Express - an out of the box solution

EXPRESS is an entry level application designed for broadcasters who require a comprehensive traffic system at an affordable price. Suitable for all types of broadcaster the EXPRESS application contains all of the essential elements needed to run a traffic scheduling and advertising sales operation. Built using a modular structure it is possible to select only those modules that are required.

General Features

• Multi-channel, region and currency
• Multi-language with data input in any language
• Operates through a browser environment so is easy to use
• Operates on all major operating systems and databases
• Local network or Internet operation
• Integrated open source reports

 

Multi-Channel

EXPRESS supports multi-channel operation in both scheduling and advertising sales modules.

The addition of extra channels can be achieved quickly at a cost effective price so allowing smaller broadcasters to control the expansion their business.

Feature Rich

Although EXPRESS does not contain all the functionality of our ENTERPRISE solution it contains all the facilities needed to run an advertising sales and traffic operation including programme planning, advertising sales, traffic scheduling, transmission and as-run scheduling and media management.

Choice of Modules

It is possible to select only those modules needed to support the business and its operational workflow. Unwanted modules can be removed from the system simplifying operation and reducing the cost of ownership.

Low Cost Hardware

No special hardware or software is needed to operate EXPRESS, it can be implemented on low cost hardware such as Windows or Linux Server with a Microsoft SQL or SQL Server Express My-SQL database. No software is required on user workstations giving a flexibility in the utilisation of computer equipment.

Automation Interfacing

Playlists can be produced from EXPRESS for input to all leading automation systems, it is also possible to import as-run logs from automation systems directly into EXPRESS to reconcile planned output with the actual items transmitted.

Management Reporting

A comprehensive set of management reports and graphical analysis tools are provided with EXPRESS, these are based on the operation database ensuring that management information is up to date.

Rapid Start-up

We can use Cloud computing technology to facilitate a start-up operating with hours of an order, and the application can be delivered over the Internet to a local server to drastically reduce implementation costs.

Upgrade Path

We can react to the changes required to meet a rapidly evolving broadcast operation because EXPRESS can be quickly upgraded through the addition of extra modules or through a full upgrade to our ENTERPRISE application.

Program Management

A comprehensive database holding information relating to all program material, this includes multiple titles, synopsis, cast, and awards. Guide-lines such as viewing rules, censorship and certification are stored to control the scheduling process. Episodes can be generated at the click of a button with no limit on the number that can be created.

Promotion & Filler Management

The system holds an extensive database of promotion material which includes details such as title, music usage, version and so on. It is possible to associate promotion material to programs, a link that can be used for promotion planning and analysis. Promotions can be quickly generated from schedule events and an in built workflow process is used to notify production of promotions required.

Licensing Rights Management

EXPRESS is able to ensure that broadcasters make full use of assets by maintaining accurate records of all contractual information relating to titles and episodes. When coupled with scheduling modules the system is able to track availability periods and runs taken preventing any violation of rights.

Material Management

EXPRESS is able to manage a traditional tape library through facilities such as the recording of media movements, maintaining multiple libraries and managing duplication and 'wipe' operations. We can provide label printing and bar-code processing facilities to assist in the material tracking process. Express can also be used to manage material held on a Video Server in more automated broadcast oprations.

Program Planning

Outline schedules can be maintained as program planning templates that hold the preferred schedule content, transmission rules, commercial break structures and budget for each slot. The planning process involves the selection of the program content for inclusion in the schedule, integration with the Program Rights module ensures that only valid content can be selected. Facilities are provided to automate the scheduling of series and repeat patterns across a range of dates. Customisable graphical layouts allow users to easily create and maintain long-term plans, and on-line analysis tools allow users to show the programme usage in several different forms.

Transmission Scheduling & As-Run

Transmission schedules are generated from the planning area and finalised in the Presentation area before exploring to automaton. The contents of program break junctions are automatically created using a standard set of 'break templates' ensuring items such as channel identifiers and commercial introductions are included in the correct places. Post-transmission logs can be accepted from automaton equipment and automatically verified to check that all events were transmitted. All content library modules have direct links with the post transmission schedules for actual transmission records.

Advertising Sales Contract Management

The sales process from contract management to spot booking is covered in one area that is directly integrated with the programme planning area ensuring that sales users have access to live inventory.

Sales contracts can be quickly created covering on-air and off-air deliveries such as web-sites so allowing the analysis of all revenue from a single database.

Graphical analysis of targets can be performed and filtered by many items including agent, advertiser, sales executive, channel and product.