Welcome Notes for Trial Users

Thanks for taking the time to try out DLF Data Online. As the developers of the system we're keen to see people using it and getting the best from it. The Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) was set up over 35 years ago to provide impartial information about Assistive Technology equipment and now the Internet brings everything we have to your desktop or PDA.

You will see from the blog that we like to keep users informed of developments as well as listen to requests and add features or modify the system to make it better for everybody.

Here is a list of the key features on the system:

• Information is categorised and can be browsed or searched.
• Reporting and Printing of information. Building reports is a primary function of many of our users and we provide quick and simple ways to do this.
  
• Searches use our own Google Mini specifically set up to provide the data in the correct format. As such you can use all the powerful Google search functions.
  
• Product updates are uploaded as they happen. The records are maintained by the DLF Data Services department who oversee over 14,000 records.
• Comparison of products. Up to four products in a category can be compared, useful when assessing the correct choice for a client's requirements.
  
• Supplier information is available for all 1600+ suppliers on our database.
  
• Manufacturers and suppliers will shortly be able to provide their own versions of our product records and manage their contact information.
  
• An Inventory system has been developed for use by any user with a stock of equipment to manage. Our own Equipment Display Centre is currently building an inventory of display equipment.
• Contacts. Over 1600 useful organisations are listed by the DLF.
• News Feeds. We collect together feeds of interesting and relevant information for health professionals.
  
• Coming soon: 'My DLF Data' page for managing various snippets of your account, such as passwords.
• In Development: Helpline case manager, a simple tool for recording call information and sending letters with reports; More useful resources for students, let us know what you feel we should include to make the database useful for career development and learning.
  

Please have a good look around as DLF Data Online has lots of dark corners, although we try to highlight what it can do, and is a very powerful everyday tool for many professionals. The information is used by a number of helplines including our own to provide much needed information to the General Public. We know that it is often used to find unusual or specific items of Assistive Technology equipment.

If you want to arrange a visit from us to demonstrate DLF Data Online and our other products to your staff (anyone from CEO/CIO to Therapist) please make sure you get in touch with our Sales and Marketing Department (020 7432 8003) . Hamilton Directory users may find a trial of the system very helpful.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Disabled Living Foundation or about Training or Volunteering opportunities please visit our main website: www.dlf.org.uk

The self sign-up trial period is two weeks. If you need a bit more time please call DLF Sales and Marketing on 020 7432 8003 today.

Innovation is a key element of the DLF's IT operations and as a result we won an award from ICT Hub recently which we're very proud of. ICT Hub Award link

Let us know how you get on [DLF Development Team]