TACTIX CONSULTING GROUP INC. TRAINS EXPERTS

BACKGROUND
Founded in 1993, Cincinnati-based Tactix Consulting Group, Inc., is an information systems services firm that offers total solutions by providing consulting, training and education to commercial businesses and government agencies. Tactix prides itself on a clear vision: To establish the standard of excellence by which computer systems services are measured.

Intrieve, Inc., is an information processing service bureau to the community bank industry offering computer services, print documents and statements. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Cincinnati, Intrieve, Inc., attributes its company growth to its practice of providing superior customer service to clients.

CHALLENGE
More than 140 community banks in 18 states depend on Intrieve for their computer information processing services. Therefore, when the company upgraded to an entirely new platform—UNIX, Oracle and Microfocus Cobol—it was important that the transition go smoothly. Jack Kuntz, senior vice president of Intrieve, knew their technical staff would need expert training.

“We had extremely skilled people who were starting from scratch,” said Kuntz. "We needed customized, intensive training that respected their intelligence, yet made them feel comfortable and confident that they could become experts in this, too."

TACTIX APPROACH
Since Tactix's task was to train Intrieve’s computer experts, they knew they had to custom design a program that would ensure the employees’ technical intelligence would not be threatened or insulted. To ensure that Intrieve’s needs would be met, the Tactix instructor met with those managing the system upgrade, as well as Intrieve’s in-house trainer, to design customized coursework and materials that focused on building upon current information technology knowledge and developing new skills. To accommodate the employees’ different schedules, intensive training sessions were held both day and night.

Kuntz said that unlike other information technology training services, Tactix shared and enacted Intrieve’s business philosophy—a strong belief that customer satisfaction is the basis to a company’s success.

RESULTS
"Tactix trainers possessed that rare combination of technical expertise and personal touch that achieved outstanding results,” Kuntz said. “I’d work with Tactix again in a heartbeat."

TACTIX CONSULTING GROUP INC. MAKES STEELOX SYSTEMS’S INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY UPGRADE A SMOOTH TRANSITION

BACKGROUND
Founded in 1993, Cincinnati-based Tactix Consulting Group, Inc., is an information systems services firm that offers total solutions by providing consulting, training and education to commercial businesses and government agencies. Tactix prides itself on a clear vision: To establish the standard of excellence by which computer systems services are measured.

Headquartered in Mason, Ohio, Steelox Systems, Inc., designs and manufactures metal buildings, warehouses and offices for more than 400 builders across the United States.

CHALLENGE
When Chief Information Officer John Pressly joined Steelox Systems in 1995, he realized one of his first tasks would be to modernize the company’s information technology, which consisted of 25 stand-alone personal computers. His goal was to network 250 computers and to train staff how to use programs such as Lotus Notes, Word and Excel. Pressly knew it would be difficult to tackle such a challenge in a tight time frame.

TACTIX APPROACH
Working as Pressly’s strategic partner, Tactix was determined to do whatever it took to get the job done in a timely and effective matter. The first step was to make employees comfortable with the system changes. Using an internal trainer, Tactix worked with top level management, who then brought the enthusiasm for learning to the other levels. The demand for classes began to increase.

Tactix also knew it was necessary for creativity and resourcefulness to be a part of the solution. For example, Steelox needed AS/400 RPG training—a class Tactix did not offer. Tactix worked with Steelox to find a company that could provide the specialized training on site. Additionally, Tactix found other businesses in town that were in need of RPG training to share the class expense.

"Tactix didn’t make much money off that deal,” said Pressly. “But, they made it feasible for us to do the training. They met our needs.”

Tactix also proved to be flexible with their training options. When Pressly later wanted to provide their own in-house training, Tactix licensed their training manuals and even trained Steelox’s instructor for them.

"Unlike many consultants who simply try to sell you a one-size-fits all package, Tactix focused on finding the solutions to our challenges,” Pressly said. "They figured out ways to do more and do it differently."

RESULTS
Pressly stated that Tactix had the system running within two months. “Tactix is our best training strategy," Pressly said. "They’re the first people we call."

TACTIX CONSULTING GROUP INC. INTRODUCES MIDDLETOWN REGIONAL HOSPITAL STAFFERS TO FIRST NETWORK PC SYSTEM

BACKGROUND
Founded in 1993, Cincinnati-based Tactix Consulting Group, Inc., is an information systems services firm that offers total solutions by providing consulting, training and education to commercial businesses and government agencies. Tactix prides itself on a clear vision: To establish the standard of excellence by which computer systems services are measured.

Middletown Regional Hospital, headquartered in Middletown, Ohio, contains 310 beds and approximately 1,400 employees.

CHALLENGE
Middletown Regional Hospital had six months to introduce 300 people—many of them inexperienced computer users—to its first networked PC system. Nancy Turner, Network Analyst at Middletown, thought the hospital merely needed a mandatory on-site class and a customized manual. Then she spoke with Tactix.

TACTIX APPROACH
TACTIX had a different approach to the situation. “At our first meeting, Tactix wasn’t interested in the manual or instructors,” said Turner. “Instead, they wanted to know how I planned to make the students want to come to class and embrace the new technology."

Tactix worked with Turner to develop creative, unconventional ways to overcome staff members’ fear and reluctance to use computers, including an information systems open house. Complete with free gifts and hallways flanked with balloons, the open house gave staff members a chance to meet with Tactix instructors and experiment with the equipment prior to the classes.

"Our staff was excited about learning!” said Turner. “Tactix won them over before the classes even began!”

Tactix held a two-day class on Monday and Tuesday with 12 students each. Turner said the instructors were not only technically skilled, but also created an environment that was non-threatening and conducive to learning. Additionally, students could contact the Tactix help desk on Wednesday with questions.

RESULTS
According to Turner, 95 percent of staff members were “thrilled” with the training they received. Tactix has established a three-year relationship with Middletown Regional Hospital and are on the premises weekly to train staff members. Turner said she would definitely recommend Tactix to a colleague—“Even when they don’t ask, I tell them."

TACTIX CONSULTING GROUP INC. PROVIDES CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS FOR CINCINNATI MACHINE

BACKGROUND
Founded in 1993, Cincinnati-based Tactix Consulting Group, Inc., is an information systems services firm that offers total solutions by providing consulting, training and education to commercial businesses and government agencies. Tactix prides itself on a clear vision: To establish the standard of excellence by which computer systems services are measured.

Cincinnati Machine, a Unova Company, is an internationally known machine tool manufacturer headquartered in Cincinnati since 1885.

CHALLENGE
Cincinnati Machine has continuous training needs for both their information systems professionals and end users, whether it is teaching employees how to integrate new tools and personal computers within the existing technology or how to navigate
through the basic Microsoft applications to complete reports, data manipulation assignments and presentations.

TACTIX APPROACH
According to Phil Pristas, information systems manager for Cincinnati Machine, flexibility has been the key to the relationship between Tactix and Cincinnati Machine. Rather than providing the staff with a general instruction manual, Tactix considered the diverse needs of Cincinnati Machine employees.

“We needed Microsoft Windows NT training for both our technical staff and end users,” said Pristas. “Tactix tailor-made classes specifically for each audience, providing people with the exact information they needed to do their jobs and not overwhelming them with unnecessary details.”

Tactix also has an in-depth knowledge of the industry that allows them to quickly gather strong technical resources. When a Visual Basic application failed to work after the installation of Microsoft Windows NT, Tactix sent Cincinnati Machine a Microsoft certified consultant who was able to figure out the problem within the day.

RESULTS
Cincinnati Machine has used Tactix’s consulting and training services for the past four years. “I have gotten good feedback from those who have attended Tactix’s classes,” said Pristas. “Tactix instructors have a very strong, in-depth, technical knowledge, yet they relate well to the end user. To describe Tactix in one word—excellent.”