General FAQ | Internet Portal FAQ
- How does Visual Computer Solutions compare with the other scheduling software vendors?
- What is POSS?
- What is FIRES?
- What is PARS?
- What is a Self-Serve Kiosk?
- Do POSS and FIRES have any add-on features?
- What types of agencies do you service?
- We are a very large organization. Can POSS or FIRES handle our scheduling needs?
- We’re a small police department and don’t need software with a lot of bells and whistles. Do you have a scheduling program that would be a good fit?
- Is a demonstration of the software necessary? If so, how can I schedule one?
- What is the demo environment? Are their any configuration items on our end?
- Can I speak with some of your current customers about your products and support?
- Do you offer support services for your software systems?
- What are the system requirements for the POSS software?
- What version of SQl Server?
- Is the program thin client?
- If so... What engine does it use? ( I.E. Apache, IIS etc.)
- What programming environment is used to develop the program?
- To what extent is the application customizable?
- What tool is used to produce reports?
- Does your company create interfaces with payroll systems?
- How are upgrades handled?
- What is the cost of program upgrades?
- How often do upgrades become available?
Q: How does Visual Computer Solutions compare with the other scheduling software vendors?
A: Visual Computer Solutions, Inc. [VCSI] differs from our competitors in some very distinct ways. The first and most important difference is that we specialize in one discipline [scheduling/time management] for one industry [public safety]. None of our other competitors have this exclusive focus. Because of this concentration, we’ve become leading experts in the fields of Shift Scheduling and Time & Attendance. Our software solutions are proof-positive that we completely understand public safety and emergency response organizations.
Another comparison between VCSI and other scheduling vendors is the high quality of our customer support program. Smaller companies don’t typically have the manpower to quickly respond to software support issues and larger companies have trouble remembering who their customers are. VCSI is a mid-level corporation and we pride ourselves in knowing all of our customers by name. Our support center handles issues promptly and efficiently, and with the utmost professionalism.
Q: What is POSS?
A: POSS stands for Police Officer Scheduling System. It’s VCSI’s signature scheduling software which was created specifically for public safety/law enforcement agencies.
Q: What is FIRES?
A: FIRES stands for Fire Rescue Scheduling System. It provides fire and emergency response agencies the abilities to efficiently manage all aspects of their schedules and to speedily organize emergency response procedures.
Q: What is PARS?
A: PARS stands for Personnel Audio-Response System. Following user-defined rules, PARS utilizes telephony technology to automatically and rapidly call employees in order to fill overtime positions, notify personnel of emergency response situations, and to communicate important information.
Q: What is a Self-Serve Kiosk?
A: A Self-Serve Kiosk is a free standing machine with a touch screen. Employees are able to view and manage their schedules (following a positive thumbprint verification) with just a few touches.
Q: Do POSS and FIRES have any add-on features?
A: Yes. The following components are also available: Training-Certification Management, Extra Duty Billing, Timesheets/Payroll, Internet Portal Capabilities, PARS (Personnel Audio-Response System), TIMES (Time & Attendance System), K-9 Tracking, Self-Serve Kiosks, and Photo Identification.
Q: What types of agencies do you service?
A: VCSI’s scheduling software is currently being used by: Police Departments, Sheriff’s Offices, Correctional Facilities, Fire Departments, University Campus Police, Ambulance/Emergency Transport Companies, Municipalities, and Oil Refineries.
Q: We are a very large organization. Can POSS or FIRES handle our scheduling needs?
A: Both software systems create and maintain schedules for agencies of all sizes. There are no limits on the number of employees that can utilize POSS or FIRES.
Q: We’re a small police department and don’t need software with a lot of bells and whistles. Do you have a scheduling program that would be a good fit?
A: POSS standard edition (POSSse) was developed for agencies needing to schedule fifty or less employees, and who may have a limited budget. It features the most popular screens and reports of its sister program - POSS enterprise - and it’s priced at only $2,495. A standard version of FIRES is available as well.
Q: Is a demonstration of the software necessary? If so, how can I schedule one?
A: A demonstration is not necessary, but we highly recommend having one. During the demo you will see how our software systems work while talking with a scheduling professional throughout the process. You can ask questions specific to your agency’s scheduling needs. Call us at 888-864-4144 for more information.
Q: What is the demo environment? Are their any configuration items on our end?
A: No configuration is needed on your end. You simply visit our Demo Center at www.vcssoftware.com to connect with GoTo Meeting. In this virtual conference room, you’ll see how POSS effortlessly manages all kinds of schedules.
Q: Can I speak with some of your current customers about your products and support?
A: Yes, we will be happy to forward you a list of references. Please call 732-730-9009 Ext. 203 to make your request.
Q: Do you offer support services for your software systems?
A: Our Annual Support & Upgrade Plan (ASUP) is an optional service to which the majority of our clients subscribe. It’s a resource that protects the integrity of our software and provides quarterly software enhancements and upgrades..
Q: What are the system requirements for the POSS software?
A: Server Specs: Windows 2000 or 2003, 1 Gig memory, SQL Server 2000 or 2005
Processor: 1 ghz (or better) Pentium 3 or 4 Processor
Workstations: Pentium 4 which runs on Windows XP, Windows 2000, or Vista
17-inch monitor running at 768 X 1024 screen resolution (highly recommended)
Q: What version of SQl Server?
A: SQL 2000 or 2005
Q: Is the program thin client?
A: Thin or fat client (web version)
Q: If so... What engine does it use? ( I.E. Apache, IIS etc.)
A: IIS
Q: What programming environment is used to develop the program?
A: VB6, VB.NET, ASP.NET
Q: To what extent is the application customizable?
A: We can make any custom modifications you want.
Q: What tool is used to produce reports?
A: Crystal Reports
Q: Does your company create interfaces with payroll systems?
A:Yes, VCSI’s enterprise software systems already interface with a variety of payroll companies. A list of our partners can be found on our Alliances web page. If we do not currently possess an interface with your payroll system, our team of programmers will happily create that interface.
Q: How are upgrades handled?
A:Upgrades are typically downloaded from VCSI’s Internet Support site. The download procedure is very straightforward and easy. If an agency prefers that VCSI do the upgrades, a small fee will apply.
Q: What is the cost of program upgrades?
A: It’s free to Annual Support & Upgrade Plan subscribers.
Q: How often do upgrades become available?
A: Quarterly.
"POSS, a user friendly, easily customizable program, has allowed us to eliminate several steps in our scheduling, leave accounting, and payroll procedures."
-Lt. George Meyer
Hopewell Township Police Department