Frequently Asked Questions

LICENSING

FEATURES

  • Can I create and run my own reports?

    iAppraise uses the Crystal Reports engine to generate reports. If you have Crystal Reports, you can create your own reports against the iAppraise database, then import and embed them into iAppraise. This gives you unlimited reporting capability.

    Note: You will only have access to the application database if you have an Intranet or Enterprise licence. If you have a subscription licence, iComply will create the reports for you.

  • What kind of auditing can the software be used for?

    One of the unique features of iAppraise is that you can use the software for any kind of compliance or risk based auditing. You have complete control over the content and structure of your audit workpapers or checklists.

  • Can I use the software for financial audits?

    Yes. You can use the software to audit accounting or administrative controls. However, as iAppraise is not specifically an accounting package, it is unable to generate financial reports such as balance sheets.

  • What does iAppraise do?

    The product enables you to schedule, conduct, report on and analyse any type of audit or inspection activity. iAppraise is a web-based, multi-user compliance management solution incorporating mobile components and designed to increase efficiency, accuracy and visibility in the audit process. It replaces traditional, paper based auditing methodologies and is sought after by organisations having a high volume audit or compliance requirement.

    iAppraise is intended to support occupational health and safety, quality, environment, risk management, financial management, regulatory compliance, corporate governance, vendor assurance, contract management or project compliance.

    The software provides for the following:-
    • Audit planning and scheduling
    • Audit checklist or workpaper setup and management
    • Audit conduct, online or in the field
    • Audit reporting
    • Corrective Action generation and tracking
    • Management reporting and analysis

  • How flexible is the system?

    One of several unique features of the iAppraise application suite is its flexibility. Users are able to customise virtually all audit functions including audit checklists, scoring and grading mechanisms.

    Flexibility also extends to application security and the ability to configure access and functional permissions for different users; the setup and management of business entities; the ability to import customised reports; the ability to set up intelligent checklists and more.

    This means that the application is not limited to a particular industry or for a particular compliance purpose, and has appeal across industry and government sectors in both vertical and horizontal orientations. In comparison, a great number of competitive products are inflexible and apply to a limited range of situations.

    As you view the application it will be clear that it was developed by auditors for auditors, and is jam packed with features and functions to make the entire process more efficient and productive.

  • Is it multi-lingual?

    iAppraise has been developed for global use, and is able to instantly adapt into any language, including Asian languages. When a user accesses the application via a web browser, iAppraise automatically detects the user’s language settings, and then displays all screen text in the language of the user.

  • If the regulations change, will I be able to modify my audit questions?

    Yes, users have full control of audit content, and can add, modify and delete questions, and even entire checklists.

  • Does the software support question 'branching'?

    Yes, iAppraise has the ability to automatically display or hide individual questions or entire sections, based on the response to a question. This provides a powerful, 'drill-down' type of intelligent checklist which can adapt to any situation.

  • Does the software provide online help and guidance for regulatory requirements?

    Yes, each audit question can be linked to online help or guidance, or even details of the procedure being audited. The possibilities are unlimited. This help is also available to mobile users.

  • Does the software provide commonly used words and phrases when entering audit responses?

    Yes, users can setup a library of commonly used words and phrases, which are available to auditors when conducting an audit. This saves typing and improves the efficiency of the audit process. You can even set up the software to insert standard text automatically.

  • Does the software record audit issues or corrective actions?

    Yes, the software includes functions to add issues or corrective actions in response to adverse audit findings against any question. The system allows for automatic action dates to be set, images and other files to be uploaded and stored, and for detailed corrective action to be recorded.

    iAppraise includes an email notification and alert system to automatically notify stakeholders whenever a corrective action is added or modified.

  • How does the software manage audit scheduling?

    iAppraise uses sophisticated algorithms to carry out automatic scheduling. This provides significant time saving benefits to users. The program enables routine audits to be scheduled for any future time period, and ensures that the correct audit types and auditors are assigned to the scheduled audits. Audit details may be amended later as desired. Reports can be generated on the schedule. In addition, unplanned or ad-hoc audits may be added to the schedule at any time. An outlook style calendar allows filters to be applied to the schedule and many different views of the data to be displayed by individual users.

  • Does the software provide email alerts?

    iAppraise allows users to set up any number of notification rules for a range of common events, such as audits, corrective actions, etc. Based on these rules, iAppraise automatically sends emails to designated recipients. It accomplishes this via an SMTP server hosted by the user. iAppraise does not use outlook, or any other email client, however users can opt to attach a v-calendar file to emails sent by the application. When this is activated by the receiver, an outlook calendar item is automatically established.

MOBILITY

  • How does the software work if I am doing audits away from the office?

    With iAppraise, a mobilised workforce is not a dream, but a reality. It is an internet based system, accessible from anywhere in the world using a web browser. There are also two mobile components which allow users to work in the field for extended periods without the need for a network connection.

    These components are:
    • iAppraise Lite – a windows application, normally installed on a notebook PC.
    • iAppraise Mobile – designed for use on a (Windows based) handheld computer (PDA) or smart phone. iAppraise Mobile was one of the first business applications in the world to achieve Microsoft's 'Designed for Windows Mobile' certifications, and was recognised by Microsoft in the Global Mobility Innovation awards in 2005 and 2006.

      Using the software, auditors may conveniently answer audit questions, enter findings and actions, and generate reports. These functions may all be carried out at remote locations while disconnected from the main server data source.

      In both cases, sophisticated replication technology is used to transfer data from the mobile device to the main data source.

  • When I am doing audits in the field, do I need to have an internet connection?

    No. Internet connection isn’t required by either iAppraise Lite or iAppraise Mobile in order to work in the field. Both mobile applications use sophisticated replication technology to transfer data from the main data source to the mobile device. This is done in the office or from home, when a connection is available. From then on the software will operate without needing a connection.

    On returning to base the synchronisation process is repeated to transfer data from the device to the main iAppraise database.

  • Is the mobile software used like a browser displaying data from a website?

    No, the mobile software is not browser based. Both iAppraise Lite and iAppraise Mobile are installed applications which run independently of the internet.

  • While I am out in the field can I create new audits?

    Yes. Both iAppraise Lite and iAppraise Mobile download all the data needed for you to create new audits in the field. They do not have to be scheduled in advance. This means your audit team can be truly mobile, and can be assigned to any audit activity as the situation requires.

  • While I am out in the field can I create new Corrective Actions?

    Yes! Both iAppraise Lite and iAppraise Mobile download all the data needed for you to create new Corrective Actions – even if you find issues that are not associated with an actual audit. With Corrective Actions you can take photos with your PDA or cell phone and attach these to any Corrective Action, and you can even obtain signatures to verify that the issue has been communicated to people responsible for rectification.

SECURITY

  • How secure is the software?

    iAppraise includes a wide range of configurable security options. These include:
    • HTTPS enabled
    • User Groups and individual User accounts
    • Functional permissions assigned to User Groups
    • Multiple User Groups
    • Access via unique user name and password
    • Password complexity and renewal terms
    • Invalid logins result in lockout
    • View, Add, Edit and Delete permissions for individual application modules
    • Visibility of nominated business entities assigned to individual users
    • Encrypted configuration files and key database items

TECHNICAL

  • Can I install the software on my own server?

    Yes, the Intranet Licence authorises the installation of the software on your own server(s), operating within your own firewall. This way you have the added comfort of knowing the application and data are within your exclusive control.

  • What sort of hardware is needed to run iAppraise?

    See technical specifications for information on hardware.

  • What operating system does it work on?

    The system runs in a Microsoft Windows environment, and requires Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0, and Microsoft SQL Server 2005.
    Built on the Microsoft .NET foundation with a multi-tier architecture, iAppraise can easily scale to meet the needs of large and complex organizations and regulatory authorities.

  • What databases does it require?

    iAppraise requires Microsoft SQL Server 2005.

  • Can it work on the internet?

    Yes, iAppraise was designed from the ground up as a web based application, and you can access the application for security, maintenance, scheduling, auditing and reporting, via your web browser.
    The system includes two mobile components, iAppraise Lite, which you install and use on a laptop, and iAppraise Mobile, which you install and use on a PDA or cell phone. Both of these components enable you to do audits in the field, without needing to be connected to the internet at the time. This way your audit team can be truly mobile.

  • How many upgrades do you provide each year?

    Usually, two upgrades are provided each year, with interim hotfixes. iAppraise is under constant development and enhancement, and we have an extensive development program.

  • What format are reports produced in?

    All reports may be exported to PDF, Word, RTF, and Excel.

  • How many users does the system support?

    There is no limit to the number of users that may be added to the system. iAppraise can easily scale to meet the needs of large and complex organizations and regulatory authorities.

  • How do I load data into the system?

    iAppraise provides a complete user interface for adding, editing and deleting data, however, data may be imported into certain modules using excel templates supplied by iComply. These allow for the bulk import of data to enable users to quickly implement and maintain the system.

  • How many audits can I store in the system?

    There is no practical limit to the number of audits that may be conducted, subject to availability of data storage capacity

  • How many users can log into the system at any one time?

    There is no limit to the number of users that may be logged on to the system at any one time.

  • How do data changes get tracked?

    iAppraise maintains a complete history of every add, edit and delete operation throughout the system.
    For more information see technical specifications.

SUPPORT

  • What support services do you offer?

    • Software Assurance
      We offer a maintenance service to ensure that your version of the software is constantly maintained with the latest upgrades and hotfixes.
    • Technical Support
      Technical support is provided via email, phone and onsite support services. Per-Incident Support tickets, valid for an hour of service, maybe purchased in advance. An Extended Support Contract may be warranted. Extended Support Contracts provide: an unlimited number of support incidents; priority support via access to support personnel; and optional access to urgent, after-hours and weekend support.

  • Is there a help system?

    Yes, iAppraise is supplied with a comprehensive, online help system covering detailed operations for all components.

  • What training do you provide for users?

    iComply provides on-site implementation and training services.
    The hands-on training covers administrative users and end users, and is supported by detailed training manuals.

    For more information on our technical support contact support@icomply.com.au or call +61 3 9545 1452

GENERAL

  • Is the software suitable for government departments?

    Yes, the software has been designed for – and is in use by - large scale implementations that would be envisioned for government departments and regulatory authorities.

  • What are the advantages of using iAppraise audit software, over other products

    • One of our unique points of difference is our specialist compliance industry know how and extensive experience. This has resulted in a powerful solution designed by auditors - for auditors.
    • The software is renowned for its flexibility and responsiveness, with built in capability for users to customise the application for a variety of purposes.
    • Appraise comes with advanced mobile components included.
    • iAppraise is undergoing continuing improvement of functionality and performance. It is a dynamic, thriving system using the latest technology.
    • Users have the comfort of knowing that the application has been recognised as a leading product in its class via industry awards and product certification. iComply is also an ISO 9001 certified software business, demonstrating its commitment to the highest quality.
    • Because iAppraise operates on a web server running on the internet, only one instance of the application needs to be installed and
    • With the intranet licence model, customers get the benefits of internet delivery, the security of their data residing within the firewall, plus higher processing speeds and exclusive access.
    • Using the 'Software as a Service' delivery model, users get to access all the functionality of the audit application, including mobile components, for a fraction of the cost of the intranet licence. This is akin to leasing access to the software.
    • iAppraise can instantly adapt into any language, including Asian languages.
    • iAppraise is able to translate dates and times stored in the database into the user’s time zone. This means that from a global perspective, audit dates and times can be set at the location where the audit is to take place. Schedules can therefore be set centrally while maintaining local times correctly.

  • What are compliance, or assurance audits?

    Assurance is taken to mean the set of processes and activities set in place to ensure that management systems within an organization comply with internal and external requirements, standards and procedures. The need for compliance or assurance audits arises out of necessity to control costs, adhere to timelines, and minimize risks of systems not performing as intended or posing risks to the organization.

  • Why are audits of management systems critical for addressing risk?

    One of the greatest sources of risks lies within internal control systems. Management establishes policies and procedures and then implements them. However, over time, changing regulations, work practices and people gradually erode the level of compliance to policies and procedures, and if control systems are not regularly monitored, the organisation becomes increasingly exposed and vulnerable to unexpected and unanticipated events.