In this first issue of *Strait Talk*, for 2008, we will be reporting on company progress during 2007, recent project success and, as usual, we have our quarterly competition.
Misys choose Strait Online Leading global application software and services provider, Misys, rolled out their online benefit statements to their UK staff on the 1^st November 2007. The transitional step of moving from paper to online was a natural progression for Misys for whom Strait Logics have been producing benefit statements, for 5 successful years. There were two major factors that motivated the switch – firstly, an online solution would be much more cost effective in the long term and secondly, the organisation’s commitment towards reducing their own carbon footprint. The pension and benefits department of Misys also supported an HR harmonisation project, which raised the profile of benefits and total rewards, on offer. Launching the online system in conjunction with this project helped to implement these significant internal changes. Group Pensions Manager for Misys, Andrew Brown, was responsible for overseeing the project during the transitional stages. He stated, “Obtaining information from multiple data sources plus a number of alterations to the original data proved a challenge during the development stages, but Strait Logics have very good analytical tools which compare and validate all the data received and ensures that the information is correct and consistent, throughout.” Currently, the online solution has been launched for UK staff only, however there are possibilities of rolling out to EMEA in the future. Feedback from UK employees has been very positive and with 20% of staff logging on regularly, the system will surely prove to be a successful employee communications tool.
Team Building Mission The arrival of our newest recruits at Strait Logics inspired the whole Company to take part in a Laser Mission team building day packed with adrenalin pumping activities. Despite the cold chilly weather in November 2007, we outdoor enthusiasts were armed with laser guns, camouflage paint and matching uniforms. Split in to two teams, Alpha and Bravo, we were ready and willing to exercise our teamwork skills. We braved the cold, the mud and the dark woods to complete physical, mental and strategic challenges set by our respective team organisers. Each mission required stamina and quick thinking, allowing the qualities of individual group members to shine through. Overall, the day was a great success and proved to be a truly bonding experience for all involved and although everyone ached from head to toe afterwards, we all agreed that the physically demanding day made a refreshing change from sitting behind our desks! Customer opinion makes the difference Here at Strait Logics, we are dedicated to customer satisfaction. At the end of 2007, we distributed our annual client questionnaires to help gauge our performance over the last year. The analysis of the results provides us with constructive feedback about the service we offer, our company processes and any suggestions for improvement. This year we made amendments to the annual survey process itself. Creating an additional questionnaire for new customers and consultancies gave us the opportunity to ask how well we introduced ourselves as a company and whether we have proven ourselves enough to retain their custom. The list below outlines the enhancements made in 2007, as a direct result of 2006’s questionnaire; · Sourced a managed-hosting company who has a reputation for excellent technical support for our clients’ online solutions. · Launched SLIP Express – bespoke programming software created to enhance the development of paper-based statements. · Established formal procedures and protocols with third-parties, to ensure our print partners enforce a consistent and professional approach. · Introduced a new version-control document to identify test and amended statements during development. · Constant review of data processing techniques to build a robust pipeline for producing both online and on paper solutions. We would like to thank all of our clients for their valuable contribution and say congratulations to Lisa Clegg from Shell International, our lucky winner of the £100 voucher prize, for simply taking a few moments to complete & submit the questionnaire. Let’s hope the results of our 2007 survey have just as great an impact throughout the coming year.


Alan Bacon - 10 years at Strait Logics In today’s fast moving career environment, where 4 years is considered to be long term tenure for any employee, it’s an encouraging sign when someone devotes their time and loyalty to one employer for 10 years. This is exactly the case for our longest serving staff member, Alan Bacon, one of our most experienced and highly regarded developers. He celebrated his 10 year anniversary with the company in December 2007 and, of course, his colleagues were on hand to help honour the occasion with champagne and chocolate cake! When asked to comment on his time at Strait Logics, Alan said, ”I joined the organisation in its infancy and have seen many changes since then. I would like to thank our company Directors for giving me the opportunity to become their first developer all those years ago and I look forward to many more years in their employment.” Sanjay Shingadia, Managing Director, expanded on this by adding, “It has been a pleasure working with Alan. He is a key member of staff who has played and continues to play, an integral role in building up Strait Logics’ technologies. We wish him a happy and successful career with the company, for what we hope will be another ten years.”

Developer's Corner

Development work is underway on the next generation of SLIP, SLIP.NET. This latest version will provide a flexible pipeline for processing both data and design work for a project.

At the head of the pipeline is the data import process. This allows us to accept data in a variety of formats and combine multiple sources together to create a single, cohesive record. The complete set of data can be sorted, filtered or batched for different output and delivery requirements.

Print file production will be powered by a new set of rendering libraries. This will allow the production of PPML, PostScript, PDF or even custom output to be generated from a single project by simply selecting the desired output options.

Tables and charts will have full Strait Logics library support and we plan to automate some of the artwork extraction and placement process.

All these changes (and more yet to be announced) will help to streamline the overall production process. The impact of last-minute changes will be reduced and our ability to handle larger projects will be enhanced.

Ready, Steady Golf!

Gentleman Only Ladies Forbidden? We think not!

This quarter we’re testing your Golf knowledge and the competition prize is a round of Golf for two at a Marriott Hotel & Country club near you.

All you have to do is click here to enter. If this prize isn’t your cup of tee (pardon the pun!) you can enter on behalf of one of your Golf fanatical friends or family.

Competition closes on Friday 29th February and we will contact the winner shortly, after this date. Good luck!