Global Computing Limited produces and supplies payroll /HR and other bespoke office software nationwide, from its offices in St Sampsons.
Global launched the pioneering Profile for Windows Payroll and HR product more than a decade ago after extensive industry consultation. Since that time is has built a large client base around its Profile branded products.
Its browser based Intranet application can be integrated with Profile or used as a standalone product. Profile Intranet enables employees to request and review their own holiday and absence requests.
Global’s payroll software is widespread in offices across the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, and the company is shortly to address the UK market.
In addition to payroll Global has created Trust and Company management systems, Insurance and Accounting systems plus many other applications.
The software programming success story began 19 years ago. Three years in, it also started providing hardware sales and services to its client base. Global Computing also has a Web design division, and online Call Centre ordering and shopping software.
Mr Bichard, who has been with the company for 10 years, said they were very proud of what they had achieved so far.
'We are constantly reviewing our software as the industry is forever changing along with the demands of consumers'.
The Global payroll software was initially designed to link to the Sage Line 100 Accounting package, which was based on the Microsoft DOS language, the forerunner of Windows.
'When Windows 95 appeared we created a Windows compatible package branded as Profile', continued Mr Bichard. It was a constant challenge to keep at the top of the game.
'Software developers are talented creative people, but innovation has to be channelled carefully so as to meet the exacting demands of customers.'
When Profile was originally launched Global received feedback from HR professionals needing additional functionality.
An independent User Group was set up which met regularly, providing the company with valuable enhancements to the software.
`With meeting attendances of up to 40 members this proved to be a very useful tool in assisting our product development', Mr Bichard said.
After 10 years of the original Profile product the company set out to update it. The more advanced Profile Enterprise has been developed through extensive industry consultation.
A large Jersey hotel group with 400 weekly and monthly staff became the first user of the new Enterprise level product.
The Jersey hotel group and other users in both islands act as reference sites.
Customers are also increasingly security conscious and ensuring data protection is an important part of development.
As well as onsite visits and telephone calls, Global uses secure software enabling its support staff to remotely access clients' systems from its support division.
There are now 17 employees in the company including developers, support engineers and administration staff.
`We understand that it is vital for our clients to ensure that key business processes are supported in a rapid and effective manner’, said Mr Bichard.