Will we be able to have new letters or reports set up to be generated from BACAS much quicker than is currently being done?
- Yes, while the current process for generating reports will remain unchanged, we are introducing Microsoft Power BI, which empowers you to create your own reports with greater flexibility. This powerful tool will significantly enhance the speed and ease of generating the insights you need. Additionally, report creation and updates are more efficient in a hosted environment, as we can directly copy and configure new reports in BACAS without needing to involve your IT department, streamlining the process.
We are very eager to move away from 32bit BACAS. Realistically, when would this be possible?
- We are targeting the end of Q1 2025, to have the core functionality of BACAS transitioned into the modern, fully hosted version. Our timelines are based on accurate assessments, and we have accelerated progress by allocating additional development resources to this project by the end of December to ensure timely delivery. The actual timing will also be dependent on testing and pilot feedback – so it may be move into Q2.
With regards to the system proposed for BACAS will the expectation be that Funeral Directors and Families have full view of everything taking place, all the transactions and the process stages?
- Absolutely, that is the vision. The proposed system will allow customers, including Funeral Directors and families, to see where they are in the process through a simple, clear timeline. This transparency reduces the need for unnecessary contact and enhances the overall user experience by providing real-time visibility into the process stages.
We use our shared drive to link Burial Applications, Statutory Declarations etc into BACAS, with the new product will we be able to upload them without using the shared drive?
- Yes, that is the plan. The first phase of the project focuses on migrating from a 32-bit to a 64-bit system. Once that is complete, we will incorporate the upload facility, which Funeral Directors currently use, into the new browser-based system. This will allow you to upload documents directly without relying on a shared drive.
What does this mean to us? What’s the impact for us?
- “Seeing is believing,” and we understand that what matters most is delivery. We’ve assessed and prioritised the modernisation of BACAS and are working diligently to achieve a clear vision. The first phase focuses on transitioning to a modern, hosted environment, addressing legacy issues while enhancing the user experience with updated UI/UX practices. Migrating from an older system to a modern interface takes time, but the results will be worth it. You can expect to see significant changes starting in the first quarter of next year, with progress accelerating from there. The product has already evolved, and we are committed to maintaining full transparency throughout this process.
As a consultant I’ve probably used all the software solutions out there and all have tried to do improvements over the years and I understand the frustrations on this call. The things that I see is back-end support and customer support – is that improving and with the new system I understand the timelines but its sticking to those timelines and how good the data conversion is and not every service works exactly the same, does the new software allow for those tweaks or is it a customised system and this is what you get?
- In terms of data conversion, there will be no data migration involved—the same database will continue to be used, ensuring a seamless transition. BACAS has always been a highly configurable and flexible system, allowing services to work in ways that suit their unique requirements. The new system will maintain and build on that adaptability. IEG4 is essentially modernising the engine of the BACAS system by converting its code to a new language while hosting it on a common platform. This approach retains the system’s flexibility while providing a modernised foundation. We are committed to adhering to the timelines and delivering a solution that balances improved back-end support, robust customer support, and the ability to adapt to diverse service needs.
Is the new 64bit much quicker than the 32bit?
- The new 64-bit system can provide performance improvements, but the speed you experience is generally influenced more by your internal network than by BACAS itself. That said, hosted systems are typically faster than on-premise systems due to optimized infrastructure and connectivity. If you’re moving from a 32-bit to a 64-bit hosted system, you may notice an overall improvement, especially with modern workloads.
Is the Hosted solution going to be the only offering?
- Yes
With the new BACAS offering, will it be necessary to purchase additional add-ins or will the existing functionality be available in the standard product?
- With the new BACAS offering, it will not be necessary to purchase additional add-ins to access the existing functionality. The BACAS engine is being updated, not re-written, so the standard product will continue to provide the functionality you currently use
Can we become a BETA tester or early adopter for the web hosted solution if we currently have BACAS installed locally?
- Yes, you can become a beta tester or early adopter for the web-hosted solution even if you currently have BACAS installed locally. However, please note that this would require running two parallel systems — your existing on-premise setup and the hosted system — during the testing phase.
We have waited for improvements to happen before. Will these changes outlined today happen and how confident in the timeframe are you?
- We acknowledge that in the past, changes may have been promised without being delivered. However, since IEG4 acquired Agile Applications, we have already successfully delivered significant enhancements, such as automatic emailing and document uploading to BACAS Web (Bookings). This track record demonstrates our commitment to making meaningful improvements. We are confident in the timeframe for the changes outlined and remain dedicated to delivering on our promises.
Is there an option to also be involved in your upgrades/BETA testing in the hope you are found to now be offering what we need to be the efficient team we are working to be?
- Yes, we are happy to involve BACAS users in Beta testing and welcome your participation. Additionally, we are committed to actively seeking your input into our future development strategy. This collaborative approach ensures that the upgrades and enhancements align with your needs, helping your team achieve greater efficiency.
What happens to BACAS if we don’t move over to the new system/changes?
- We will continue to provide support for BACAS for a determined period over the coming months. Rest assured, it won’t be an abrupt transition where support is suddenly withdrawn or the system is turned off overnight. We are committed to ensuring a smooth and well-communicated process as the changes take place.
What will be the cost implications for existing customers?
- We are currently finalising the details regarding costs. Since hosting involves responsibilities around security and infrastructure, there will be an associated cost. This approach ensures the product’s modernisation aligns with our best practices, offering enhanced reliability and security. We are committed to transparency and will share detailed cost information in the near future .
We’ve had a large problem with support. It’s very hard to get any response. Will support be expanded?
- Support is being improved to address these concerns. While the BACAS support team remains the same, it is now part of a larger triaging team that spans multiple platforms. This means support requests will be triaged more efficiently across a broader team. Additionally, we are implementing a new support system that will be common across our platforms. Our goal is to build a more in-depth knowledge base. By analysing support tickets for recurring themes, we’ll create knowledge articles to proactively address common issues, ensuring faster and more effective support for your enquiries/issues.
You have no knowledge of BACAS, I know you have Martin there but what I want to know is that testing is being done and you are speaking to customers. Is the knowledge there from our side or will you be approaching customers.
- We have been developing software on a enterprise scale level for more than 20 years, so our ability to manage this process is fully understood and we have the product management expertise that will ensure a seamless transition. We are also not re-writing the software code so the transition will be seamless. This initial product session will be a regular process where customer requirements or enhancements will be discussed.