What does it do?
The Encode software accommodates all communication and production workflows, from brief to delivery across all media channels. It is a powerful tool for collaboration with our clients and agencies. It also provides an online portal where users can share documents and assets in all formats, repurpose material, proof and approve online.

Why did you choose this particular product?
The Facilities Group (TFG) chose the Encode solution simply because we found it to be one of the market leaders. In addition, it met with our key requirements – it was a modular ‘off the shelf’ approach, which enables us to configure client specific solutions in-house and deploy them rapidly. It has a diverse range of modules, including campaign and project management, artwork adaptation, asset management and budget forecasting. Encode is future proofed and it offers ease of integration with our soft proofing and TV production tools.

Did you look at any other products?
We were keen to launch the TFG marketing resource management (MRM) offering with the right partner, and carried out a full ‘request for proposals’. Having assessed a number of software solutions in the MRM space, Encode was as much about the technical capabilities as it was about the chemistry and culture of the supplier.

Why did you make the purchase?
To enable us to deliver significant time-savings and add value to the diverse range of services TFG offer, we needed a solution that worked across all media channels and engaged with both clients and agencies alike. The Encode solution has increased speed to market while delivering hard and soft benefits to our clients.

What features do you particularly like?
Encode release upgrades to the software every quarter. As a client partner, we have input into this product development. This ensures that we are both driving intuitive upgrades and keeping abreast of market trends.

Is there anything that you wish it had that it doesn’t?
If we want enhancements made to the software, we can recommend that they be featured in the next product release.

How fast is it?
As a web-based solution, there is no problem with speed. The speed of uploading and downloading is dependent on local user bandwidth.

How reliable is it?
Very.

What’s the quality like?
As the system is modular, all the code is tried and tested prior to release. We therefore do not experience any of the quality issues that are often inherent in bespoke systems development.

How easy is it to use?
At TFG, we have an extensive team of in-house specialists who carry out the scoping, implementation and training to develop client sites. We work with our users to mirror and suggest the most efficient and effective processes. Encode is very intuitive to use.

How much time or money has it saved?
A significant amount of both.

Has it won you any new work?
It not only has brought new business to the group, but also enhances our complete offering.

Would you say that it offers value for money?
It is invaluable to the way we run our business.

Were there any difficulties experienced during the installation or after?
No.

Who do you think the machine is right for?
Any organisations that wants to further optimise processes.

---

CONCLUSION
User’s verdict
Speed 4/5
Quality 4/5
Reliability 4/5
Value for money 4/5

Supplier’s response
Richard White, head of UK marketing and sales at Encode, says: “This is a highly configurable modular system, which allows the end user, after a couple of hours’ training, to configure anything from a very simple asset management system to a marketing operations management system (MOMS). The Encode system represents the next generation of software applications, where a modular approach allows, not only extreme rapid development (days not months), but the ability to add new functionality or modules without affecting the core installation.”
Price Single site licence £30,000
Contact Encode (UK) 01474 871 616