Computer Use

Post by **John** » Sat 09 Oct, 2004 12:45 pm

On purely anecdotal evidence, chatting to reps and suchlike, it would seem that Northern Ireland framers top the polls of computer usage.

It is reckoned that 95% of the province's framers have a computer at the point of sale.

Elsewhere the figure can be as low as 5% while the UK national average has been put at 45 - 50%

Can there really be so many framers who do not recognise the benefits of a love/hate relationship with this machine?

SquareFrames · Post by **SquareFrames** » Sat 09 Oct, 2004 8:03 pm

Hi,

It has been surveyed in the last year, that within the next 2-5 years, everyone (as well as framers) will need a computer of some description, whether it be a full system, or just access to the internet. Those people that havent woken up to the computer age, will be simply left behind. Email has simply been a god send for us on committees in London, getting quotations to people quickly, sending letters, whatever, etc.

OK they have their downside, they, like most 'Little Boy Racers' crash form time to time, and just before you have doine your daily backup, but its all good fun reformatting, and loading the software back on again, isnt it? But, like I said, I simply could not do without mine, my wife would like to, until it comes to pricing, then its the saviour!
The only other downside I can see, is spelling, there is no 'speel cheeker wile ritin on papre' Its made us so reliant on the spell checker, even the youngsters, dont get spelling books anymore.

I do not understand why computers arent a necessity for our business, as John says 95% of Northern Irish framers use one, what of the other 5%? I could not do without mine, not only for pricing, documenting, but I also use simple programmes for designing some specialised mounts / frames before cutting, working sort of like a rather expensive Etch-a-Sketch, but at least I can make changes without the paper waste, keep a copy of it on file, back it up and have it incase I need someting similar in the future. My wife says its also good for playing Solitaire while having her morning coffee, who am I to argue?

I also use mine for running a DVD in the background depicting the benefits of having your artwork framed correctly, people are free to stand and have a watch if they so wish.

Steven

Merlin · Post by **Merlin** » Sat 09 Oct, 2004 8:24 pm

I totally agree, Where would we be without computers. Yes I do have a point of sale PC, so that the customers can see what is going on.. Plus a separate PC for running the business.

However, reading the press a few months ago, I am not so sure that the education authorities would agree that computers are making life easier. As Steven says, there are no spell checkers for writing on paper. There is a high failure rate in GCSE English caused by todays teenagers not being able to spell and not being able to string a sentence together properly.

With the use of mobile phone texting and internet real time Chat rooms on the increase, this has made a whole new language that these youngsters use - OK I also admit, that I use this 'new speak' also - "Bt i ws taut englnd proply"

They are here and they help me run my business efficiently plus giving me enjoyment and entertainment. So, I will not get rid of them at all..

Manor Fine Arts · Post by **Manor Fine Arts** » Sun 17 Jul, 2005 4:35 pm

Hi Stephen

Liked the idea of the DVD running in the background..... like they say in most Goverment jobs......... where did you get it, how much does it cost, and can you get me one ??????

Paul

SquareFrames · Post by **SquareFrames** » Mon 18 Jul, 2005 6:15 am

Hi Paul,

Hows you keeping?

The DVD is the masterchild of the NZ Branch of FATG, its not perfect, in fact they made some glaring mistakes, but however, if you contact me directly I will explain whats happening, and I will explain how one can be yours!!!!!!

Steven

markw · Post by **markw** » Mon 18 Jul, 2005 9:17 am

Couldnt survive without one - well, not on the basis of how my business is run! Of the framers in my locality I would estimate that less than 50% use a PC. I recently gave a talk on pricing at the Cotswold FATG - I was suprised at the number of framers who had tried using various programs to price work - and had given up, often finding setting up the program to be complicated. Other framers - especially those new to the business had started with a PC as a natural part of their business.
I have two PCs - one in the workshop - awaiting time to network it to the point of sale PC in the shop.
workshop pc runs the CMC and design software - Coreldraw. It also provides much needed entertainment via Media player.
Shop PC is connected to Broadband - Point of sale software (EST) that uses connection to download updates to price list.
I email customers - Text them via Lycos - keep customers up to date with new releases - order chop mouldings and generally keep in touch with suppliers. Design and print flyers.
Seperate thermal label printer prints customised labels for each frame enabling me to keep track of items in shop.

Infact the pc touches just about everything I do in the business.

Post by **John** » Mon 18 Jul, 2005 11:44 am

I was suprised at the number of framers who had tried using various programs to price work - and had given up, often finding setting up the program to be complicated

The problem of introducing POS software to new, or less confident, computer users lies in the fact that the most difficult aspect of the program, setting it up to suit your own business, has to be done right at the start. Of course you can play with it 'right out of the box' without modifying any of the settings, but most users want to tweak it to suit their own circumstances. Trying to fine tune the many options while at the same time learning how to use the program can prove to be very frustrating to even the most computer literate among us, never mind the inexperienced.