After looking across the market at existing software solutions, Greenwoods decided that it had the in-house capability to develop its own unique system, specifically tailored around the needs of project managing network build programmes. Therefore the company set out to develop a revolutionary piece of software.

Shiva was launched in December 2000. This system quickly embedded itself at the heart of all project-based work. Its ability to track any job, from enquiry stage to completion provided visibility of any project's status at the click of a button. Other features of the system included a database of network site information; providing contact details, directions, access arrangements and other site specific information and a resourcing element; containing information on engineering skills and the equipment they carry. However, never a company to stand still, Greenwoods decided to enhance Shiva further and in August this year, the new version, Shiva2 was launched.

Shiva2 has been integrated with other internal systems, so that product information, personnel details and financial information are all accessible via one interface. This provides project managers total visibility in relation to commercial cost analysis, by enhancing control of materials, labour resource, internal and external services, together with planning aids and site-specific information. This enables Greenwoods to more efficiently service customers, by providing both network build services and the materials required as one package, as well as a range of other services designed to benefit customers.

Shiva's uniqueness has led to a number of customers approaching Greenwoods to manage characteristics of their own field engineers. One particularly popular service is the logging of customer engineers within the database and coordinating tooling audits and calibration requirements on an ongoing basis. This removes a significant day-to-day headache, transferring the task to Greenwoods, a company with both the expertise and the technology to simplify and efficiently manage the process. See the article 'Managed tool services save time and money' below for more information on this subject.