4Projects deploy a very simple, but incredibly versatile secure business model. The 4Projects application is delivered using the "Software as a Service" business model. This means all application technology and hardware infrastructure reside within an ISO:27001 data centre with direct access to the internet.

As long as the user has an internet enabled computer or laptop, and given access to the relevant Enterprise, they are able to access the application from anywhere in the world 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. There is no requirement to install any software and the data is presented in a way that by default the view shows the latest information.

The 4Projects user community benefit from:

• A robust functionally rich application
• A commitment from 4Projects to release new functionality at no cost to the Client
• Backward and forward compatibility of data stored on 4Projects as other software applications develop
• A structured and simple presentation of data stored on 4Projects
• An item by item audit trail for all actions undertaken by individual users
• A fully supported application within the simple commercial model deployed
• No restrictions on users (4Projects do not operate on a user licence model)
• No restrictions on either the volume of data stored or the type of data stored on the system
• Unlimited projects  

• The hierarchical access given to the user
• The permissions given to the user based upon the Security Group assignment
• The attributes assigned to that specific files uploaded

Files are presented within the containers through a simple and effective user interface. These views can be configured as bespoke lists, matrix views or thumbnails giving the user an "at a glance" view of the information available to them.

4Projects includes a comprehensive and fully configurable automated workflow system. This worklfow will fully map existing, or proposed, workflow systems associated with the business and project activity. By deploying these workflow templates the Client can achieve significant efficiencies in project execution. The Workflow system provides surety that data requiring processing within some workflow framework will be carried out to agreed objectives, quality criteria and within set time frames.

The 4Projects Workflow system presents the user a simple and effective drag and drop user interface where standard nodes are placed within a frame building a flow chart on line. These nodes are then linked and configured to achieve required outcomes including:

• establishing review panels
• editing capabilities
• time related data processing at nodes
• automated distribution for review, comment and analysis
• notification of status

Typical Workflow deployment might be:

• Stage Gate Process
• Financial Reviews
• Engineering Reviews
• QA / QC Activities

The basis of effective collaboration is to be able to easily find information and then process that data in some way.

4Projects utilises a simple recognisable user interface which any user can quickly identify and understand. Importantly as data is uploaded or stored on 4Projects both core data attributes and customised meta data can be applied to it. Typical meta data might be:

• Keywords
• Custom Fields
• GIS Tags

4Projects uses simple powerful search technology which enables a user to set search criteria across the Enterprise, Site or Project and search on some data attributes, status or meta data. The search returns are quickly and simply displayed and then the user can proceed with activities ranging from viewing and upadating the data to reporting on and and downloading this data for further use. Additionally the ability to export and report on the data found is available.

4Projects has a simple and effective way of building Form Templates within the application. Once these forms have been configured they are allocated to the relevant area of the application and can then be added to the appropriate container. Relevant sections of the form can be allocated to individual users on the system for completion.

The Form Template Manager allows the production of both standard and bespoke solutions for Form Management thus allowing a Client to comply with the requirements of processing forms in line with Company, Project or Industry standards.

For example

• Project control activities in change management processing Change Requests
• Processing forms in line with standard forms of contract e.g. NEC, IChemE etc.
• Any bespoke form management process for QA / QC / SHE activity

Using the integrated Brava Viewer you are able to render a copy of any file uploaded to 4Projects.

Once rendered you are able to manipulate, mark-up, comment on and save any mark-up within the system whilst retaining the the original file unchanged. Any mark up is associated with the revision rendered. Addtionally the viewing technology allows the user to compare by overlay of previous versions of a document or drawing. This overlay also allows the user to interogate and compare changes from one drawing or document to the other.

The integrated Brava technology allos full backward and forward compatability for over 200 file types taking away any concerns about acccessing data uploaded to 4Projects and subsequently other native software updates making the old file type redundant.