Internal users access the system through a purpose-built Windows client program connected to the Vitalware server. This structure provides a range of benefits, including:

• Secure control over access to records and processes.
• Process-driven operation that can guide users through complex, multi-step functions.
• Comprehensive audit trail of all user activity.

The client interface consists of a single point of entry, the Command Centre, which provides direct access to all of the modules that the user has permission to access. From the Command Centre, users can open any number of modules. Each module is shown in its own Module Window and users can have any number of Module Windows open at a time, including multiple windows to the same module.

Each Module Window allows users to search, display, report, add and amend data within that module, subject to the user's security profile.

Command Centre

The Command Centre consists of a Windows Toolbar containing a button for each module available to a user:

Vitalware Command Centre

Module Window

When a button is selected in the Command Centre, a module displays in a window allowing a user to search existing data in that module (Births for instance) as well as add new records and amend existing records:

Example Module Window: Births Module

The window has a number of components designed to provide user feedback as well as comprehensive functionality:

• A Toolbar is situated below the menu bar. This provides rapid access to the most common operations.
• A Status bar is located at the base of the window allowing messages to be displayed as an operation is being performed.

The remainder of the window is occupied by one or more Display tabs which display the information from the current record. The contents of the Display tabs will depend on the current mode of operation:

Search mode

A search form is displayed into which search terms may be entered. Vitalware supports Query By Example and allows users to search on any field or combination of fields. Searching supports all Boolean operators as well as range searches for numeric-based data (including dates). For text fields, a wide range of text-based search operators is available, including word-based, phrases, morphological, phonetic and proximity.

Display mode

Once a search has been performed, the matching records are displayed. A range of display options is available, including :

New mode

New records can be added by authorised users. Users simply enter data into each of the relevant fields and save the record. Throughout data entry, a range of validation constraints are applied (e.g. valid date formats, correct ages, etc.) and upon saving the record, a much broader range of validation checks is performed on the record. Records with validation errors can be saved by data entry staff, but the validation errors must be addressed before a registration record can be marked as registered.

During data entry the user can access a Lookup List to select from a set of allowable or previously entered values. Lookup lists are also available in Search mode.

Image Viewing

Vitalware incorporates sophisticated support for multimedia resources, including video, audio and documents, but is primarily used for images of historic registrations or application forms.

Vitalware allows authorised users to display an image associated with a registration record and zoom and pan around within the image. In fact, Vitalware supports the creation of an electronic certificate based on all or parts of an image. Authorised users can select one or more sections of an image that are then automatically pasted into a Certificate template. Various adjustments to the images can be applied and then the certificate printed and saved for future use:

Image of multiple registrations on a double page of an historic registration book.

Zoomed image of part of a registration from an historic registration book.