We are now moving forward with an online Client and Task Management System for members.

This system will be for the purpose of managing most/all client information and tasks. Security will be highest priority and we will be running it on SSL, amongst other things.

From our own team's discussions we are planning the following features:

• Client Listing
• Address/Offices (Multiple options for branches etc)
• Contact Listing (Multiple contact details)
• Task Listing (Regular Tasks can be manageded with deadlines, and email reminders)
• User Access (Rather than single member access, controlled access for staff users can be managed if desired)

There will be further enhancements to this such as rate structures, job management, and file management. The file management though is unlikely to be included within standard business membership due to the additional variable costs involved.

The first step we will be looking at is the client listing itself, so any input you would like to make would be appreciated. Currently we expect the (optional) information to include:

• Client Name
• Addresses
• Registered Address
• Company Number
• VAT Number
• PAYE Number
• Contacts
• Tasks
• User Access (if granted to others)
• Business Description
• Staffing number
• Turnover
• Year End

Details of addresses, contacts, tasks would all be addressed separately. What else do you feel would be of use in the client information? 

Thanks for the input Nick, we have certainly taken note of everything you have listed.

At the moment we have been thinking about the broad picture but Almaz (programmer) and I are starting to look at the finer details and will look for any input people would like to make.

Please do bear in mind, we are developing this system from scratch so although it is now our major work in progress, we may not implement all features from the launch.  We do expect it will be a system that will continue to grow and develop constantly and as such, we will always be seeking feedback and input.

On a system like this, our first priority will be security and this will not be sacrificed for anything else.  Following this, we will be looking at usability and flexibility. Usability will certainly include speed of the system, and stability (apart from planned maintenance our site has only been down once in 6 months). Although the website has improved with performance over the last 6 weeks, for this system we will be looking at this issue and if needed, will disable other website functions that might otherwise run alongside this. We are not yet certain if it will run within the website, or alongside it but we will be looking at an additional option to have it appear to be integrated with members' own websites.

Also note that some features (such as file management, and member site integration) may require additional fees due to the extra costs we would incurr beyond the development of the system itself. If this is the case, we will certainly be keeping any such fees as low as possible as we always do with our member products and services.

This discussion just popped into my head again.  What has been happening with it? Is it still going ahead?