Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is iDS a software program which must be installed on our internal network?
A: iDS is a web application that is installed on our servers. The only hardware and software requirements necessary for iDS customers are internet enabled computers with a Java-enabled web-browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, etc).

Q: Can iDS be installed on our servers?
A: iDS can be installed on corporate intranets; however the only requirement we have is that our IT team be given remote access privileges to the server where the application will be running. This allows us to service, install upgrades, and troubleshoot problems which may arise.

Q: Who is allowed to use the system?
A: Everyone you register in the system will be able to use it. You control the users and what areas of the application they can view. When we first set up the system for you, we will ask you to provide a list of all the users as well as user related information. We will mass-load this into the user database.

Q: Can non-administrative users get access to view reports and metrics?
A: Yes, the iDS demo system only allows administrative users to view the reports and metrics; however, these can be made available to all or any subset of your staff. We will configure your system based on your requirements. To give an example of other ways of displaying metrics, some customers have preferred to have the more general metrics published on the home page. (ie.: ideas submitted, total savings, etc.), and others have requested personal metrics to be displayed.

Q: If users don't have internet enabled computers, how can they contribute ideas?
A: There are several options available. We try to encourage customers to strategically place public-use computers throughout the organization (ie.: cafeterias, break rooms, lobbys, etc.). In the event that this is not possible, then the option is to use a paper form that can be transcribed into iDS.

Q: What happens to the information stored in iDS if we decide to stop using the system?
A: Upon contract termination, we return all the data to you in the form of .csv text files as well as all the attachments and supporting documents that were uploaded during the course of use. This will allow you to keep all the records, but also upload some or all the data into a replacement system (the vendor of the replacement system will most likely assist you in importing the data).

Q: Who owns the iDS software? Who owns the data?
A: INCENT owns the iDS software. Your organization pays for a license to use the system and supporting hardware. However, the data that you load into iDS during course of use belongs to you. INCENT does not own or share this data and securely stores it in SQL servers to ensure only authorized users can view it.

Q: How can I make configuration changes or functional changes to iDS?
A: There are limited configuration features that are available in the iDS interface (ie.: metric targets, email switches, etc). iDS is a very complex software program. In order to save our customers the need to hire and train an application expert, we provide the configuration support. iDS is administered by us and we configure the system to your needs prior to launch. iDS includes a programming hours package that gives you the flexibility to request changes without having to worry about costs.

Q: Can I receive text messages (SMS) instead of emails?
A: Users have the option of loading two email addresses in their profiles. One of them can be used for personal addresses or telephone email addresses. (ie.: 555555555@vtext.com for an SMS to a Verizon cell phone).

Q: How does the Kaizen Card feature work?
A: For those who are deploying iDS in a lean environment, the Kaizen Card can be printed by the owner of the idea as well as the administration staff. The owner of the idea is responsible for uploading the images which will represent the old standard and the new standard.

Q: What is the expected ROI for using iDS?
A: ROI is driven by your organization’s ability to innovate, eliminate waste and identify areas of improvements and INCENT cannot make any forecasts regarding ROI. However, most experts in the field of idea management and employee suggestion systems agree that the total savings achieved from such systems averages $500 - $1000 per employee, placing ROI in the 10x-20x range.