Software for a construction equipment rental agency

The IT system we implemented for a rental agency is a comprehensive solution to support procedures developed to Alstom’s management standards.

Our customer’s made-to-order computer system is a multi-operator web application implemented using ASP.NET technology, based on Microsoft’s MySQL Server. This means that an employee accesses the online system via a web browser, which is the only required software for a computer to function as a workstation. This ensures not only easy expansion of the group of users, but also the security of data, which is stored on a central server. No unauthorised person has access to the data contained in the application files, and each authorised employee can use the software from any company computer.

The advanced user management system is a key aspect of such large projects. Several hundred employees at a time can access the software, and each has a unique ID and password to log in to the application. Administrator-defined user groups allow each employee to be granted permissions appropriate to their position, providing the employee access to only such features and information in the system as are appropriate to his or her duties.

The most important issue that the custom-made system was intended to address was support for the widely dispersed network of rental agents. Rental equipment is moved between different branches of the company, which must be recorded by employees. With the centralised online IT system, the data from all branches are stored on a single server. This allows for the full synchronisation of information on the status of individual warehouses which are hundreds of kilometres apart.

Each product in the rental company catalogue has a detailed description. Appropriate attributes are assigned to it to clearly define individual device features. This means that not only does a given system entry comprise the specified certificates and purchase–sale contracts related to it, but that the application also monitors all maintenance deadlines and overhaul deadlines, and the equipment maintenance process, as well as calculating depreciation and rental costs. An advanced reporting system gives company management full control over the work of the rental department.

Our made-to-order computer system for Alstom significantly optimised the work of the construction equipment rental company. With a comprehensive approach to solving problems through the online application and its centralised nature, collaboration between individual branches of the company was improved. The software developed at our customer’s request gave him real control over all rental department processes. At the same time, the employees received a convenient tool which, thanks to its easy-to-read and easy-to-use interface, helped them to more efficiently implement the procedures set by the company’s standards.