1999 Document Control Software Buyers Guide
Welcome to the second annual Quality Digest Document Control Software Buyers Guide. Since last year, the size of our guide has grown more than threefold; it features more than 60 companies offering document control software, compared with the 16 companies that appeared previously.
A well-designed and secure document control system has become an important feature for companies pursuing quality processes. To be successful, document control systems should provide a safe and secure place for documents, as well as a means for circulating only the current document revision while keeping old revisions on file. Such a system also needs to allow for creating new revisions, routing them for approval and informing users that a new revision now supersedes the document they are currently using. An ISO 9000 environment should allow some easy way to audit all this.
The guide lists companies that specialize in document control software. To select the software that works best for your company, you need to have a thorough understanding of your documentation department's current document control procedures as well as a good understanding of your company's computing environment. Using this information, contact the vendors that offer the closest match to your needs.
Once you have identified several vendors, ask each for a functional demonstration package. The only way to know if a document control package will do what you want it to is by exercising it with your documents and procedures. Test-driving is time-consuming; plan on at least one week per package to load it, understand its basic operation and run some tests. Most software companies have customer support departments willing and able to help step you through a program's basic operation.
The Document Control Software Buyers Guide is intended to provide our readers with helpful information for selecting document control software. Only those companies responding to our faxed questionnaires are listed. A listing in this guide does not imply that a product is endorsed by Quality Digest.
3C Technologies Inc.
3C Technologies Inc. brings its "real world" expertise in assisting organizations to succeed in ISO 9000 and QS-9000 registration into this document, data control and records management software. Manages hard copy and electronic distribution. Master list with a single click. Hyperlink to actual documents. Send change notices via e-mail automatically.
American Calibration Inc.
This software captures the logic of business processes using flowcharting concepts, then seamlessly generates process documentation for your choice of word processors. By capturing process steps and textual explanations within a single, easy-to-use package, the software increases productivity by 60 percent, compared with using separate flowcharting and work processing applications.
Blue Mountain Quality Resources Inc.
This flexible software package is designed to track equipment calibration to meet FDA, ISO 9000 and other quality standards. Easily customizable by the user, it also features world-class report writer Crystal Reports.
Blueridge Technologies Inc.
This is an open solution that operates in a cross-platform, nonproprietary environment. The OPTIX family of cross-platform products includes modules for imaging/document archival and retrieval, workflow and CD/database publishing. The software supports Intel-based systems running Windows 95 or NT, as well as Macintosh and Power Macintosh systems.
CEBOS Ltd.
The FIST relational database covers all ISO 9000 and QS-9000 requirements within a single package. The Documents System is one of the interconnected components of the complete system, handling traditional document control of policy, procedure, work instructions, forms, drawings and references. The package includes APQP, Audits, Documents, Equipment, Gage, Quality and Training systems.
CIMNET Inc.
This Internet/intranet-enabled electronic document vaulting system controls the editing and distribution of documents across a network, intranet and extranet. DocuMaN contains electronic signoff groupings, full indentured relationships (BOM) and programmable change vehicles, such as ECNs, DCRs, etc. Available as stand-alone or as part of an MES.
CimWorks GageTalker
Replace paper and improve productivity on the shop floor with VisualDocs from CimWorks. Perfect for ISO 9000 requirements, VisualDocs uses electronic E-Folders to organize groups of documents, providing quick retrieval and viewing from anywhere on the shop floor.
Comprehensive Computer Solutions
This software utilizes state-of-the-art technology to create an intranet-based quality management system that includes document control, nonconformance (corrective action) reporting, internal/external audit reporting, and organizationwide training and maintenance of training records or certifications. Being intranet-based, quality system documentation can be viewed and quality management work can be accomplished via Web browsers on any platform.
Dalet Technologies
This is an intranet solution for quality assurance based on Lotus Notes. It provides users with comprehensive control and cost-effective maintenance of quality standards. Prisma's integrated modules address the main requirements of quality assurance: documentation, incidents (customer complaints, nonconformities, etc.) and audits.
DataNet Quality Systems
This is a simple-to-use, full-featured and customizable production document manager within the context of a sophisticated enterprisewide, real-time SPC software solution. Opens virtually any PC-based document format and also provides external program launching capabilities.
Definitive Software Inc.
This is a decision analysis software application designed for teams and organizations, including finance, sales and marketing, strategic planning, quality and engineering, to create graphical models of a process or business situation. The software contains sophisticated modeling and analysis capabilities, yet is organized around a friendly, nontechnical user interface.
Document Control Systems Inc.
This software provides enterprise strength revision control, routing and approval, training notification and document distribution. Time-based escalation automatically routes documents to a higher authority after the maximum approval time has been reached. Closed-loop notification to all affected users after final approval. Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, Sybase, Informix. All major e-mail systems.
DOES Institute
Documents are stored automatically according to the requisite ISO/QS/TE-9000 criteria. Complies with standards for document/data control ISO 9000 year 2000 draft guidelines.
ISO step-by-step
Tool for gap analysis, initial document development/guidelines. Training, instructions, templates and case study examples. Forms exported to Office Control 9000.
Q-Pulse
Document control system for small companies: Document procedures, control, schedule audits, corrective actions, training courses/training needs.
DPI Services Inc.
DPI Services' QMX software automates your critical business processes such as document control, corrective action and audit tracking. It was designed by a team of quality and software professionals to assist organizations in achieving and maintaining compliance to ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 standards.
Engineered Work Systems Inc.
This software satisfies many clauses for ISO 9000 and QS-9000 requirements. It features notepad capability, online context sensitive form help, RPN automatically calculated, easy-to-use format, complete set of APQP and PPAP documents, and many other quality and engineering documents for QS-9000/ISO 9000.
EtQ Inc.
Manage the creation, approval, distribution and archiving of all controlled documents. EtQ is ready-to-use for such document types as quality manuals, procedures, work instructions and forms. Additional document types and templates can be added without programming. You can even use your current documents that are in Lotus Word Pro, MS Word, etc.
Greco Systems
This software provides a user-friendly manufacturing networking system designed to efficiently relay production information throughout the factory in real time. With modules such as Production Ticket, Electronic Traveler and DNC Networking, data passes automatically from the front office to the shop floor, eliminating cumbersome paper travelers and spreadsheets.
Harpco Systems Inc.
Tired of writing FMEAs and control plans? Harpco Systems' Quality Plus for Windows can fully automate the FMEA and control plan creation process while increasing their usefulness. In addition, a fully integrated suite of tools that can help you meet all your QS-9000 and ISO 9000 requirements is available.
The Harrington Group Inc.
This lightweight utility will help you organize and track revisions to documents requiring revision control. This program helps you establish a simple and effective document and data control system that is easy to use by all employees.
Imageers Inc.
This component-based, enterprisewide information management solution is seamlessly linked to ProStyle's ZeroDefect Issue Management. TIMS9000 (NT) greatly assists meeting ISO 9000 nonconformance reporting requirements by retrieving and displaying any file in your enterprise. TIMS indexes every word of every file, including most CAD files and 200 other popular formats.
Infinium Software Inc.
This quality management software is a comprehensive document control software. Designed to eliminate the need to purchase multiple quality programs, ISOlution is comprised of the following activities: document control, calibration, training, nonconformance tracking, corrective actions, supplier evaluations, SPC, FMEA, control plans and more to help create a paperless environment.
Integral Solutions Inc.
This package provides a complete system for document management and control, which is critical for ISO 9000/QS-9000 compliance. The suite includes DPACT (design), MPACT (manufacturing), OPACT (operator), APACT (auditing) and Migrator Tool. The products are integrated so that relevant information is carried from the design to the manufacturing processes without rekeying.
Intelex Technologies Inc.
This document control software is an integral component of the ISOsoft 9000 and ISOsoft 14001 implementation and management software packages. The system allows users to register and control any type of electronic document format. An integrated Web feature automatically creates Web pages and an index for user documents.
Interax Group Inc.
This software works in any industry or organization--manufacturing, all service industries, professional services, government and education. One or multiple standards can be implemented, including ISO 9000, QS-9000 and ISO 14000. It is effective in companies with as few as three people, as well as medium-size and large organizations with thousands of employees.
Intercim
This software provides labor management, material management, quality management, equipment management, shop floor control, manufacturing engineering, and communication and support.
Interspan Inc.
This document management system helps to electronically organize, manage and distribute a company's documents. Visit Interspan's Web site and download a free evaluation copy.
IQS Inc.
Manages your master list of documents.
IQS PRODUCT
Controls blueprints, material/process specifications.
IQS PROCESS
Manages manufacturing/operations and administrative processes.
ISO 9000 Support Group
JK Technologies Inc.
This document control software handles all aspects of work flow and document control within your company. It tracks current revisions and prints master lists, and allows online approvals with electronic signature protection. One of the most unique features is the DOC9000 Navigator, a flowchart designed for ease of use, understanding and training.
Labtronics Inc.
Meridian Project Systems
This full 32-bit application has increased functionality and power that allows users to control bidding, buy-out, contracts, changes, costs and project documentation. Create a project-specific Web site. It supports Windows 95 and NT operating systems.
MINITAB Inc.
This is an easy-to-use, highly sophisticated package for data analysis and presentation. It provides more than 200 statistical functions that operate on data stored in row-by-column worksheets. It includes basic statistics, regression analysis, analysis of variance, multivariate analysis, nonparametric analysis, time series analysis, statistical process control, design of experiments, and simulation and distributions.
Murphy Software
This multi-user relational database system automates the quality control process. DBQ organizes quality information and coordinates the entire quality effort, including data collection, record keeping, SPC, gaging, traceability, certificates of analysis, Pareto charting, statistical analysis and customized reporting. It promotes compliance with ISO 9000 industry standards.
New Learning Systems
Combine documentation and flowcharting in one easy step! Within minutes, an inexperienced user can create accurate, consistent flowcharts with process mapping capabilities. Record times and costs, attach subprocesses, swimlane grouping. Q-Skills "validity checker" makes sure your flowchart is correct. When complete, written documentation is automatically created in Word or intranet format.
Nextpoint Systems Inc.
This system seamlessly integrates document control capabilities with related processes for revision history, document change forum, audits, nonconformance and corrective action management, and management review and reporting. Designed to support the implementation and maintenance of quality standards documents, it also serves as a practical platform for achieving enterprisewide quality management systems.
The PARAGON Co.
This business-critical decision support software helps construction executives manage programs and projects more efficiently. PARAGON 4.0 will help you protect your bottom line and increase profitability by managing cost, risk and client communications effectively.
Pilgrim Software Inc.
This is the leading ISO 9000/QS-9000 compliant document management system on the market. Designed as a multiplatform, open database document management system, DOCUMENT CONTROL can be tailored to the specific enterprisewide operational requirements of medium and large organizations in the business, manufacturing, service and government sectors.
The Pister Group Inc.
The software's key elements include recording release information, maintaining change history, linking directly to documents and providing a master document list. The system will operate on a network and offers document access security.
PowerWay Inc.
This affordable and feature-rich software manages the lifecycle of your business-critical documents, including Microsoft Office, Adobe PDF and CAD files. Seamlessly integrated, PowerWay Desktop, PowerWay Document Manager and PowerWay Intranet Publisher can be deployed rapidly so you can recover your investment in weeks, not years.
PQ Systems Inc.
This powerful, dynamic software revolutionizes the administration of any quality management system. Its modules include Document Control, Audits, Nonconformities, Customer Care and Intraview, a dynamic Web interface product. This client/server solution will help organizations comply with standards such as ISO 9000 and QS-9000.
Project Assistants Inc.
This powerful, easy-to-use, affordable new Microsoft Project 98 companion product provides the state-of-the-art automation you need to integrate your organization's methodologies, processes and best practices with Microsoft Project. Now you can easily incorporate your Word documents, Excel spreadsheets and other methodology templates with your Microsoft Project plan.
Proquis Inc.
This document management/control system handles all document types, including control plans, quality manuals, procedures, drawings, contracts, spreadsheets--even databases. It stores, secures and controls each document independently, and is access-tailored for each person. Full change history. Holds original documents. Automatically notifies changes. Links to other areas (e.g., products, assets, gages).
QIS & Associates of Canada
This system provides a foundation for gathering and maintaining objective evidence with computerized systems for: document control, customer complaints, nonconformances, corrective and preventive actions, and internal auditing.
QT Associates
Quality Training Documentation Manager for Windows 95 facilitates planning, scheduling and monitoring the classes and students within a quality training curriculum. It maintains student records, showing both required and completed courses. It also processes course and SOP revisions, and provides retraining reminders. Includes a full set of reports.
QTech Systems Inc.
This easy-to-use document management software is designed to be scalable for companies of all sizes. It runs on a single workstation computer or on a corporate intranet. ISO Point allows users to track, manage, view and print their ISO 9000 documentation with a convenient master list customized by the document administrator.
Quality America Inc.
This is a complete tool for managing your quality system. Providing much more than just document control, Q-Pulse evaluates audit results, corrective actions and quality costs for clear management direction. Audit schedules, workload appraisal and gap analysis means users will always be prepared for ISO 9000, QS-9000 or Baldrige assessment.
Quality Systems Integrators
This software combines training and document management into one easy-to-use product. Notification of document changes, electronic signatures and automatic updating of training records improves communications and maximizes resources. Revision routing, activity tabs and built-in e-mail make this product fun and easy to use for plant personnel.
Quality Systems International
This paperless, integrated system for ISO 9000, QS-9000 and ISO 14000 features built-in workflow, choice of serial or parallel electronic review or approvals, automated versioning, archiving, backup approvers and status tracking. It tracks training on changes, and DCRs include escalation.
Ringwood Software
This Intranet-based online documentation presentation solution is used for policy, procedure, departmental, regulatory and technical manuals. Trove is also used for knowledge base operational information. This proven solution is in use throughout corporate America and around the world.
Roth-Donleigh
This very complete quality assurance manual, containing 1,260 pages and 14 sections, covers every aspect of a total quality program, including all the procedures required by ISO 9000, procedures required by FDA GMP and MIL standards, and a comprehensive document control section.
Configuration Management Manual
This manual, containing 320 pages and nine major sections, covers all aspects of a configuration management program.
Rush Creek Software Corp.
A comprehensive set of software engineering templates that kickstart the documentation of the development process. EssentialSET is compliant with CMM levels 2 and 3, and the ISO 9000-1 standards for software.
ISOplus
Whether for ISO certification or simply to improve the quality of software, ISOplus helps create quality systems documentation. It contains more than 100 documents and conforms to ISO 9000-1 standards for software.
SPSS Inc.
This is the only flowcharter that helps you think through your process interactively. Begin by writing down the main ideas in an outline and see your flowchart drawn for you instantly. As you add details, such as new steps or levels, allCLEAR updates your chart immediately.
Stat-Ease Inc.
This software sets up and analyzes powerful two-level factorials that identify the critical factors for improvement of products and processes.
Design-Expert
This software includes all that Design-Ease does, plus 3-D response surface optimization for product and process improvement.
System Solvers Ltd.
This innovative software tool significantly improves the delivery success and bottom line of any team-oriented project. It completely orchestrates all aspects of the execution of a project and associated software tools across all team members, both local and remote, via a central repository, process knowledge base and analysis foundation for all project information.
Systemcorp
This software facilitates the transition to ISO 9000:2000 compliance and provides ISO 9000 and QS-9000 best practices and customer-defined security. Designed to allow users to create, modify and store documents in any Windows-compatible file format, it also automates work flow and routing for document review, approvals and audits, and maintains automated master lists and historical version control.
Technology International Inc.
Based on the Baldrige Award criteria, QSA allows the documentation of company information and business statistics corresponding to the topic areas of the award examination criteria. The compiled data generated through this software offers a basis for submitting an award application or for conducting detailed self-assessment, training, managerial and operational planning. Runs on Windows 3.1 or higher.
Trackware Inc.
This document control system offers users the ability to electronically create, change and store documents over the network. Some features are: electronic signatures, change control, archiving, control of documents at external locations, and password protection for changes control. For more information, please see our ad.
