Nicki Smith

In 2024, KFA Connect proudly celebrates 35 years of delivering cutting-edge software development and integration services.

In the fast-paced world of technology, longevity is a testament to success and adaptability.

Since its inception in 1989, KFA Connect (Kingfisher Associates) has grown from a small startup to a leading player in the software solutions industry, consistently exceeding customer expectations and staying ahead of technological trends.

Founding Vision

KFA Connect was founded with a clear vision – to empower businesses through the development of innovative and tailored software solutions on the AS/400 (now known as IBM i).

The company’s journey began at a time when technology was just starting to revolutionise industries, and KFA Connect was at the forefront, eager to embrace the opportunities that lay ahead.

Evolution of Services

Over the past three and a half decades, KFA Connect’s services have evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of businesses across various Business to Business and Business to Consumer sectors, including manufacturing, finance, telecoms, and distribution, as well as multi-channel, eCommerce and bricks & mortar trade counters / retail stores.

Initially focused on bespoke software development, we quickly recognised the importance of IBM i integration and IBM i modernisation in a digital landscape.

As technology ecosystems became more complex, KFA Connect have expanded our services to offer additional integration solutions, including courier integration and eCommerce integration. We also offer business process automation as well as our own Sales Order Processing, and Warehouse Management Solution.

Key Achievements

KFA Connect’s success is marked by a series of notable achievements, not least longevity and experience.

Thriving for 35 years in a fast-paced and ever-changing industry like IT requires adaptability and resilience. KFA Connect’s ability to navigate challenges and evolve with the times is a noteworthy achievement in itself.

KFA’s portfolio includes successful projects in verticals including finance, manufacturing, retail, telecoms, distribution and multi-channel sales including eCommerce.

We have consistently delivered software solutions that enhance efficiency, streamline operations, and drive growth for our customers. Our commitment to quality and innovation has earned the KFA Connect team recognition as a trusted partner in the industry.

Our focus on project delivery is backed up with first class support services keeping your systems running smoothly allowing you to focus on driving new business.

The long tenure of employees highlights KFA’s commitment to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment, where employees are motivated to stay and contribute to the company’s success.

In 2024, we will celebrate Operations Director Juliet Ward‘s 25th year with KFA Connect. Additionally, this year, Hilary Palmer will reach her 30th anniversary as a highly-valued member of the KFA development and test support team.

Our ability to understand the unique challenges of each industry and deliver tailor-made solutions, we believe has set us apart in the competitive software development landscape.

Customer-Centric Approach

One of the cornerstones of KFA Connect’s success is our unwavering commitment to our customers.

We have always prioritised understanding the specific needs and goals of our customers, ensuring that every solution is not just a piece of software but a strategic tool that contributes to their success.

To achieve this, KFA Connect has fostered a culture of collaboration and open communication.

Our dedicated team work closely with customers throughout the requirements-gathering, development, integration, and ultimately the implementation process, fostering long-lasting partnerships built on trust and mutual success.

Technological Expertise

Staying relevant in the fast-evolving tech industry requires constant innovation and expertise. KFA Connect has consistently invested in our team, ensuring they are well-versed in the latest technologies and industry best practices.

From traditional software development languages to the latest advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, KFA Connect’s technical prowess is a key asset that benefits our customers.

Looking to the Future

As KFA Connect celebrates 35 years of success in 2024, the company looks ahead with optimism and determination.

The rapidly evolving technological landscape presents new challenges and opportunities. KFA Connect is well-positioned to continue our legacy of delivering innovative, customer-centric solutions, not just on the IBM i, but on various other platforms.

KFA Connect’s 35th anniversary is a milestone that reflects the company’s impressive history which we are very proud of, and our ongoing commitment to excellence.

With a legacy of successful projects, a customer-centric approach, and a team of dedicated professionals, KFA Connect is poised for a future filled with continued growth and technological innovation.

Cheers to 35 years of shaping the digital future!

Would like to find out more about how KFA Connect can assist with your next IT project?

Sales Manager

Nicki Smith

Managing Your IBM i with a Limited Pool of Resources?

As we approach 2024, finding a new IBM i development and support partner is becoming increasingly critical for businesses that wish to mitigate the risks of having a limited pool of in-house IBM i resources.

For many businesses relying on IBM i systems, the need for specialised expertise has never been greater.

IBM i, formerly known as AS/400 or iSeries, has been a cornerstone of many organisations’ IT operations for decades. However, the challenges of maintaining and developing these systems are growing.

Here are some key reasons why seeking external support for IBM i in 2024 is essential for business success:

Scarce In-House Expertise

The workforce that has extensive experience with IBM i systems is ageing, and many of these experts are retiring. Finding replacements with the necessary skills and knowledge can be challenging and expensive. By partnering with an IBM i development and support specialist, businesses can tap into a broader talent pool.

Avoiding Knowledge Gaps

Relying solely on a limited in-house team can lead to knowledge gaps and dependency on a few individuals. If key personnel leave, it can disrupt operations and result in costly downtime. A dedicated IBM i partner can provide consistent development and support services alongside your existing teams – helping to spread knowledge of your systems.

Continuous Innovation

Technology is evolving at an ever-increasing pace.

The IBM i is no different.

Partnering with an experienced IBM i service provider gives your business opportunities to explore new technological advancements with the IBM i.

Risk Mitigation

In-house teams may struggle to handle complex issues and unexpected crises, potentially jeopardising business continuity. Partnering with an IBM i expert provides a safety net, reducing risks and ensuring that problems are addressed promptly.

Cost-Efficiency

Outsourcing IBM i development and support can often be more cost-effective than hiring and training new in-house team members. It eliminates the need to invest in extensive training and reduces the overhead associated with maintaining an in-house IT department.

Scalability

External IBM i partners can adjust their level of support based on your business’s needs. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for companies with fluctuating demands or those looking to expand their operations.

Focusing on Core Competencies

By entrusting IBM i development and support to specialists, your in-house IT team can concentrate on core business operations and strategic initiatives, improving overall efficiency.

How Can KFA Connect Help?

We have extensive experience in IBM i integrations with numerous systems, including Magento and Shopify eCommerce.

In addition to our expertise in IBM i, KFA’s consultants also bring a wealth of knowledge in other areas of technology.

We help businesses access the opportunities that web, and software development offer, and will provide guidance on how to utilise these in the most effective way.

*Free consulting sessions are subject to availability and the offer is valid for sessions booked and held on or before 29/02/2024.

Sessions can be used to discuss current code, databases, and application interfaces and scope potential projects but do not include implementing any system changes. 

If your intention is to migrate from the IBM i we will also be able to offer the free consultancy services to assist you with the process.

KFA Connect will provide a written quotation on request for any requirements identified during the sessions that you would like us to deliver. There is no obligation to engage in the services of KFA Connect beyond the free consultancy sessions. 

KFA Connect helps French Connection to integrate Shopify POS with SAP ERP using BPA Platform.

Introduction

In the world of information technology, where rapid advancements are the norm, companies relying on IBM i systems often find themselves facing unique challenges when dealing with an increasingly limited pool of in-house resources.

IBM i (formerly known as AS/400), is a reliable and robust platform that has served organisations well for decades. However, as time goes by, a lack of experienced programmers for systems that run on the IBM i can pose difficulties for businesses striving to stay competitive and agile in the modern era.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the key challenges companies face when they have limited or part-time in-house IBM i resources.

Legacy Hardware & Software

One of the primary challenges companies encounter is working with legacy IBM i hardware and software. Many organisations continue to rely on older models that may no longer be supported by IBM, making it increasingly difficult to maintain and upgrade these systems.

As a result, they can experience performance bottlenecks and hardware failures, potentially leading to costly downtime and lost productivity.

Talent Shortage

Another significant obstacle is the scarcity of IBM i expertise in the job market. Skilled professionals who can manage, program, and maintain these systems are becoming increasingly rare, as many experienced programmers are talking of retirement.

Companies may find it challenging to recruit, train, and retain staff with the necessary skills to effectively manage their IBM i resources.

Knowledge of legacy IBM i systems within businesses is often in the capable hands of one individual, but not documented – then when faced with the need to replace or cover that team member without a significant handover period – this becomes a huge undertaking.

Integration

Modern businesses thrive on data integration and the ability to interact seamlessly with various technologies.

In-house IBM i resources, particularly those who have worked on one system for many years may lack the knowledge and experience required to integrate with other modern applications and platforms.

This can lead to data silos, inefficiencies, and missed opportunities for automation and streamlining business processes.

Security Concerns  

Maintaining data security and compliance is a critical aspect of IT management.

Stretched in-house IBM i resources may not have the capacity to complete these critical reviews over and above their day-to-day tasks.

This makes these systems vulnerable to security breaches, data leaks, and non-compliance issues, which can have far-reaching legal and financial consequences for businesses.

Scaleability & Performance

As companies grow and evolve, the demand for scalable, high-performance IT infrastructure becomes increasingly important.

Stretched in-house IBM i resources may struggle to continue to develop the system to meet the performance expectations of modern applications.

This can lead to productivity losses, customer dissatisfaction, and missed business opportunities.

Cost of Maintenance

Maintaining and upgrading ageing IBM i systems can be costly. The expenses associated with hardware replacements, software updates, and ongoing support can strain a company’s budget.

Many businesses must carefully balance the cost of maintaining their IBM i resources against the benefits they provide.

Companies relying on limited or ageing IBM i resources face a unique set of challenges in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven business landscape. While these systems have been the backbone of many organisations for years, it is essential to address the issues of legacy hardware and software, talent shortages, integration problems, security concerns, scalability, and maintenance costs.

To overcome these challenges, businesses can explore strategies such as migrating to newer IBM i hardware and software, investing in training and development for their IT staff, embracing modern integration solutions and ensuring robust security practices as well as bolstering their team with 3^rd party development and support services.  

Companies may consider engaging an external development and support partner to act as an extension of their in-house team. The system can be fully documented and knowledge of the system spread to minimise and mitigate the risk, future-proofing your business.

By addressing these issues proactively, companies can continue to leverage the power of IBM i while staying competitive and agile in the ever-evolving world of technology.

The KFA Connect team are often called upon to assist businesses in this way – to fill the gap between the in-house team’s workload and the demands of the business.

We can take on specific, manageable development projects, support tasks, reporting as well as testing services. KFA have a dedicated development and support team who ensures the smooth running of our customer’s applications and integrations. We can also provide 24/7 support when required.  

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today.

Nicki Smith

KFA Connect – Sales Manager

11th October 2023

Dan Hammond – Senior Technical Test Analyst

I didn’t set out to be a software tester…

Like many testers of my generation, I didn’t set out to be a software tester.

It’s not something I was even aware of until I came across a job advert in my mid-20s,  but it’s ended up providing me with a good career and an opportunity to moan for a living!

Initially, after taking my A levels I decided to go straight into the big wide world of work and started as a trainee at a large accountancy firm in London in their Insolvency division.  The work was varied and had me working on everything from a small local chain of pubs all the way up to international banking firms. 

Sports & Leisure

After a year I decided a career in accountancy/insolvency was not for me so I decided to go to university to give myself some more time to maybe work out what I wanted to do for a living.  I enrolled in a BA Sport and Leisure Management degree at Staffordshire University, leading to frequent references from my friends to me being the new Mr Brittas. 

It allowed me to keep my options open and study a wide range of areas like physiology, economics, coaching, accountancy, nutrition, sociology, psychology, law, business studies etc. 

Having completed my degree in 1999 I realised that a lot of sports and leisure jobs would probably involve working at weekends which is when I actually liked to play and engage in sports and leisure, who knew?  So it was back to finding a normal job.

Time for a Normal Job…

I had a brief stint as a Pensions Administrator before joining an investment company in 2000 as a Unit Trust Dealer.  It was at this time that I had my first experience of the AS400 (now known as IBM i) as a user.

In 2001 I decided I would have to move sideways within the company before I could continue an upward career progression.  While looking for opportunities I came across an internal job vacancy for a Testing Technician.  Its list of pre-requisite skills matched up perfectly to my skillset e.g. methodical, logical, attention to detail, problem solver and inquisitive.  I applied and got accepted. 

The testing department at that stage was just me and the Senior Tester. This meant right from the start I was directly involved and had responsibilities in all areas of the SDLC, from requirements gathering, design decisions, scheduling, user training, testing, defect tracking and reporting to management.  We were also responsible for all business/product support.  A great introduction to the working of the AS400 and software development.

After only a year into the role, a decision was made by the company to outsource the IT systems to a 3^rd Party.  Fortunately, my role was transferred to the 3^rd party whose core system was also based on the AS400.  The scale of the test teams here was a lot larger, there were numerous test teams across different specialist areas including some offshore teams. 

A whole different ball game to the 2 man band I had started out in. 

The business model for this company at that time was to rapidly grab as much of the market as possible, it would pick up outsourcing contracts and migrate newly acquired client’s databases onto their single core administration system.  It was here I first started to be involved in web testing and writing/running automation test suites.

After the aggressive growth of the company, a period of rationalisation occurred and a number of voluntary redundancies were offered. 

Charity work

I grabbed the chance of a career break as an opportunity to gain some new experiences. 

I used some of my redundancy pay to help fund the building of a school in a remote village in Ghana. 

Ghanaians were known for being one of the happiest African countries which was cemented by the fact that the village we were helping was located in between two towns called Ho and Hohoe!  

The building of the school was led by the villagers, and as a volunteer group, we went out there for a couple of months to physically help and be part of the labour force. 

It was hard and hot work Monday to Friday but at the weekends we got to travel around the local region and mountain roads in rickety battered old mini-vans called tro-tros where half the fun was actually wondering if we were going to make it to our destination in one piece. 

It was a fantastic experience all round.

Contracting

When I came back from Ghana I decided to go contracting. The first opportunity that came along was a 6-month contract based in Dublin for a Life and Pensions firm. 

As I had no commitments and Guinness was already my preferred drink of choice I immediately shipped myself over at the start of 2006 and dived headfirst into the Irish lifestyle and became an accepted regular barfly in the local pub. 

The work was initially mainly on CAPSIL (AS400) and then later split with some work on PAXUS as groups of policies were migrated between the systems. 

I thought the contracting life would mean I would be chopping and changing jobs every 6 months but my first contract ended up lasting 4 years. That’s longer than any permanent job I’d ever had up to that point. 

Along with the migration work I was also involved in testing a new web-based enquiry system which had to retrieve and display data from 6 different legacy systems.

After this contract came to its natural conclusion I realised that contractors are like pack animals, and when work finishes at one firm you quite often all end up moving on and working for the next firm, sitting next to the same people you worked with before. I managed to follow the herd and pick up a new contract for another Life and Pensions firm where I was mainly testing their PAXUS system. 

The main achievements in this role were fully testing a PAXUS upgrade project and taking control and maintaining a large suite of automation tests which were run as part of regression for all major projects.

Adventures on the Water

While living in Dublin there used to be an annual Maritime festival where a handful of tall ships would be moored along the River Liffey. After looking around a few of these ships I found out that you could actually go on voyages on some of these beautiful ships. 

My inner Columbus/Drake/Captain Pugwash perked up, and I booked myself a place in a tall ship race from Kristiansand in Norway to Hartlepool.

The voyage was organised by the Jubilee Sailing Trust which runs the only tall ship in the world designed and built to be sailed by a truly mixed-ability crew, including people with a wide variety of impairments and disabilities. 

When you book on a JST voyage you are not going as a passenger, you are a working member of the crew no matter what your level of ability/disability. 

Split into 4 watches, you are responsible for the daily running of the ship 24/7, under the direction of a handful of experienced permanent crew.  Each day involves setting/stowing the sails, helming, cleaning, maintenance and helping the galley team prepare 3 square meals a day for the 40 hungry crew members. 

I had the time of my life and have now done 8 or 9 more voyages/races both as a paying crew member and others in a volunteer role of Cooks Assistant.

It was on one of these voyages, around the Canary Islands that I met my now wife, Anna, and on another 40-day voyage sailing from Singapore to Australia is where we got engaged during a shellback ceremony while crossing the equator.

Kingfisher Associates (KFA Connect) 

It was after returning from the Singapore to Australia trip in 2013 that I picked up a new contract to work for KFA Connect (Kingfisher Associates), where I have continued to test and expand my AS400 and test automation knowledge – predominantly on Vodafone projects. 

I was enjoying working for KFA so accepted an offer to become a permanent member of staff after a couple of years. 

I have now been at KFA Connect for 10 years. The work can be challenging at times but that can keep things interesting and encourages me to continually progress and learn.

The Adventures Continue…

I still have an adventurous side and have more recently taken part in the Round the Island yacht race and completed a number of long-distance hikes and challenges for charity and some just for fun.

These include the Height of the Isle of Wight and the whole of the South Downs Way a couple of years ago – in aid of AFK.

I completed all of them with my wife who uses a powered wheelchair due to having Friedreich’s Ataxia, which obviously adds a little extra challenge to the adventures.

Dan Hammond

Senior Technical Test Analyst – KFA Connect

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today.

Empowering the UK Through Digital Literacy

Introduction

National Coding Week is back in the United Kingdom for its 10th annual celebration, and in 2023, the theme is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and it promises to be bigger and better than ever.

This week-long event, which takes place from the 18th – 25th of September, is a nationwide initiative aimed at promoting digital literacy and coding skills among people of all ages and backgrounds.

With the rapid advancement of technology, coding and digital skills have become essential in today’s world. National Coding Week serves as a platform to bridge the digital divide and empower individuals to thrive in the digital age.

The Importance of Digital Literacy

In an increasingly digital world, the ability to code and understand technology is no longer a niche skill; it’s a fundamental literacy that everyone should possess. From children in primary schools to senior citizens looking to upskill, National Coding Week encourages people from all walks of life to engage with technology.

By learning to code and understand how software and hardware work, individuals can better navigate the digital landscape and participate more actively in the 21st-century economy.

Key Activities for National Coding Week 2023

Coding Workshops:

Across the UK, organisations, schools, and community groups will host coding workshops and events. These hands-on sessions cater to various age groups and skill levels, from beginners to advanced coders. Participants can learn programming languages like Python, JavaScript, and Scratch.

Online Resources:

In response to the ongoing pandemic, many activities for National Coding Week will be accessible online. This includes webinars, coding challenges, and virtual coding classes, making it easier for people to participate from the comfort of their homes.

Diversity and Inclusion:

One of the key focuses of National Coding Week 2023 is promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Initiatives will aim to encourage underrepresented groups, including women and minorities, to pursue careers in technology.

Coding for the Community:

Many events during National Coding Week will emphasize the practical applications of coding. This includes projects that benefit the community, such as developing apps for local charities or creating websites for small businesses.

Networking and Career Opportunities:

National Coding Week also serves as a networking opportunity for tech enthusiasts. Participants can connect with like-minded individuals and explore potential career paths in technology.

Why National Coding Week Matters

National Coding Week plays a crucial role in addressing the digital skills gap in the UK. By providing accessible and engaging opportunities for people to learn coding and digital skills, it empowers individuals to take control of their future and contributes to the nation’s economic growth.

Moreover, it fosters innovation and creativity, which are essential for staying competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Conclusion

As we celebrate National Coding Week 2023, it’s essential to recognise the transformative power of digital literacy and coding skills. This initiative not only equips individuals with the tools they need to succeed in a digital world but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration.

By promoting inclusivity and accessibility, National Coding Week helps ensure that no one is left behind in the digital revolution, ultimately strengthening the UK’s position as a global technology leader.

So, whether you’re a seasoned coder or a complete beginner, there’s never been a better time to get involved and unlock the endless possibilities of the digital age.

In the competitive world of technology solutions, KFA Connect has distinguished itself as a company that consistently delivers excellent customer satisfaction. Our customer-centric approach, deep understanding of customer needs, expertise, innovation, and unwavering commitment to results have made us a trusted partner for businesses across industries.

With a track record of success and a portfolio of satisfied customers, KFA Connect exemplifies what it means to prioritise and exceed customer expectations in today’s business world.

Hilary Palmer – Change Co-ordinator

After leaving school, I completed a secretarial and accounts course at a local college.

My first job was with an insurance company, followed by a job in administration at a local pottery, the production of which was most interesting.

Later, whilst working for an Estate Agent in a local market town, I was approached by an ex-colleague and invited to work for an American company, Allen-Bradley, later bought out by Olivetti.

I first worked in the accounts department, and this is where my introduction to computers began. I was offered the chance to learn support work and programming for the new System 34 they had purchased, and eventually took this over full-time.

After 12 years, I moved to Ryvita doing a similar role working on a System 36 initially, before the company upgraded to an AS400.

After a few years, I decided that I wanted a bit more variety and a chance to work on different systems, and I was lucky enough to be accepted for a job with KFA Connect (known as Kingfisher Associates at that time).  

I am the Change Co-ordinator for software deployment and carry out Quality Assurance checks once a development is complete, and I also support the test team with triaging any defects.

I still do some software development and system support.  

No day is the same, and I love learning new things and I am very grateful for the opportunities that have come my way. The directors have supported me through some challenging times in my life as have my colleagues, and I will be forever grateful for that, they are a great team to work with and socialise with.

I really enjoy working for different customers on their systems developing software and carrying out IBM i support work.

I just love the variety of work and the challenges of solving problems and providing customers with support whenever needed.

When I am not looking at a computer screen, I love being out in the fresh air, gardening, walking in the countryside and doing anything associated with horses and ponies.

I enjoy travelling abroad, but I am just as happy investigating and visiting new places in the UK. I like going to the theatre when I get the chance, or just catching up with friends over a meal and a glass of wine.

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today.

A Growing Business with Disjointed Processes

Over the years your organisation has put in place bulletproof business processes that assist in the smooth running of day-to-day operations.

Steadily, as time goes by the company has grown, you have employed more staff, increased the number of departments and the number of software applications and business processes have multiplied.

Suddenly you are seeing:

• A lack of communication between departments and business partners.
• Time delays between processes.
• Repetitive bi-directional data entry.
• Increased running costs with no sign of improved ROI.

Sounds messy doesn’t it?

For many, today’s business environment requires systems and applications that integrate and ‘talk’ with each other to eradicate process bottlenecks, remove repetitive data entry and improve the visibility of critical data.

However, this can be a costly and time-consuming approach to take which is why businesses are looking towards integration and business process automation software such as SAP Certified, BPA Platform.

SAP Business One integration with BPA Platform can reduce development costs and time frames through its SAP Certified code-free integration tools enabling businesses of any size to seamlessly link finance and accounting, sales and marketing, customer services, HR, Inventory and purchasing functions together with their associated operational processes.

• Reduce integration time frames and development costs.
• Eradicate process bottlenecks.
• Improve visibility of critical data.
• Remove repetitive data entry.
• Reduce operational costs and increase ROI.

Tailoring an integration or automated process when using BPA Platform can be achieved by anyone with a basic understanding of your database structures by using an easy-to-use interface providing a code-free environment for practically any number of integrations and automated processes.

This ties up any loose ends within your organisation to ensure that the business runs more effectively with data seamlessly synchronised between systems and automatically distributed to whoever needs it at the most relevant time, set to the business rules you define.

KFA Connect are Codeless Platforms Partners – authorised to sell BPA Platform and have in-depth knowledge of developing integration and Process automation using the solution.

Jim Maddison – Business Analyst

The Only Way is Up

I grew up in the 80s; the decade that truly brought computing into the home.

Our first home computer was a rubber-keyed Spectrum 48K which lived proudly in the living room.

We were encouraged to play text-based adventure games designed to teach us how to type but my favourite “typing” exercise was playing Daley Thompsons Decathlon where to make the small, pixely Daley run the player had to hammer the left and right keys as fast as humanly possible. 

My first computing light-bulb moment came when I was studying A-level art, and the art department took delivery of an Acorn Archimedes computer. It was (back then) a 32-bit graphical powerhouse of a machine. My eyes glazed over as I gazed upon the thousands of colours in the drawing app palette.

My course was clear. I was going to become a graphic designer and use computers to make wonderful images because computers are the future!

I left school clutching an Art and General Studies A-Level and signed up at Plymouth College of Art & Design. This was where my future begins!

Only, it didn’t. There were no computers in sight. No hint of 3D graphical design, just odd people in chunky knitwear and dungarees. And they were the teachers!

This wasn’t what I had in mind at all. I decided it wasn’t for me and dropped out… of art college. I was on the lowest rung of academia with no useful qualifications to my name. So I did what any self-respecting art school dropout did and got a job in a record shop; Plymouth’s new Virgin Megastore.

The store had a strange computer terminal at one end of the counter. It didn’t have a mouse, or graphics, just text. I didn’t know it at the time, but I had met the AS400. It ran a system aptly named ELVIS, which stood for “EPoS Linked Virgin Information System”. (I later learned that AS400s love Acronyms, they’re everywhere!).

Not All Heroes Wear Capes

After a while, I decided I needed a change from working in retail and started a part-time course at evening school learning basic Pascal programming. This knowledge was enough to get a job as a trainee developer at a company called JBA, who wrote a warehouse management application.

On the first day, we were shown the system on which we would be trained and I instantly recognised the plain green text on a black background. It was an Elvis! Or rather, it was an AS400!

How ironic that I had left school planning to create the next “Money for Nothing” video and here I was starting a career on a system that had no graphical prowess whatsoever.

No time to dwell though, as the world needed me. I had joined JBA to help prepare their systems for the dreaded Y2K bug. An impending doomsday that would plunge the world back into the dark ages!

After only months of training, this plucky band of trainees were unleashed into the code to add century flags to dates. Before we knew it Big Ben was heralding the arrival of a new century.

This was it.

The world waited.

I waited.

Nothing happened.

The lights stayed on. Planes didn’t fall from the sky. Phones still worked.

I had done it… I had saved the world! (Well, me and about 30 seasoned developers… but mainly me)

That went straight on my CV!

Past to Present

JBA ultimately was bought out by a company called Geac who closed the Plymouth Hero Office making most of the team redundant. After a brief stint in Teddington, I moved to a small company in the depths of Dorset who also coded on the AS400 – Kingfisher Associates (now known as KFA Connect).

I worked as a developer and on the support desk. The support desk role seemed to fit particularly well with me. It was nice to speak to people who were stuck and needed help, and I liked helping people.

I’d only been with the company for 2 years when I decided I needed a break from this whole “working” thing. I took a step away from the rat race and moved back to Plymouth where I met my wife. I worked in various IT helpdesk roles over the next few years including a company in Exeter that wrote software for Epos systems and a company in Plymouth that handled EDI transactions.

It was 2008 before the siren song of Kingfisher called to me again.
I came back to Kingfisher in 2008 working on the support desk, then as a developer, and now as a business analyst.

Oh, and who says the AS400 can’t do graphics?

Jim Maddison

Business Analyst – KFA Connect

26th May 2023

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today.

Mental Health First Aid

During Mental Health Awareness Week, (15th – 21st May 2023) it is crucial to emphasise the importance of mental health first aid.

Just as physical first aid helps address physical injuries, mental health first aid provides essential support and assistance to individuals experiencing mental health challenges. This week serves as a reminder to educate ourselves and others on recognising the signs of mental distress, offering empathetic listening, and connecting individuals to appropriate resources.

By prioritising mental health first aid, we can create a more compassionate and supportive society for all.

What is first aid?

A First Aider provides initial assistance to someone in need of help, this initial help is given either in place of professional help or before professional help is accessed.  The principles for Physical and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) are similar in that both give support to someone in need of assistance before professional help is on-hand.

What is mental health?

Mental health is our state of mind, our emotional and psychological well-being. It determines how we cope with day-to-day issues.

Mental Health is complex and changeable, it needs to be acknowledged and looked after.

What is mental ill health?

Mental ill health by its very definition is when we are mentally unwell, we can feel unable to cope with stress and anxiety which can lead to depression and addictive behaviour. Mental ill health can lead to a feeling you cannot see a way forward.

In contrast, people with good mental health are capable of setting goals and being able to achieve them.

Why mental health first aid?

• 1 in 6 working-age adults have symptoms associated with poor mental health.
• 1 in 4 people experience poor mental health each year.
• Poor mental health accounts for 72,000,000 (72 million) working days lost in the UK per year.
• In 2020, 1,752 people died in road accidents but 6,749 died by suicide.

Mental health first aiders are required because:

1. Poor Mental Health is common
2. There is so much stigma associated with poor mental health
3. Professional help is not always available immediately

Self-Care

To be an effective Mental Health First Aider you need to be mentally well yourself.

You need to engage in activities that look after your own mental health and actively manage your own illness if/when it occurs.

You may need to seek professional help and support in addition to practising self-care.

What influences our mental health?

There are many factors that can cause poor mental health including:

• Alcohol and drugs
• Poor parenting
• Illness and disability
• Abuse
• Traumatic events
• Poverty
• Unemployment
• Poor housing
• Poor education
• Stigma
• Discrimination

There are protective factors that can contribute to positive mental health including:

• Positive Parenting
• Confidence
• Physical activity
• A balanced and healthy diet
• Loving and respectful relationships
• Values and beliefs
• Stable home
• Rest

The 5 main actions for Mental Health First Aid

ALGEE

Approach the person, assess the situation and assist with any crisis

Listen and communicate without judgement

Give Support and information

Encourage the person to seek the appropriate professional help

Encourage other support

Mental health first aid for a panic attack

Panic attacks develop quickly and normally reach their peak within 10 minutes. Common indicators of a panic attack are:

• Sweating, trembling and shaking
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Fear of dying
• Feeling dizzy
• Palpitations or increased awareness of heartbeat

Ask the person if they know what is happening and if this has happened before, do not assume you know what they need, ask them if they know what might help them.

If the person is not known to you then introduce yourself and try to get them to a safe comfortable place to sit down.

Panic attacks can resemble a heart attack so try and determine if the person has had a panic attack before and if not administer or seek help for physical first aid.

Always communicate effectively, and reassure the person that the thoughts they are experiencing will pass. Acknowledge that their thoughts do feel real but they are safe. It is important you remain calm yourself.

Use distraction methods to try and move the person’s focus, and encourage them to think about things they can see, hear, smell and touch. Try to help them to take slow deep breaths to slow down their breathing.

Once the panic attack has subsided try to encourage the person to seek professional help to manage the attacks.

Mental Health First Aid for traumatic events

Traumatic events are the exposure to actual or threatened death, violation or serious injury. A person may be a witness to an accident and not directly involved but it would still be a traumatic event.

• Individual traumas can include accidents or assault which can be physical, emotional and sexual.
• Ongoing traumas can include abuse, neglect, bullying and torture.
• Mass traumas can include natural disasters, acts of terror and pandemics.

Most people will recover from experiencing a traumatic event within 2 to 4 weeks but some people will develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Sometimes memories of traumatic events can re-occur suddenly often weeks, months or years after the actual event.

A person may experience trauma immediately after experiencing an event but there may be a delayed reaction. If you are assessing someone you know has experienced a traumatic event you will need to look for signs of distress over the weeks following the trauma.

Let the person know that everyone deals with distress from trauma at their own pace.

If you are helping someone unknown to you then be sure to introduce yourself, try to create a safe space and give them water.

Try and use the focus technique to calm someone in distress.

DO NOT encourage the person to share the traumatic event with you, let them talk to you and do not share your own experiences or interrupt.

Mental Health First Aid for Suicide

Suicide is where a person has suicidal thoughts or behaviours. Thoughts are where the person feels they can no longer continue to live. Suicidal behaviour is the planning, preparation and acting on suicidal thoughts. For many years there has been a stigma around suicide; to counter this we must be careful with our language.

The phrase ‘commit suicide’ is not appropriate, this dates back to the time when suicide was a crime, it was in fact de-criminalised in 1961. When someone has died the terms ‘died by suicide’ or ‘took their own life’ are the appropriate terms to use.  We should never refer to an attempted suicide as successful or unsuccessful, the outcome is ‘life’ or ‘death’.

1 in 15 people have suicidal thoughts and 1 man dies every minute from suicide worldwide.

You are more likely to meet someone having suicidal thoughts than you are to meet someone having a heart attack.

Signs and symptoms of suicidal thoughts and behaviour include:

• Expressing an intent to hurt or kill themselves
• Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide
• Engaging in reckless activities
• Withdrawing from friends, family or society
• Seeking ways to kill themselves such as access to pills, weapons or other means

When helping a person who you believe is suicidal or having suicide thoughts, do not be afraid to ask the question – Are you having suicide thoughts? It is not a question that should be avoided. Ask them if they have a plan and how detailed the plan is, have they attempted suicide before? Have they told anyone else how they are feeling?

If the person requires immediate help then call 999, if they are not imminently in danger then seek help through organisations such as the Samaritans or text SHOUT to 85258.

Work with the person to create a plan to keep them safe.

As a Mental Health First Aider, you are not a qualified councillor or a professional trained to deal with long-term mental health illness, but you will be able to recognise when someone is experiencing poor mental health, provide initial support and point them in the right direction for more professional assistance.

Being a good listener, having empathy and understanding stigma and positive language around poor mental health are the qualities required to be a good Mental Health First Aider.   

Richard Austin

KFA Connect – Director

18/05/2023

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today.