Outsourcing FileMaker solution

GTI’s client since 2008, Santinel has been a leader in the field of health and safety for over 30 years. Run by a team of over 100 specialists in all aspects of OHS, they are currently the top provider of workplace first-aid training in Quebec.

SANTINEL’S CHALLENGE

According to Maxime St-Jean, General Manager

Syncing our IT development to Santinel’s growth rate

In keeping with the standing of our own company, we were looking for an industry leader, a partner that was considered a reference in the field of information technology and that could offer a one-stop shop for all our IT needs. We decided to call on GTI, a proactive and specialized team of IT experts which we mandated with:

1. Management of our IT Infrastructure and investments: Outsourcing of our IT facilities management; maintenance, consolidation and optimization of our IT infrastructure; negotiation with suppliers; etc.

2. Management of Software Solutions: Maintenance and evolution of existing solutions; development of customized solutions; etc.

3. Sustained engagement in strategic IT planning: Long-term entrepreneurial vision; achievement of business and financial goals; etc.

GTI’S CONTRIBUTION

Optimizing IT infrastructure and existing solutions, and maximizing related investments

In 2008, following the recommendations from an audit of our infrastructure, we outsourced the management of our IT equipment and infrastructure to GTI who has since then also participated in the planning of information technology investments related to Santinel’s growth. Handing over our IT equipment to GTI has given us peace of mind, complete management by a team of specialists, and emergency support available outside of regular business hours. It has also allowed us to optimize our infrastructure, providing us with:

• More reliable systems – a significant reduction in break-downs and service interruptions

• A notable reduction in the number of IT-related inquiries and an increase in completed requests

• Reduced cost of our investments

• Rigorous follow-up of all projects and priorities

• Negotiation with our IT-related service providers (telephone, mobile, and internet connection) – getting us the best rates

Thanks to the rigorous and proactive management of our infrastructure, we can now concentrate all our energy on reaching our business objectives, maximizing our investments, and reinvesting in our software solutions so that they can grow along with our business.

As a FileMaker certified expert and Platinum partner, GTI is also behind the maintenance and evolution of our two management solutions, Désirée and Arthur, representing a consistent competitive advantage for Santinel.

Starting with solutions already in place, GTI supports and adds value to our FileMaker management solutions:

• Désirée Solution for our Prevention and Occupational Health and Safety File Management division: tracking prospects, quotes, projects, workplace accident management and prevention training, budget follow-up, and progress.

• Arthur Solution for the First-Aid division: tracking prospects and clients, with modules for managing workplace first-aid trainings, instructor schedules, and course participants. Also generates CSST (now CNESST) forms for employers and training certificates for participants.

• Administrative management: overhaul of our time-sheet and expense account solutions, including modules for approval of information, management of banks of hours and float holidays, and compilation of reports to facilitate client billing and payroll fulfillment.

GTI has been with us at every stage of our 360 strategic IT planning. Whether it be cloud computing solutions, the evolution of existing solutions, or an IP phone project, the team of IT consultants allows us to make informed decisions and guides us in our selection of appropriate products and services.

THE RESULTS

Optimization of operations for all our different systems thanks to optimal management of IT infrastructure and investments.

Our partnership with GTI IT experts team has provided us with accurate assessments to inform our decisions, better planning of our resources, and increased control over our investments.

Thanks to the management solutions in place, Santinel can offer top quality services using a quarter of the staff used by other firms in the same field. Following the outsourcing of services using FileMaker solutions, GTI stabilized our software solutions development budget and reduced the proportion of maintenance calls by 15%, allowing this part of the budget to adding new features that contribute to developing our activities.

“As a reference in the field of OHS, Santinel is constantly evolving and looking to conquer new products, markets, and clients. To do so, we need to focus our efforts and expertise in developing our core business. Our collaboration with GTI allows us to do just that. By handing over our IT management to an external team of professionals, we have gained peace of mind, the ability to deliver turnkey solution, a stable budget tailored to our needs, better management and increased efficiency of our internal resources, allowing us to be fully dedicated to carrying out our business plan.”

Maxime St-Jean, General Manager

Visit santinel.com