Q: Do I require servers and Microsoft database licences to operate my ES software?

A: No, ES applications are cloud based and thus hosted for you. We use Rackspace, one of the World's most capable hosting providers as our hosting partner.

Q: Do I need to install any software?

A: No, ES applications are all hosted and accessed via a web browser. We currently support Internet Explorer, Safari, and Firefox.

Q: How secure is my data held by the ES application?

A: The data is held in a multi tenanted database architecture hosted at Rackspace. The applications are regularly tested for integrity. For additional detail request our data security document.

Q: How is my data backed up?

A: The data is backed up incrementally every 15 minutes and all systems are fully backed up daily in multiple locations.

Q: Can I use multiple browsers to run my ES application?

A: Yes, we support Internet Explorer v5.5 and above, Safari and Firefox.

Q: Can I have my own branding and look and feel?

A: Yes, the applications and communications and document templates are fully branded with our customers required branding.

Q: Is ES W3C compliant?

A: No as standard, however, this is provided on an as is needed basis, client by client.

Q: Can I use my existing eLearning provider?

A: Yes, the ES application has a module called eLearning which is SCORM 1.2 and AICC compliant to play and manage eLearning content. In addition we have a digital interface that links to 3rd party content providers such as Skillsoft.

Q: How do I get support?

A: The ES team provides a friendly personal service and we have a dedicated UK based support team to help you. Our implementation process is simple and straight forward and we include a thorough training course for administrators as part of your set up. In addition we have a library of quick help videos around the applications for quick reference.

Q: How often is the software updated?

A: We are continually developing our applications based on our customers' feedback. We have a clear roadmap based on the user forums that we run, and market requirements. Comprehensive release notes accompany each update.

Q: Do I need to pay for new features?

A: You do not pay for additional features but do pay for additional modules such as Video Learning or Compliance Manager.

Q: Can I manage my courses, venues, trainers and all the elements required to set up an event all in one place?

A: Yes, ES applications are designed to make the organisation of events really simple.

Q: Can I customise my reports?

A: ES applications come with a really easy to use report builder that allow all fields collated to be built into customised fields. There are over 80 standard reports available within the system.

Q: How easy is it to export the data?

A: It is really easy to export data and many of our clients use tools like MS Reporting Services to provided additional business intelligence above our own reporting tool.

Q: Can ES be linked to other systems such as Finance, HR and Procurement, CRM?

A: Yes, a key benefit is to provide an integrated architecture and we have various tools to make this as easy as possible. In addition we have simple CRM capability built within the ES application if needed.

Q: Does My ES application support online payment?

A: Yes, ES was founded in 2002 to manage online training bookings. The system links to WorldPay and has the capability of also managing manually credit card transactions.

Q: Can I load historical records and data into my ES application?

A: Yes, most of our customers like to pre-populate their new system with historical data and we provide a template to make this simple.

Q: Does the ES application generate automated communication from the system?

A: Yes, this a real time and cost saving benefit of the ES applications and the system provides a full audit trail for all activity.

Q: Does ES support configurable workflow?

A: Yes, the application comes with a workflow configuration feature that allows you to develop sign off and authorisation processes that fit your business processes.

Q: Can my ES application monitor my profit and loss on a event by event basis?

A: Clear accountability for learning is a core element of an ES application and thus financial monitoring is driven from the event and individual level. Built in templates can be set up to make the profit and loss tracking very simple.

Q: Can I access my external suppliers online and integrate their schedules with my catalogue?

A: Yes, we developed the Learning Network Module to facilitate the integration of 3rd party events into a catalogue in 2002. It has been a unique part of the ES capability from the start.

Q: Can everybody have an individual learning account where they can manage their individual capability development?

A: Yes, the roles and permissions feature allows you to configure your own types of accounts. As part of My Learning, it provides the ability for the creation of an individual development plan and subsequent tracking of training taken place.

Q: Can I set up different roles and permissions for my organisation?

A: Yes, a wide range of different roles are provide as templates in addition you can create your own using the roles and permissions feature.

Q: What documents can I upload?

A: ES supports a large number of uploadable documents as well as having our own HTML editor.

Q: Can I develop my own set of evaluations against individual events and courses?

A: The ES applications have a comprehensive evaluation feature allowing you to design and publish up to 5 different evaluations for each course in your catalogue. The reporting tool provides the ability to monitor feedback and assess skills fade at an individual, group, event, course level, and provider. All 3rd party delivered events can be evaluated using this feature.

Q: Can I use my ES application to assess and manage my business's and individual compliance?

A: Yes, there are 2 modules that can be purchased to provide assessments and manage compliance of your staff. The Assessment Manager tool provides a randomised set of online questions to check an individual's skill level. Compliance Manager provides automation for reminders as certificates expire for statutory and mandatory training. This can be linked to their individual development plan.