Parent Infomation Point (PIP)

The Parent Information Point (PIP), now in its second revision is a complete solution, designed specifically for delivering information in the Early Years and Family Information Services environment. It satisfies the need to deliver live, relevant and up to date information to parents and carers of children.

The system consists of four main components:-

Touchscreen display system complete with digital telephone handset
myframework-based Parent Information Point software
Back-end administration and maintenance systems
Wireless printer
Wireless broadband modem

Our Parent Information Point Software brings together all the key features of the system:

Easy to use: It presents a simple and effective menu system to the user, such that information is easily accessible in no more than 3 touches of the intuitive screen menu. We understand that users of PIP who need the information most will not necessarily be skilled with computers so we have been very careful to remove as much computer jargon as possible and to optimise the GUI (graphical user interface) for efficient navigation. When not in use the system defaults to a colourful animated attract loop which is specifically designed to attract the eye of potential users. Four Way Information: We exceed the legislated requirements of this class of system by providing information in four ways: on screen, by an e-mail to an account back home, via a print job or by a free phone call to a service provider. Delivery of the information is chosen by the user by means of very straightforward screen touches. Our experience shows that users shy away from entering information using so-called "soft" keyboards which appear on screen, so we provide a high quality, easy to use integrated keyboard of this purpose.

Easy to use: It presents a simple and effective menu system to the user, such that information is easily accessible in no more than 3 touches of the intuitive screen menu. We understand that users of PIP who need the information most will not necessarily be skilled with computers so we have been very careful to remove as much computer jargon as possible and to optimise the GUI (graphical user interface) for efficient navigation. When not in use the system defaults to a colourful animated attract loop which is specifically designed to attract the eye of potential users.

Four Way Information: We exceed the legislated requirements of this class of system by providing information in four ways: on screen, by an e-mail to an account back home, via a print job or by a free phone call to a service provider. Delivery of the information is chosen by the user by means of very straightforward screen touches. Our experience shows that users shy away from entering information using so-called "soft" keyboards which appear on screen, so we provide a high quality, easy to use integrated keyboard of this purpose.

	Measurable: Every time information is delivered by the system to a user this event is recorded into a log. This way, very detailed reports of user activity are available to the customer, anytime, using the web-based self-serve Management Console. These reports are central to any audits of information delivery by central government and also permit effective administration of the system on an ongoing basis so that information delivery can be optimised. Safe: This system is designed for use in Children's Centres therefore it is mandatory the system is safe to use without the possibility of unsavoury content reaching the screens. Most typical approaches to internet security employ the use of a blacklist, which allows access all areas unless on the blacklist. therefore, general browsing through external web links is permitted. However, the blacklist must be kept up to date continually and there are no guarantees. Parent Information Point is not a browser it provides very specific access to very specific pages. We use a whitelist approach which permits no access to areas unless on the whitelist. This means access can be permitted on a per page, per folder or per domain basis; for example:- this translates to a page within www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies, the whole of www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies or the whole of www.bbc.co.uk.

Measurable: Every time information is delivered by the system to a user this event is recorded into a log. This way, very detailed reports of user activity are available to the customer, anytime, using the web-based self-serve Management Console. These reports are central to any audits of information delivery by central government and also permit effective administration of the system on an ongoing basis so that information delivery can be optimised.

Safe: This system is designed for use in Children's Centres therefore it is mandatory the system is safe to use without the possibility of unsavoury content reaching the screens. Most typical approaches to internet security employ the use of a blacklist, which allows access all areas unless on the blacklist. therefore, general browsing through external web links is permitted. However, the blacklist must be kept up to date continually and there are no guarantees. Parent Information Point is not a browser it provides very specific access to very specific pages. We use a whitelist approach which permits no access to areas unless on the whitelist. This means access can be permitted on a per page, per folder or per domain basis; for example:- this translates to a page within www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies, the whole of www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies or the whole of www.bbc.co.uk.

Complete: We deliver a system which is complete in every way. All the hardware, software, telephony, installation, training, on going help, upgrades, monitoring, maintenance, repair, design, marketing and consultation are included. Our focus always remains the actual delivery of information to the user, the user being a parent, carer or guardian of the children. Typically, when we engage on a new project with you we will set out a structured programme of workshops and site surveys with you in order to make some fundamental decisions about the branding of your system, the information you want to present and to whom as well as beginning the early stages of installation. We have been through this process many times and have an effective formula which maximises efficiency of information gathering against time spent.

Complete: We deliver a system which is complete in every way. All the hardware, software, telephony, installation, training, on going help, upgrades, monitoring, maintenance, repair, design, marketing and consultation are included. Our focus always remains the actual delivery of information to the user, the user being a parent, carer or guardian of the children. Typically, when we engage on a new project with you we will set out a structured programme of workshops and site surveys with you in order to make some fundamental decisions about the branding of your system, the information you want to present and to whom as well as beginning the early stages of installation. We have been through this process many times and have an effective formula which maximises efficiency of information gathering against time spent.

	Multi-Lingual, multi-purpose: When we configure your system with you we take into account the language options you want. For example, in Wales, it is not only desirable to have a presentation in English and Welsh - it's mandatory! This can apply to other languages as well. We can also split the project into differently purposed segments as well called "domains". For example, there could well be "Early Years" and "Youth" domains within one system which by way of an appropriate presentation allows you to target each group of people more effectively. Interested? Read our case studies to see how easy it is to deliver information using Parent Information Point and look at our brochure for further reading about our system. Read what some of our customers say about us. See the system at exhibitions, come and visit us at our labs in Reading, request a visit by our sales team or ask us to arrange a visit to a reference site.

Multi-Lingual, multi-purpose: When we configure your system with you we take into account the language options you want. For example, in Wales, it is not only desirable to have a presentation in English and Welsh - it's mandatory! This can apply to other languages as well. We can also split the project into differently purposed segments as well called "domains". For example, there could well be "Early Years" and "Youth" domains within one system which by way of an appropriate presentation allows you to target each group of people more effectively.

Interested? Read our case studies to see how easy it is to deliver information using Parent Information Point and look at our brochure for further reading about our system. Read what some of our customers say about us. See the system at exhibitions, come and visit us at our labs in Reading, request a visit by our sales team or ask us to arrange a visit to a reference site.