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FILEFINDER - The Missing Link by Corinthe Companies
The Missing Link
Corinthe Companies, based in Oegstgeest in The Netherlands, combines executive search activities with contracting and interim management. A group of 5 companies working together, each with their own unique approach to recruitment – either Executive Search, or flex (contracting/interim management).
As often happens with companies that work together, we started of with 4 different database systems. As we do business with shared clients we spent a lot of time keeping colleagues informed on shared contacts and progress. Endless lists of spreadsheets were compiled to cover the gaps in communication and reporting.
To put a stop to this Corinthe Companies set up a project team to select and implement a shared database system for all 5 companies meeting their individual needs as much as possible. The project team went the long way around, starting with a list of requirements or functional specification featuring all demands and wishes for the new system and its supplier.
We started with a long list of 20 software packages that we matched against our specs, including CRM, Search Options, Financial info, contracting possibilities and ended up with a shortlist of 9 suppliers. After interviews and sending out a Request for Information we came to our first conclusion: what we wanted was not available. So: do we compromise, or select a partner from the shortlist to develop the missing link?
We explored 3 angles:
• a very extensive accounting programme with a great CRM module yet small HRM module that might be modified towards our wishes;
• a contracting based programme with a great CRM module, but underdeveloped Executive Search element;
• and FILEFINDER: an Executive Search based programme with a – at that time - underdeveloped contracting element.
We decided to go with Dillistone, as they showed the most commitment to building a solid solution for our business as part of their existing ‘out of the box’ programme. It was their commitment, the guarantee of continued support and development and the high standard of their existing software that convinced us that they would be a perfect match for our requests.
After our choice was made, a well-structured period of development and testing followed. Dillistone allowed us to participate in the beta testing of the new module to make sure that we would end up with a product that we could use.
FILEFINDER – with the newly developed contracting module - went live 6 months ago and all companies use it for their CRM and assignments. Even though it is a new piece of software, the system is very stable and the implementation went smoothly and according to plan.
Slowly but surely we are ticking off the different spreadsheets that are now replaced by reports from the FILEFINDER database. We have set up a link between FILEFINDER and our accounting software and use the invoice tab and timesheets for sending out our invoices.
Using the financial modelling option with the timesheets allows us to use the database for reporting on actual as well as forecasted turnover on our running contracts.
All in all, FILEFINDER provides us with the hands on information we need to keep the assignments running smoothly. We are very pleased with the product and support that Dillistone has delivered – a very successful match.
Corinthe Companies, May 2006
To find out more about this or any other projects implemented by Dillistone Systems or to discuss how we can help your company be more efficient, please call us on +44 (0)20 7749 6100 or send an e-mail to sales@dillistone.com
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