Anderson Business Technology steps into the Future with Reality.

NorthgateArinso (Northgate) has announced that Anderson Business Technology has gone live with its Reality system.

Anderson Business Technology, a premier office equipment, supply and service provider, teamed up with Northgate to overhaul its system from TigerLogic's outdated AP/Pro to a contemporary Reality database in a Microsoft Windows server environment.

When Anderson found that the company's operating system was unable to effectively maintain the pace needed to optimally fit the needs of customers and staff, swift action was needed.

"There is no other sector that moves as fast as technology," said David Anderson, company president and grandson of the founder. "If you are not prepared to make the changes you need to keep pace, you don't survive."

The changes were immediate, and spectacular.

"I have a report I have to run each month as a business check," said Anderson. "Previously I used to stay behind at the close of business because it would take around two hours to run and print. Now it is virtually instantaneous. Other reports that took 15 minutes now take two seconds."

Yet the most critical factor why Anderson chose Reality and the integration team spearheaded by Northgate Reality Vice President Mark Pick, was the promise of a seamless crossover from the old format to the new model.

Pick and his crew worked with Anderson's staff extensively before the changeover in order to cut down on disruption. Anderson admits he was stunned by the smoothness of the switch.

"We left on a Friday with the old way and came back in on Monday to find everything up and running perfectly," he said. "Mark and his team had come in over the weekend and we were ready to go. You are always nervous when big alterations like this take place and I feared we would have some problems.

"As it was, not only did we not have those difficulties but the positive changes started making us more effective as a business right away – and continue to do so."

For Pick, whose father Dick pioneered the Reality operating system, Anderson Business Technology was the latest in a long line of clients who have had their operational practices revamped by the enhanced Reality product.

"With Anderson we rejuvenated their system and brought it up to speed with the needs of a modern company," said Pick. "We provided integration that allows superior web-based functionality with Microsoft tools, plus super-charged performance and connectivity.

"We give our clients this level of enhancement and service, while focusing on making the transition as painless as possible. We take pride in laying a foundation for our clients to enhance their own success and profitability."