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Start Software is an award-winning developer and leading publisher of asbestos software, systems for the legal services industry and more.
Want to know more about asbestos software Alpha Tracker? Alpha Tracker is the most used asbestos software in the UK, Australia & New Zealand with more than 60m items of asbestos data stored.
Our legal services software Alpha Legal helps will writers, accountants, solicitors, IFAs and estate agents to communicate securely with clients. Read about developments here on the blog.
Jack introduced some of the different AI providers and models that are available and why we (generally) use OpenAI and ChatGPT.
We do like to advertise what we do! We are Alpha Software Specialists
Dan then covered off the basics of setting up a connection to a model in Alpha Anywhere and how to use some of the new XBasic functions in a couple of real-world examples.
First, he showed how a complex prompt (itself written by AI) can be used to analyse images of properties - in our case, to judge whether asbestos may be present inside. Second, he showed that AI can read PDFs and extract key data - even if the structure of the PDF isn't known in advance.
Jack finished up with a discussion about Ollama and why it is useful, and why you need to think about security and performance when working with AI.
If we can help you with AI or any of the Alpha Software products - Alpha Anywhere, Alpha Cloud and Alpha TransForm - get in touch!
Alpha Tracker specialists Kim, Catherine and Robin attended the full programme at the iconic Grieghallen – and Robin also delivered a dedicated AI session showcasing the growing list of innovations arriving in asbestos software Alpha Tracker.
The inspirational Mesothelioma survivor and advocate Heather von St James
This year’s theme - “Asbestos: collaboration is key” - felt especially relevant, with international delegates sharing ideas, research and real-world practice. We were proud to be part of the conversation and to fly the flag for Alpha Tracker users in the UK, Australia and beyond.
An early start in beautiful Bergen
Our day began with a crisp walk from the hotel to the venue. Bergen looked spectacular under the early-morning lights, with the city centre already buzzing as delegates made their way to sessions.
Kim & Catherine - loaded up with luggage!
What a venue!
Settling in for a packed programme
Once inside, we joined fellow delegates to hear updates on asbestos policy, science and global initiatives.
As a conference sponsor, we had good coverage in the programme with FLS
Networking breaks were busy too – it was great to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new ones.
Visitors to the stand were interested in AI and our FLS integration where we demonstrated how seamless route optimisation and workload balancing can transform a consultancy’s day-to-day operations – particularly when dealing with large survey teams or tightly-timed reinspection schedules.
In fact, the FLS/Alpha Tracker integration even made it into the programme:
FLS & Alpha Tracker - in print
Robin’s AI session: innovation with ethics, security and transparency (plus agentic AI)
Robin delivered a dedicated session exploring how AI is already improving efficiency, quality and consistency across the asbestos industry. The workshop highlighted both the opportunities and the responsibilities that come with adopting AI within safety-critical workflows.
Robin pointing at Alan Turing (one of his heroes)
The professional photographer struggled to find Robin's "best side"(!)
Robin sharing the FLS news
Robin also showcased a wide range of new and upcoming AI features within Alpha Tracker, including:
All were received with enthusiasm, with plenty of questions about practical roll-out and real-world benefits.
A fantastic conference – and a fantastic host city
Bergen once again proved to be the perfect host: friendly, atmospheric and full of energy. A huge thank you to Yvonne and the organisers of the Global Asbestos Forum for another superb event.
We’re already looking forward to next year.
If you’d like to learn more about any of the AI tools we demonstrated, or the Alpha Tracker + FLS integration, please get in touch – we’d love to show you more.
Robin & Dan finding something funny in their presentation prep(!)
If you’re working in low-code, mobile or web application development using the Alpha Anywhere/Alpha TransForm stack, then mark your diary: the annual Alpha Anywhere Developer’s Day 2025 (DevDay 2025) is just around the corner — and we’re delighted to announce that the developers at Start Software will be presenting.
🎯 Why DevDay 2025 is a must-attend
Scheduled for Tuesday 18 November 2025, from 9 am to 5 pm EDT (that’s 2 pm to 10 pm UK time approximately), the event is a free virtual conference aimed at the global Alpha developer community.
Highlights include:
Guest-speaker presentations from leading Alpha developers
A first look at the product roadmap for Alpha Anywhere and Alpha TransForm
Practical tips & tricks for building faster, smarter with the Alpha platform
This is not just a “vendor show-and-tell” — it’s a full day of learning, networking and forward-looking insight for developers and project leads working with the Alpha stack.
🚀 Start Software’s role (and why it matters)
At Start Software we have been working with the Alpha platform for many years (since 2011, in fact) and our team has built large-scale systems using Alpha Anywhere, TransForm and Alpha Cloud. It's fair to say that we are Alpha Software Specialists!
We’re particularly proud to say:
We live and breathe “Alpha-first” solutions — from desktop to web to mobile
Our in-house application, “Alpha Tracker”, powers thousands of projects and is developed with the same technologies we help our clients implement. (Yes, that means real world, production scale.)
With DevDay 2025’s theme anchored around AI, our presentation will focus on how AI & machine-learning capabilities can be integrated into Alpha-built apps — making them smarter, more responsive and better aligned with the demands of modern users.
🧠 What we’ll be presenting
In our session we will:
Explore how we have used AI-capabilities (such as natural-language processing, intelligent suggestions, anomaly detection) within Alpha Anywhere workflows.
Demonstrate practical patterns: converting expert/manual logic into AI-driven services inside an Alpha application.
Show how you can accelerate development, reduce repetitive tasks and elevate user experience using AI inside the Alpha stack — without sacrificing control, maintainability or performance.
Offer a live mini-demo plus a takeaway checklist you can apply immediately in your own projects.
✅ Why you should register
Free access — the event is virtual and open to all
It’s a rare chance to see what’s next for Alpha Anywhere/TransForm and hear from developers who are applying it today.
If you’re using Alpha in your business (or evaluating it), you’ll learn how AI can be added as a value-add — not just “because we can”.
Networking opportunity: meet other developers, ask questions, discover partner solutions and expand your peer-group.
And of course, having Start Software on the programme means you’ll get direct insight into one company’s journey — we’ll be quite open about lessons learned (both wins and pitfalls).
Or reply to this blog post (we’ll monitor the comments) and we can schedule a short 15-minute chat ahead of DevDay to cover your specific project, questions or ideas.
🌟 Closing thoughts
AI is fast becoming the differentiator in app development. It’s not just about “add AI for show” — it’s about embedding intelligence, user-context, predictive insights and automation in a way that raises the value of your apps.
By combining the power of Alpha Anywhere / TransForm with targeted AI integration, organisations can deliver solutions that are faster, smarter and future-proof.
We at Start Software are excited to share how we are doing exactly that — and to learn from the broader Alpha community at DevDay 2025.
We hope to see you on 18 November. Register now to reserve your place, and we look forward to connecting with many of you during the session.
Peter Posh is a name synonymous with quality and style in formal suit hire. From weddings and proms to black-tie events, they’ve been helping people look their best for over 30 years. Their attention to detail and dedication to customer satisfaction are legendary — and those same values have driven this ambitious digital transformation.
From desktop to browser – a complete business overhaul
Peter Posh is renowing for its quality and style
The Peter Posh team previously relied on a long-standing desktop system to manage their day-to-day operations. While it served them well for many years, it was time to evolve. Together, we rebuilt the entire system in Alpha Anywhere, bringing it right up to date as a fully browser-based business application.
The new platform now manages every step of their operation, including:
Enquiries and bookings – capturing customer details and event information the moment they get in touch.
Outfit planning – selecting suit styles, colours, accessories and sizes to create the perfect coordinated look.
Warehouse and logistics – tracking garments, handling preparation, packaging and delivery.
Returns and invoicing – managing collections and automatically producing invoices.
It’s an end-to-end solution that keeps every department connected and every customer order on track.
Designed around the showroom experience
Shop staff can now enter orders live, direct onto tablets
Perhaps the most visible change is on the shop floor.
Staff now use tablets during consultations and fittings, giving them instant access to customer records, outfit choices and availability. Whether they’re showing a groom his suit options or confirming sizes for a party of groomsmen, everything happens seamlessly in one place — no more flipping through paper forms or checking back-office screens.
The system looks as good as the Peter Posh products!
Customers notice the difference too: fittings are faster, details are captured accurately, and there’s a modern, professional feel to every appointment. It’s technology quietly enhancing great customer service.
A shared passion for precision
Emily at the Shrewsbury showroom
Anyone who has visited a Peter Posh showroom knows how much care goes into every detail — from the cut of a lapel to the fold of a pocket square. We wanted the same level of precision in the new system.
Our developers spent time understanding how each branch operates, how garments flow through the business, and how staff like to work. The result is a system that feels natural and intuitive for users, while handling a huge amount of complexity behind the scenes.
Some of the accessories available to buy
This close collaboration has meant that every screen, workflow and report aligns perfectly with Peter Posh’s own standards of quality.
Technology that fits as perfectly as their suits
The new system works in a browser - no software to install
At its heart, the new system is about connection. All Peter Posh branches now share a single live database, ensuring up-to-the-minute accuracy. Managers can see availability, staff can update fittings, and the warehouse knows exactly what’s needed for each event.
The system even integrates with stock tracking, delivery schedules and invoicing to make the entire process faster and more reliable.
Behind the scenes, Alpha Anywhere provides a solid, scalable platform that’s future-proof and secure — ready to grow alongside the business.
A partnership built on quality
Emily reviewing an order on her tablet
Delivering a project like this takes more than code. It takes communication, understanding and a shared commitment to getting the details right.
The Peter Posh team were a pleasure to work with — open, knowledgeable and passionate about improving every aspect of their service. Together we’ve created a system that not only supports their business but enhances their reputation for excellence.
We’re proud to see it live across all their showrooms and already making a difference.
We’re proud to share that it’s our Living Wage Anniversary at Start Software!
If we didn't pay such good wages, Robin could afford a razor!
For another year running, we’ve maintained our commitment to being a Living Wage Employer, ensuring that everyone on our team earns a fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work.
Doing business "right" - fairly, decently, ethically - is at our core
The Living Wage movement has always been close to our hearts. It’s about recognising the real cost of living and supporting people to thrive, not just get by. We believe that fair pay is the foundation of a happy, motivated team — and that benefits everyone: our clients, our community, and our company.
If you’re an employer who hasn’t yet joined the movement, we’d encourage you to take a look. It’s a simple but powerful step towards building a fairer economy and a stronger workplace culture.
October was another excellent month for our Support Teams, with 92.4% of tickets resolved within their target time and an impressive 97.2% of high-priority issues handled on time.
That’s 876 tickets completed within SLA (and 171 high-priority ones), from a total of 948 issues logged and solved in October. It’s a busy workload — and the consistent high standards show just how hard our team works to keep our clients happy.
Thanks ChatGPT for the graphic - but why the mix-and-match on decimal points and commas?!
Here’s how our “in-time” performance has looked over the past few months:
Month
In-time %
High Priority In-time %
Total Solved
Oct 2025
92.41%
97.16%
948
Sep 2025
94.20%
98.38%
879
Aug 2025
90.97%
97.08%
831
Jul 2025
91.40%
97.88%
977
Jun 2025
90.45%
97.40%
838
May 2025
92.14%
95.42%
852
We’ve now kept performance above 90% for six months running, proving that reliability is more than just a number — it’s part of how we work.
If you ever need to log a support ticket, you can do so anytime (24x7, literally). We look forward to being of service.
Microsoft have resolved all of their Azure cloud problems
Sorry if you had issues producing some documents - we are looking at ways to make ourselves more resilient when Microsoft's Azure cloud has problems in the future.
Some of our Alpha Tracker services are being seriously affected by the Microsoft outage as reported by the BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3rj45n4x5eo. Heathrow, NatWest and Minecraft are among some of the sites and services experiencing problems.
We're in good company, many organisations are being affected
Our affected services include document production for asbestos and water clients. We apologise for the outage and are waiting for a resolution from Microsoft.
We’ve just hit an incredible milestone — our 100,000th support ticket has landed!
That’s 100,000 times our customers have reached out with questions, ideas, or requests — and 100,000 opportunities for our support team to help, learn, and make Alpha Tracker, Alpha Legal, ecoScribe and all our other systems even better.
1,000,000 grateful customers (well, most of them...)
A huge thank you to our customers
Every ticket tells a story: a new project getting started, a clever feature being used in a new way, or a challenge that helped us improve our software. We’re genuinely grateful for every message, call, and support request that’s come our way over the years. Without your feedback and patience, we couldn’t keep making our systems as powerful and reliable as they are today.
And an even bigger thank you to our support team
Our support heroes handle everything from “how do I…” to “help, it’s all on fire!” - and they do it with professionalism, good humour, and an impressive amount of coffee. Reaching 100,000 tickets is a testament to their dedication and the relationships they’ve built with customers across the UK and beyond.
Looking ahead
If 100,000 tickets got us here, we can only imagine what the next 100,000 will bring. More innovation, faster responses, smarter systems — and, no doubt, the occasional head-scratcher that keeps things interesting.
At this rate, we might even start placing bets on when ticket number 1,000,000 will arrive…
Thank you for being part of our journey — here’s to the next big milestone! 🚀
Jack and the team have deployed a new version of Cloud Document Maker which means that some Alpha Tracker clients - water hygiene users in particular - will notice that their documents are generated much more quickly.
Yet another AI-generated blog image
There is also an update coming soon which will increase the speed of asbestos report generation - so watch out for that.
Birmingham Tech Week was buzzing with ideas, innovation and some very clever uses of artificial intelligence — so of course, we couldn’t resist joining in. Andrew and I spent the day at the ICC for the AI Symposium, part of this year’s Quantum Leap series of events, learning from industry leaders and sharing how AI is already shaping the work we do at Start Software and CTT.
Our day began at Birmingham New Street, where the ever-impressive Ozzy the Bull (fresh from the Commonwealth Games) gave us a suitably dramatic welcome. I couldn’t resist giving him a new accessory — my Birmingham Tech Week badge. He wore it with pride.
Ozzy pre-AI modification
Ozzy with his pass!
The city itself looked fantastic under autumn skies — from the sleek curves of Grand Central to the golden crown of the Library of Birmingham, Birmingham’s mix of heritage and modern design made a great backdrop for a week celebrating technology.
The Town Hall
The sun was shining on the event
Birmingham Library
Inside the ICC, the energy was palpable. The exhibition area showcased everything from VR headsets to cutting-edge data visualisation tools, and the AI Symposium featured some genuinely insightful discussions. It was standing-room-only at times, with experts debating the ethics, opportunities and challenges of machine learning in the workplace.
Agentic AI again was a key focus - as was security - themes repeating from the World Summit AI in Amsterdam two weeks ago.
Inside the impressive ICC
Should have gone to Specsavers
For us at Start Software, AI is more than just a buzzword. It’s already integrated into our products — helping clients work smarter and faster:
Alpha Tracker uses automation and smart data processing to simplify compliance and asbestos management.
Alpha Legal keeps legal professionals secure and efficient with AI-driven document checks and smart communication tools.
ecoScribe harnesses speech recognition and natural language processing to turn complex survey data into structured reports in seconds.
Seeing so many companies exploring AI’s potential was inspiring — and it’s clear that the Midlands is fast becoming a real hub for innovation.
The panel gathers
Andrew front-and-centre (as always!)
We left Birmingham Tech Week with plenty of ideas (and a slightly sore neck from looking up at Ozzy). Huge thanks to the organisers for such a well-run and thought-provoking event.
If you’d like to learn how AI is already improving workflows in Alpha Tracker, Alpha Legal or ecoScribe, get in touch — we’d love to show you what’s possible.
It's time for the next Global Asbestos Forum and asbestos software Alpha Tracker is a sponsor with Robin, Kim & Catherine all attending. AI will be the theme - and so we asked AI to create the text and images for this post!
Start Software’s CEO Robin will be speaking at the Global Asbestos Forum 2025 in Bergen, Norway, next month.
Robin's hair is this grey - AI got it spot-on
One of the themes this year is Artificial Intelligence, and Robin will be showcasing a number of real-world AI tools we’ve developed alongside asbestos software Alpha Tracker to help asbestos professionals work faster, safer, and smarter.
From automating data capture to intelligent risk assessment and report QC (checking the quality of final asbestos reports), these innovations are already saving analysts and surveyors hours each week — and Robin will be demonstrating them live on stage.
“AI isn’t for tomorrow,” says Robin. “It’s solving everyday problems for asbestos consultants right now — and this session will show exactly how.”
The Global Asbestos Forum is an annual gathering of industry leaders, researchers, and technology innovators from around the world. It’s a brilliant opportunity to connect, learn, and see how the asbestos industry is evolving with the help of new technology.
If you work in asbestos consultancy, compliance, or technology, this is one event you shouldn’t miss.
Alpha Tracker specialists Kim & Catherine will also be at the conference showing some of the new AI features. Come and find them on the asbestos software Alpha Tracker exhibition stand.
Kim & Catherine? Not sure! But at least it's our stand (it's actually Judy)
Book your place now and see how AI is already reshaping asbestos management for the better. You'll also get to visit the wonderful Bergen, Norway!
Alpha Tracker at the Global Asbestos Forum, Bergen
We’ve loved hosting our remote Alpha developer, Fatbardh, who flew in from Kosovo with his fiancée, Fortesa, for his first-ever UK trip.
Fatbardh in our Telford HQ
After 12 months of coding brilliance on Start’s Alpha-based platforms (including projects such as OERCA, Greenfield and OnTarget) , it was wonderful to finally swap video calls for real coffee and conversation.
Jamie, Lucas, Zac, Fatbardh & Melika in today's AI meeting
A year of remote impact
Over the past year, Fatbardh has helped us move faster and smarter on all of our Alpha Anywhere-based software platforms including OERCA, Greenfield, OnTarget and Alpha Tracker (Start’s cloud-based platform used by asbestos surveying, water hygiene, environmental and compliance teams). From performance tweaks to UI polish and sprint support, he’s been a calm, capable presence in our stand-ups and releases.
First UK steps—and a hop to World Summit AI As part of the visit, Fatbardh also made it to World Summit AI in Amsterdam. Conferences are great for perspective, and this one underscored a few themes we care about: practical AI to augment developer workflows, responsible data use, and MLOps that keeps experimentation measurable. Expect to see those ideas inform how we prototype features and test quality in Alpha Tracker over the coming months.
Team time at Hickory’s
We wrapped the visit with a team lunch at Hickory’s—a proper chance to say thank you. It’s amazing how breaking bread together accelerates trust. Conversations that would take weeks to unfold online happened in an hour over ribs and fries.
Adam, Melika, Catherine, Lucas, Fortesa, Fatbardh, Zac, Jamie & Jack (Dan & Robin were paying the bill!)
What we learned (and will keep doing)
- Plan purposeful in-person time: We combined the visit with a roadmap workshop and sprint retrospective so decisions stuck.
- Pair programming in bursts: Two-hour pairing blocks helped ship tricky fixes and share patterns faster than a week of comments.
- Bring the customer voice closer: Shadowing our support desk gave live insight into how our clients use features day-to-day.
- Make space for life: Including Fortesa in socials reminded us that strong teams are built around people, not just projects.
Next stop: Edinburgh—then home
Before heading back, Fatbardh and Fortesa are squeezing in a quick trip to Edinburgh via Shrewsbury and Telford. Then it’s wheels up and back to Kosovo, with fresh ideas, full notebooks, and a lot of new inside jokes.
Fatbardh & Fortesa outside their luxury Shrewsbury hotel (yes, OK, it's a Premier Inn!)
Thank you, Fatbardh (and thank you, Fortesa!). Safe travels and see you back in our stand-ups. We’re grateful for the impact you’ve had on our Alpha team and excited for what’s next as we keep improving the platform for the teams who rely on it every day.
The teams came together for a lively, in person catch up with great conversation, shared ideas, and, yes, sandwiches and cakes to keep the energy up. The focus: how our partnership is helping organisations schedule smarter and make life better for the people doing the work out in the field.
The Alpha Tracker and FLS VISITOUR teams
The visit was all about collaboration and innovation, strengthening our partnership and reviewing the AI-powered scheduling integration that connects FLS VISITOUR’s intelligent technology with Alpha Tracker’s open, flexible platform. Together, we’re helping asbestos, environmental and compliance businesses plan smarter, faster, and greener.
James from FLS joins the Alpha Tracker team remotely - nice squidgy van, too
FLS VISITOUR’s technology uses artificial intelligence to deliver real-time, optimised scheduling. It automatically assigns the right person, with the right skills and equipment, to every job — and dynamically adjusts as priorities change.
This kind of intelligent scheduling is transforming how field teams operate, especially for organisations managing hundreds of asbestos surveys, environmental assessments or compliance visits each week. When combined with Alpha Tracker’s project management and reporting tools, the result is a seamless, data-driven workflow from instruction to completion.
Alpha Tracker CTO Jack and Simon from FLS reviewing the live data integration between Alpha Tracker and VISITOUR
When a new project/appointment is created in Alpha Tracker, it appears instantly in VISITOUR, where the intelligent engine gets to work building the most efficient schedule. Completed visits and updates then flow back automatically, keeping every team in sync without manual intervention.
Less time on the road thanks to optimised routes and sensible sequencing of jobs
Fewer last minute scrambles because changes are handled automatically
Clearer daily plans and accurate ETAs sent to clients
The right person sent to the right job, improving first time completion and morale
Real scenarios we discussed
An urgent appointment lands at 11am: Visitour finds the nearest suitably skilled colleague, reshuffles the afternoon, and Alpha Tracker updates the job pack and notifications.
A customer cancels: the slot is backfilled with a nearby task, reducing dead time and travel.
Multi site surveys: related visits are grouped to minimise mileage while keeping within access windows and site rules.
What this means for productivity
Office teams gain time back because the “where and when” is handled intelligently. Field colleagues see more predictable days, fewer unnecessary miles and better first time outcomes. The result is higher
utilisation without burning people out - a win for both productivity and job satisfaction.
