Mentor unveils improved property management system

News

14 October 1995

You may, therefore, adopt a rather jaundiced view of Mentor Management’s claim that it is “introducing a brand new, open, client/server, graphical version” of its property system. However, the improvements are substantial, rather than cosmetic, and Mentor will be demonstrating these at PCS ’95.

Mentor has re-engineered the underlying design and structure of the product to take advantage of the latest advances in Windows and other graphical user interfaces (GUIs), relational databases and client/server architecture.

Microsoft’s Encarta defines client/server architecture as “an arrangement used on local area networks that makes use of distributed intelligence to treat both the server and the individual work stations as intelligent, programmable devices, thus exploiting the full computing power of each”. This gives the advantage that the client machine (the one to which the user has direct access) and the file server work together to produce more processing power, which is then used more efficiently.

The functionality of the original Mentor property system, which has evolved during 15 years, remains essentially the same. However, it is claimed that the new approach provides ease of use and interactive reporting, particularly geared to the working style and needs of the surveyor.

Fully integrated property management is provided by the system – from acquisition to development, leasing, budgeting, corporate accounting, maintenance and performance analysis through to disposal. The first release of the new version includes the advanced property management database with integrated accounting, rent accounting, service charges and a fully functional surveyor’s diary.

managing director Harry Hills states: “We now have the technology tools available to build systems that surveyors want to use, as well as meeting the financial control needs of property accountants.”

Mentor sought extensive feedback from existing users. Following this research, the firm made a substantial investment in redesigning its database structure. In consequence, it is claimed, the system will cope with any definition of a property (for example, land and property, buildings, units within buildings). It also allows for the definition of property to be mixed and matched within the same portfolio.

Attention has also been paid to the reporting needs of property accountants and surveyors. “Top down” analysis and reporting, with “totals first” and easy-to-use intuitive drill-down techniques put users in the position of asking questions and receiving immediate answers.

Mentor’s property system also supports Microsoft’s ODBC (open database connectivity), which facilitates the movement of data between ODBC applications such as spreadsheets, word processors, mapping and GIS.

More details from Mentor Management, Old School, Brewhouse Hill, Wheathampstead, Herts AL4 8AN (01582 834401).

When advertisements for soap powder claim that a product is “new and improved” it is difficult not to be sceptical when just a few months earlier the public knows that it was being urged to buy the ultimate clothes washing substance! Even political parties these days resort to the psychological effect of the word “new”! You may, therefore, adopt a rather jaundiced view of Mentor Management’s claim that it is “introducing a brand new, open, client/server, graphical version” of its property system. However, the improvements are substantial, rather than cosmetic, and Mentor will be demonstrating these at PCS ’95. Mentor has re-engineered the underlying design and structure of the product to take advantage of the latest advances in Windows and other graphical user interfaces (GUIs), relational databases and client/server architecture. Microsoft’s Encarta defines client/server architecture as “an arrangement used on local area networks that makes use of distributed intelligence to treat both the server and the individual work stations as intelligent, programmable devices, thus exploiting the full computing power of each”. This gives the advantage that the client machine (the one to which the user has direct access) and the file server work together to produce more processing power, which is then used more efficiently. The functionality of the original Mentor property system, which has evolved during 15 years, remains essentially the same. However, it is claimed that the new approach provides ease of use and interactive reporting, particularly geared to the working style and needs of the surveyor. Fully integrated property management is provided by the system – from acquisition to development, leasing, budgeting, corporate accounting, maintenance and performance analysis through to disposal. The first release of the new version includes the advanced property management database with integrated accounting, rent accounting, service charges and a fully functional surveyor’s diary. managing director Harry Hills states: “We now have the technology tools available to build systems that surveyors want to use, as well as meeting the financial control needs of property accountants.” Mentor sought extensive feedback from existing users. Following this research, the firm made a substantial investment in redesigning its database structure. In consequence, it is claimed, the system will cope with any definition of a property (for example, land and property, buildings, units within buildings). It also allows for the definition of property to be mixed and matched within the same portfolio. Attention has also been paid to the reporting needs of property accountants and surveyors. “Top down” analysis and reporting, with “totals first” and easy-to-use intuitive drill-down techniques put users in the position of asking questions and receiving immediate answers. Mentor’s property system also supports Microsoft’s ODBC (open database connectivity), which facilitates the movement of data between ODBC applications such as spreadsheets, word processors, mapping and GIS. More details from Mentor Management, Old School, Brewhouse Hill, Wheathampstead, Herts AL4 8AN (01582 834401).