Retain for Notes is a new version of the Step2 Retain resource planning system, specifically designed for use with Lotus Notes^TM.  This new version of Retain provides the same innovative user interface as Retain, but uses Lotus Notes data formats.

Retain for Notes brings you the following advantages:

How does it work?

Retain for Notes has exactly the same look and feel as Retain, even existing users of Retain would be hard pressed to spot the difference! The Retain demonstration pack tells you everything you need to know about how Retain works.

The difference lies behind the scenes. The underlying data used by Retain is held in Lotus Notes databases, rather than in the dBase format files supplied with the standard version. In Retain for Notes, tables such as the resources, tasks and bookings tables are represented by Lotus Notes views. The records within each table are represented by Lotus Notes documents. For Lotus Notes users, this opens up all sorts of possibilities........

Improved multiple site planning

Retain is ideally suited to use on a local area network, but where you need to maintain plans across a wider area, Retain for Notes may be a better option. Retain for Notes allows several users to work on the same Retain database at the same time in different locations:

It works by using the Lotus Notes replication facilities. This allows data to be distributed across multiple sites, such as across offices and to local disks on notebook computers, and updates each site with the latest changes via the process called replication. Lotus Notes handles any replication conflicts, such as where two users make changes to the same record, thus helping you to keep control over the integrity of your Retain data.

Connectivity with your Lotus Notes applications

If you use Lotus Notes, the chances are that you will already have other Notes applications that hold your job and staff details. Updating two sets of data can be time-consuming and can lead to errors. But with Retain for Notes, your Retain data can be integrated to work with your existing Notes applications, making one-time updates a reality.

Retain for Notes uses a standard set of Lotus Notes views and forms. To connect Retain to your Lotus Notes applications, you simply customise these views and forms. The information presented in Retain automatically reflects your changes. For instance, you might add a column to the booking view in order to display the user who last edited each record and populate this field automatically through Lotus Notes. This field will be treated by Retain in the same way as any other field; available for display, selecting and sorting purposes and in the Retain reports.

Flexible user access control

Retain for Notes handles user access through Lotus Notes itself, giving flexible access control on a table by table basis. For example, you might provide users with edit rights over planning and task information, but prevent them from updating the information about resources. You could also define entire Retain tables as read only in Retain, so that data for that table is only ever updated through your separate Lotus Notes application.

Enhanced planning ideas

With your Retain planning data stored in Lotus Notes, other possibilities exist to make your planning process even more efficient and integrated. For example, you might construct a 'Booking Request Form' in Notes; this could be submitted by E-mail, authorised in Notes and then used as the source of amendments to Retain. Or you might use Lotus Notes to calculate figures for inclusion in your Retain reports.

Which version is best for me?

Retain for Notes is the right choice if you are planning over multiple sites or integrating your planning data with other Lotus Notes applications. However, you will need to perform some set up work in Lotus Notes itself in order to take full advantage of the features of this version. Also, performance may be inferior over a LAN when compared with Retain.

For existing users, the upgrade path from Retain is quite straight forward. Retain for Notes uses exactly the same user interface as Retain, so you will not need to incur expensive retraining costs for your existing users. Your existing data can be converted automatically from dBase into Lotus Notes format.

All prices exclude VAT, any other local taxes and expenses, and may be changed without prior notice.
To find out more about Retain for Notes please contact Step2. Send e-mail to Step2.