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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.
