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Background
When B-liner was first released in the early 90's it was used mostly by programmers and analysts to design, analyze and document programs using Warnier/Orr diagrams. Warnier/Orr diagrams are still a core B-liner technology and we remain dedicated to continually improving them. For example, this release has added the ability to define procedures. Today, however, B-liner is more than a Warnier/Orr diagrammer. Over the past 10 years, B-liner has evolved into a general purpose hierarchical productivity tool. It's used by people from all walks of life: students, lawyers, business analysts, marketing managers, product support and ministers.
Representative Customers
ADP 
Allied Signal 
American Express 
Bechtel
BC Hydro and Power Authority 
Caterpillar, Inc. 
CNA Insurance 
Coca-Cola Bottling Company 
Compaq 
Coulter 
Department of Motor Vehicles
DST
Duke Energy 
Federal Express 
First Pacific Corporation 
Franchise Tax Board 
GlaxoWellcome 
Hewlett-Packard 
Honeywell 
Hudson Bay Company 
Litton 
MCI WorldCom
Miami Herald Publishing 
Peoplesoft 
State of California 
State of Florida 
State of Kansas
State of Illinois
State of Ohio 
State of Nevada
State of Wash
SunQuest
USAA 
Representative Colleges and Universities
Aquinas College 
Babson College 
California State University 
Capital University 
Franklin Pierce College 
Lansing Community College 
McMaster University 
Montana State University 
Portland Community College 
Queens College 
SUNY 
University of California 
University of Kansas 
University of Maryland 
University of Massachusetts 
University of Miami 
University of Phoenix 
Washburn University 
Customer Comments
  B-liner helps us to analyze complex issues and problems and, perhaps more importantly, share the analysis with others through a simple AND powerful form. 

We use B-liner to: 

  • develop the structure and content of classes and presentations 
  • test the relationship between ideas (and not just simple processes) 
  • analyze the logic of complex offers and counteroffers 
  • even brainstorm new ideas 
B-liner is an essential part of my own analytical toolkit. 

I have used the new spreadsheet feature to develop and present urgent project proposals, and to develop and test the logic and relationships of processes.  With the spreadsheet feature, I can create specialized grids which work directly with a visible and simple structure that immediately demonstrates the consequences of any discussed changes.  Project management tools are wonderful and we use them, but B-liner helps us to understand and demonstrate the logical consequences of changes. 

  Michael Hale  -  Principal  - Hale & Associates LLC

  I have been working as a computer programmer in the diverse world of applications development for many years.  Through all these years, I have used many tools to organize and design solutions to solve data processing problems. 

I have been using B-liner as an excellent tool to communicate, and document information systems.  It is a tool that is very easy to use and understand.  It is a tool that is easy to get people to use.  It is a tool that allows programmers to write correct programs that usually run on the very first try. 

I will recommend this product to every one who wants to organize anything in a logical and effective way. 

  German Chaves  -  Consultant

  I use B-liner in many different ways.  I am currently a project manager in an IT area at CNA Insurance.  I originally bought the B-liner product to use as a Warnier/Orr diagramming tool.  This worked well for the analysis of business processes/requirements. 

Analysis/Design Tool

This worked so well we have also used it in conjunction with a data flow diagram.  We took the data flow diagram and only did 2 levels of decomposition.  The subsequent levels were then handled with B-liner.  This produced a very clear document which our Business Users loved, especially the cross-referenced first page which gives a high level overview of the document. 

After analysis we continued to use the tool for design.  We added sections for tables/object/classes, etc.

Development Documentation Tool
I have also used this tool for describing the environment in which a system has been implemented - everything from platforms to database names / accounts and program names  / locations.  This has become invaluable document for transitioning a project to new people. 

We did not use this tool for pseudo coding.  Instead we used it to document the program flows, i.e. which program calls which other programs and a high level logic description / flow.

General Organization Tool
Used for the following general functions: 
  • Keep track of names/telephone numbers
  • General information organized by subject
  • Meeting notes
  • etc...
Being that I came from an Engineering background, this tool allows me to organize almost any topic into a very logical, easy to follow format.  Whereas others (without the help of B-liner) try to organize notes in a text format, I can organize the same set of notes in a much shorter document that is much clearer.
In my profession it is a requirement to sell ideas in a clear concise format.  Effective communication skills are a requirement for a project high acceptance.  I feel this tool has helped me communicate ideas clearly. 
  Chad Cooper - IT Project Manager - CNA Insurance

  I have used Warnier/Orr diagrams for at least 15 years.  The problem has always been the time involved not only with constructing them, but allocating the time to keep them up to date as the project progresses. 

With B-liner on my notebook computer, I am now able to construct solutions in front of a class or project development group.  It makes walk-throughs and dynamic changes easy to do.  This is not possible using the old paper approach.  Six team members would come out of the meeting with six different diagrams. 

I use the spreadsheet feature to quickly scope a project by defining the task along the critical path and attaching rough time estimates to them.  I have now made it a point to use B-liner in front of any programming classes I teach.  It makes a very good impression, and I am always asked to post on the board the URL where it can be obtained. 

  W. Clifton Oliver, CCP  -  Owner/ Consultant  -  Clifton Oliver & Associates

  B-liner is the only EASY-TO-USE tool available for expeditious generation of Warnier/Orr diagrams.  We have used the diagrams for customer documentation.  I have also used the product for the following: 
  • algorithmic description of an activity, i.e. instructions to do something 
  • work breakdown structure 
  • decision tree (this is where the spreadsheet feature can really help) 
  • prototype fault tree analysis 
  • project taxonomy 
  • quick organization charts 
  • analysis of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 
  Kim H. Pries - Software, Labs, & Documentation Director - Pollak Electronic Products Division


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