Poster Industry Software
One of the niche areas in which we specialise is the Poster Industry, with which we have been involved since 1987. We supplied development software and specialised languages to, and co-wrote applications with, ORS [Outdoor Research Surveys], which later became AIS [Associated Information Systems] before finally transmogrifying into the NOP subsidiary NOP Posters. In 1997, NOP withdrew from the poster market and ACE entered into an agreement with the newly formed Postar Ltd, an industry-funded research body, to supply it with the development software and languages, to maintain the applications inherited from NOP and to develop new applications.
We have also supplied software to, and written applications for, other companies in the Poster Industry. These range from a sophisticated system to verify that booked posters were indeed posted to simple file conversions.
In conjunction with programmers from the client companies, we have developed poster-oriented applications including:
- inventory management
- generation of availability
- booking system for contractors and specialists
- site and panel classification
- audience research
- travel survey analysis
- proof of posting audit system
- competition analysis
- campaign planning system
- optimal posting
A continuing requirement, especially for smaller contractors without a large IT department, is the development of file conversion routines to convert client files, including upsites and availabilities, into the new XML formats mandated by Postar Ltd.