ABC overhauls key systems

The Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) has signed a systems integration deal to update and upgrade its returns processing system.

The new system is key to processing the data needed to carry out the ABC's work of delivering reports to independently verify circulation figures for the UK's media industry.

"ABC collects and processes the data for thousands of publications and is responsible for compiling information and verifying circulation numbers," said Simon Redlich, ABC director of finance.

"It is regarded as a key media trading currency and is a trusted source for industry information. As such, we need to maintain a reputation for quality, timeliness and accuracy."

ABC is working with IT consultancy Parity to develop a web-based system for media owners to submit their circulation figures online. Process re-engineering will also enable the new system to digest and analyse data more easily, reducing the time it takes to publish certificates of circulation.

The application will also provide a platform for ABC to offer new services to the media industry, allowing it to adapt to growing market demands.

"The platform for handling data and processing returns figures is central to the organisation's operation," said Redlich. "However, the existing system was outdated and needed replacing."

The original application, developed around IBM Informix data servers, was becoming increasingly difficult to support, hard to maintain and struggled to meet emerging business needs. Now the consultancy is working with the bureau to build a new platform based on Microsoft Office .Net Framework and SQL Server.

Parity will also provide support and training once the system goes live.