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THESIS BowTie™ SOFTWARE

THESIS FAQs

Below is a selection of some of the most Frequently Asked Questions. Some of this information is also contained on other pages of the THESIS Web site.

Licensing

Can I test THESIS for free?

To fully understand the capabilities of THESIS, we offer a free 60-day evaluation. If you would like to take advantage of this, please complete the evaluation agreement or contact the Help Desk.

How much does THESIS cost?

We maintain a schedule of list prices which are typically quoted on an individual basis upon inquiry; please e-mail the Help Desk for further information. Licence costs are subject to adjustment depending upon the nature of the enquiry eg. the user, the number of licences required and whether additional services such as training and consulting are required. All licenses include Support and Maintenance as standard – there are no extra costs or agreements required.

Does ABS Consulting consider using software re-sellers?

Yes. Please e-mail the Help Desk and we will issue a proposal for consideration.

Can I obtain a temporary THESIS license?

THESIS is normally licensed for a 12-month period. Shorter term leasing will be considered.

How do I upgrade to v6.0?

Software is distributed via our FTP site. If you are not aware of the latest details, please contact the Help Desk.

Do you have a 'lite' version?

No. All functionality, advanced or otherwise, is included as standard for all users. An Adobe Reader is available for view Flash Media portable case files. This is available free of charge.

Installation

What are the minimum hardware specifications?

Typically any laptop, or PC, running Windows 2000, XP, Vista or 7 should be capable of running THESIS.

How do I manage THESIS in my business environment?

THESIS is supplied as a traditional PC installed version, or for corporations with distributed assets, a web based enterprise version is also available. We usually supply combinations of these versions as they are complimentary in certain circumstances.

I have THESIS installed on a computer which has corrupted or is to be replaced. How can I transfer THESIS onto my new machine?

Please contact the Help Desk on how to proceed.

Getting Started

How do I get started?

THESIS is configured in a very simple split screen view, with a hierarchical case view on the left of the screen and an equivalent graphic view on the right. Most options are available using a 'right click' on the mouse.

The "Quick Start Guide" under Help provides step by step instructions to develop a simple BowTie.

Some sample HTML case files are available on the downloads page to help you with basic navigation of the tool. Advice, training and consulting support is also available. As part of the service offered, a short free web demonstration is also available. This will soon be replaced by a series of downloadable video tutorials.

How do I save my case file?

THESIS includes an auto save function. A backup feature, which can be set at certain intervals is available along with a "Save As" function.

Working With THESIS

Can I import part of a case file into another?

Yes, THESIS allows you to copy or import from one case file to another. Multiple case files can be opened within the application.

Can I export reports into other programs?

Reports can be exported to Excel or PDF.

THESIS 6 also has a new Excel Import and Export function which is template driven. More templates will be added in the coming months. This functionality can be used for managing HAZID sessions using traditional spreadsheets and also for the importing of relevant data from other software sources.

Can I view old THESIS case files in my version?

Yes, just select "Convert Case File" under the "File" tab. This function works for Version 4+. For older builds, eg. Version 3, please contact the Help Desk.

How do I protect my case files?

The primary user has the right to set up security levels within THESIS and to define what rights another person has. Access is username and password driven.

I have forgotten my case file login, what can I do?

Please contact the Help Desk. We will need your case file to reset the password fields.

What about Case File Templates?

Templates are just Case Files which have been saved as Templates by the user. Templates are an easy way of creating a corporate standard with common lookups, risk matrices etc.

Printing

What options do I have to print the BowTie ?

There are several options available depending on exactly what you want to do.

Users can "print" the Case Tree and Reference Tree by exporting them to HTML pages and printing directly.

Users can "copy" the image and paste into say PowerPoint for presentations or indeed printing.

Direct printing can be done whereby the image is auto scaled to suite the printer or plotter paper size. Headers/footers and logos can be added.

Users can create Portable Case Files in two modes: HTML and Adobe. A Portable Case file is a unique way of transferring a case file in a navigable format for use by persons who dont have access to THESIS or wish to include electronic copies of their BowTies to reduce the costs of printing, size of HSE Case documents. The HTML format merely needs Internet Explorer to work. The Adobe format needs an executable which is available free from our FTP site or from the THESIS user.

How do I get a poster sized copy?

THESIS will permit printing to various paper sizes eg. A4-A0, using autoscaling. Without access to a plotter, but with access to a PDF printer, users can create PDF versions of their BowTies which can then be plotted at a commercial printers.

Reporting

What reports can I generate from the THESIS?

The are approximately 50 preconfigured standard reports within THESIS. A Custom Reporter is provided to permit generation of alternative layouts and queries.

The new Custom Reporter in THESIS 6 is a simple 3 step process.

Wizard Step 1 – choose you DataSource. A datasource is a predetermined collation of THESIS data tables. Users choose all the fields they think they may need for the report.

Wizard Step 2 – select the fields which users think will form the "upper" part of the report eg. the main headings such as Location, Hazard Code, Threat/Consequence Title etc. The order is important in this selection as it will determine the sorting order also.

Wizard Step 3 – select the fields which users think will form the "details" part of the report eg. the table headings such as Barrier Title, Effectiveness, Task Title etc. The order is important in this selection as it will determine the sorting order also.

Once completed and reviewed, users can readily edit the information selected above, change the sorting order, alter font types, change titles and create filters etc.

Custom Reports can be shared with colleagues using the Import/Export function. A schedule of Custom Reports will be progressively posted on the ABS FTP site.

Other Useful Hints and Tips

The use of HTML and Adobe portable case files is unique and useful for distributing THESIS data to non THESIS users, such as regulators and contractors.
We recommend the user looks in THESIS 'Preferences' for setting display options
To reduce the size of your case tree try using the 'Hide Unused Case Tree Items' which hides unused elements.
To reduce the size of your bowtie (without losing data) try the hide functions, on the 'right click' options.
The new Find and Replace function is a very fast and powerful of navigating and editing data. This can also navigate to the relevant bowtie.
The new Usage Functions are a fast and powerful way of making group edits and links.

If you have further inquiries please contact the Help Desk. Alternatively, you may wish to consult the Help Guide available (in PDF format) from the "Help" menu.

For more information...

Contact ABS Consulting directly via e-mail or telephone...

Paul Cooke | thesis@absconsulting.com | Tel: +44 [0] 1925 287300

OR submit a question or request and we'll get back to you...