, editing, adding, removal and archiving of documents.
• Blocking of files on expansion for protection of storage against minor information.
• Storage of intermediate versions at extraction/return of documents.
• Automation of office-work due to maintaining cards of the entering, outgoing and internal documents.
• Implementation of document retrieval by the name, a key word, a status and other attributes.

The improved user interface sustained in Microsoft Outlook style and promoting fast mastering of the program. The following advantages were added to its informative menus and intuitive management tools:

• The displaced side bars allowing to increase the area of a working space.
• The panel of actions containing a mini-organizer "Affairs for today". Here the planned records about time and also the appointed tasks, instructions, requests, requests and meetings are displayed.

In the module Time management and costs:

• For increase in efficiency of internal communications the mechanism of purpose of meetings is implemented. The order of planning of a meeting, sending notifications on its beginning and accounting of the spent time is as close as possible to the similar procedure in Microsoft Outlook.
• Operations on accounting and reservation of the resources necessary for holding meetings between the staff of the company or negotiations with external clients are automated.

In the module Management of Finance:

• Expanded set of finance documents. In addition to acts and accounts now in a system it is possible to prepare invoices and delivery notes.
• The feature for a binding of the advance account to several acts is added.
• The procedure of export import of data between ProjectMate and popular accounting programs is implemented.

In the module Project management:

• The concept "Project Folder" assuming a possibility of comparison of one of folders of storage of documents to a certain project is entered.

Changes and improvements of the general character

• The new analytical reports showing results of a business activity of the company and also allowing to estimate both efficiency of project works in general, and productivity of individual employees.
• Import to the system of the currency rates set for every day by the Central Bank of Russian Federation. The special command allows to copy data retrieveds in the corresponding reference book.
• Advanced search in all base of records of a system.
• Management of accounts and roles without the need for start of the administrative utility.
• Possibility of creation of bilingual documents.

Besides, in ProjectMate 5 R2 the licensing mechanism is changed. Instead of differentiation of functionality of a product on the user roles more widespread method – division on editions is applied. Starting with this version, a system is delivered in three options: Lite, Standard and Professional.

It is important to mean that cumulative updating of databases to the version of R2 is possible only from the version of ProjectMate 5.5.146 above. In all other cases it is necessary to consult with specialists of the company Avik. Besides, ProjectMate 5 R2 has no backward compatibility with Microsoft SQL Server server 2000 (including the MSDE 2000) therefore upon transition to a new system it should be reinstalled.

2006 April. ProjectMate 5.5.

The main changes were directed to improvement of collective work, simplification of a management system and increase in efficiency of users.

Key innovation – the Module of notifications:

• Beginning with this version, users can receive notifications about changes of documents in the ProjectMate system. For example, that the employee was appointed the contractor of a task the issued order was executed or that the bill was paid. At the same time the user has an opportunity to define what types of notifications interest him and also to select the most suitable method of their delivery: on a desktop of Windows or by e-mail.
• There was a possibility of personal planning of time: now the employee can make the personal schedule of the work within the tasks set to it, and ProjectMate, together with the new warning system, will remind him of scheduled events.
• When planning working time, the employee can use the general calendar for coordination of the plans with plans of colleagues that allows to increase significantly efficiency of collective work, and to heads to be aware of plans of subordinates.
• New representation — "Today" — a convenient method to work as ProjectMate with a system. Now it is possible, without leaving the program, to work with e-mail, to browse a corporate portal and also to publish and read declarations on projects and the company in general.

In a management subsystem the following changes happened contacts:

• The concept of separation of the general and own contact list is implemented. The user can turn on contacts and the companies from the general base in own list.
• A number of representations which allow the user to analyze and plan customer interactions more effectively is added. It, first of all, representations "Last contacts" and "Following interactions".
• There was an opportunity to set a reminder on the following interaction.

In the module of Project management and resources:

• For the purpose of simplification of a management system a new object – Order was added. The mechanism of instructions – the easiest and effective way of appointment and control of execution of tasks. Now employees near at hand always have a list of the issued and received instructions on each project.

Additions and improvements in the Financial module:

• The mechanism of calculation of cost of works or services depending on their complexity, but not from qualification of contractors is added. Besides, there was a possibility of use of coefficients to rates which do calculation of the price by more flexible.
• Calculations (reports for clients) can be connected with each other now. It allows to include expenses in one line in the report on the spent time.
• It became possible to consider the received advance payments not only in accounts, but also in acts. It allows to create more simply and quicker documents according to requirements of the Russian legislation.

The user interface of a system became more functional. In tabular representations there was a Field of reading which allows to browse quickly basic data on the selected record.

One of the major changes concerns multilingual work. Now it became possible not only to create documents in several languages, but also to select language of the user interface.

2005 November. ProjectMate 5.1.

The main focus in version 5.1 was placed on financial accounting and improvement of the mechanism of rendering standard services in the fixed prices. For this purpose in a system the following additions were made:

• The new documents "Payment" and "Return of Money" are entered.
• New representations and reports which allow to analyze debt, planned receipts are added and to quickly estimate results of work on the specific agreement or the partner.
• The concept "Price list" for the agreement is entered. In the price list of the agreement of a position can have the price other than the general price list of the company.
• The new document – Request is added. In the request positions of the price list of the agreement can be grouped. The performed request can be considered in billing.
• Billing functions are improved. Now time and costs to add directly to the act or to the account without use for this mechanism of calculations is possible. Besides the executed request which also has cost also can be included in the account.

For improvement of work of users in a system the following changes were made:

• Representations for work with clients and contacts are improved.
• The feature for an adoption of all selected records about time and costs is added.
• In tabular representations the panel for search/data filtering on any of representation fields is added.
• In requests the "Mark as Read / Unread" function is added.
• The printability calendar and all tabular representations in a landscape type is added.
• The mechanism of export of documents to Microsoft Word is improved. Now for different additional fields the universal mechanism of User fields is used.
• Work with investments and comments of documents of a system is improved. Now they do not require the separate page, and conveniently are located in the lower part of each of forms.

2005 Augustus. ProjectMate 5.0.

The fifth version of ProjectMate it is possible by the right to call the first Russian product of the class PSA (Professional services automation). During its creation we relied not only on own control technique resources and business processes in the company, but also on wishes of our clients and also rich foreign experience of development of the similar systems. For this reason in the current version of ProjectMate we saved and improved the most important functions, having refused difficult and few demanded options which complicate work with the program.

2004 Augustus. ProjectMate 4.

The ProjectMate 4 system — the finished commercial product of category Time Tracking and Billing is submitted. In it the concept of the calendar which was created and stored in the system now gained further development. Besides, the emphasis on integration into the existing software — in particular, on a possibility of export of documents to the Microsoft Word text editor and the spreadsheet of Microsoft Excel was placed. But, perhaps, the most important achievement was the ProjectMate conversion to the tool clear and demanded by specific group of customers — consultants, lawyers and lawyers.

From this point our company begins to receive numerous orders from the companies rendering professional services of different character.

2003. ProjectMate 3.

Works on ProjectMate simplification were continued. From a complex and heavy system it gradually turned into the tool, convenient and clear for the unprepared user. Then the interface took the form, the most similar to the popular application of Microsoft Outlook, and some excess functions were deleted.

However still a system was used for internal accounting. However, soon a number of the companies — from among the clients rendering legal services addressed us — with a request to pick up the corresponding software for automation of the activity. After the short researches it became clear that in the Russian market there are no similar systems just. We could not leave the clients in trouble and made the decision to adapt our system for needs of law companies. So the idea to make ProjectMate available to all was born.

2002. ProjectMate 2.

Works on development of ProjectMate are continued on the basis of the previous experience. Gradually the focus was shifted towards resource planning. In the course of upgrade of a system such concepts as array structure of management, project office, selection of employees on competences and extent of loading, etc. were considered.

2000. ProjectMate 1.

It was the period when ourselves kept time management with the minimum use of the automation equipment. The employees participating in projects regularly handed over to the management time sheets on the basis of which then reports and accounts to clients formed. Such situation did not suit anybody. Need for creation of a certain system for the organization of time management in the company ripened.

The first version of the ProjectMate program was born. It is remarkable that at that time in a system a number of opportunities which are absent in its latest version was implemented. However key functions — accounting of times/costs and billing — still required serious completion.