HELIOS is not intended to function as a Fleet Management system. HELIOS performs basic asset tracking functions but is not currently a total asset management system. There is discussion on extending HELIOS's capabilities in asset tracking. Interfaces can be developed to link HELIOS to existing tools.

HELIOS is not intended to function as an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. HELIOS performs project requirement functions but is not a replacement for a dedicated ERP system. Interfaces can be developed to link HELIOS to existing ERP tools.

HELIOS is not intended to function as a Material Resource Planning (MRP) system. HELIOS performs project requirement functions but is not a replacement for a dedicated MRP system. Interfaces can be developed to link HELIOS to existing MRP tools.

No. Although HELIOS handles budget codes, exchange rates, it is expected that organisations will have dedicated financial systems. Interfaces can be developed to link HELIOS to these systems.

• Developed specifically for humanitarian logistics, with direction from humanitarian logistics professionals
• Fully functional both online and offline (without an Internet connection)
• Provides both field and headquarters perspectives
• Manages humanitarian supply chain in both disaster and 'steady state' situations
• Can be accessed online (ASP) or hosted on a humanitarian organization's own hardware
• Flexible: Organisations can select to only use certain modules
• A collaborative Project: The organisations deploying HELIOS are able to set the future direction of the HELIOS project.

HELIOS was developed using Microsoft .NET platform (currently on .Net 3.5). It is designed to run on the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 operating system, with Microsoft SQL Server 2005. To access it, users only need Internet Explorer browser version 5.0 or higher. HELIOS can be installed on a standalone laptop running Windows XP or better.

HELIOS can be integrated with an organization's ERP, Procurement, Financial or other legacy systems via standard XML tools.

HELIOS can be accessed from PCs running at least Windows 95 or 98 and an Internet Explorer browser version 5.0 or higher. Organizations opting to use HELIOS on a standalone laptop at least Windows XP. The latest version currently requires VISTA.

By subscribing to the project, organisations get technical support for HELIOS is available from anywhere in the world. Humanitarian organizations implementing HELIOS will be expected to provide first-level support for their own user community. Any issues that cannot be resolved by the organization's first-level support group can be escalated to HELIOS second-level support via online resources such as the issue tracker and support webiste as well as by telephone, Skype and email. For more information on HELIOS Technical Support, contact Fritz Institute's HELIOS Product Manager Fraser Stephens at fraser.stephens@fritzinstitute.org.

HELIOS was developed as a joint effort between Fritz Institute, Blue Star Infotech of Mumbai, India, and Blue Star's U.S. partner Iris Logic. There has also been considerable support and input from the piloting organisations.

HELIOS is not a commercial application, therefore the project has only to ensure that support costs are met and that the right resources are in place to guarantee that the project thrives and has a secure future. To join the HELIOS User Group an initial fee is charged to help support the user group. There are no licences costs, but the maintenance costs need to be met. As these are shared between organisations they are kept as low as possible. For further information on HELIOS pricing, contact Fritz Institute's HELIOS Product Manager Fraser Stephens at fraser.stephens@fritzinstitute.org.

Humanitarian organizations interested in implementing HELIOS should contact Fraser Stephens at fraser.stephens@fritzinstitute.org.  Because of the stage the project is at, we can't engage immediately with every organisation that has approached us, however we are building this capacity and aim to have a full engagement programme ready soon. This will be a structured implementation process that guides the organization through an evaluation of HELIOS, business case development, business process analysis, project management, and post implementation process improvement.