AN innovative computer software programme developed by a Suffolk company has been shortlisted for a prestigious regional award. Felixstowe-based IP4 Ltd has developed intelligent software which is believes could revolutionise the way major corporations do business.

AN innovative computer software programme developed by a Suffolk company has been shortlisted for a prestigious regional award.

Felixstowe-based IP4 Ltd has developed intelligent software which is believes could revolutionise the way major corporations do business.

The new product, which it was created over the last two years in partnership with the University of Essex, is set to be available commercially within months.

Now both IP4 and the university have been shortlisted in the Lord Stafford Awards for innovations, which are aimed at encouraging closer links between universities and the business community and are being held in the East of England for the first time after enjoying success in the east and west midlands.

The technology analyses huge amounts of data to help large companies with decision-making, resulting in greater efficiency and improved performance.

It uses systems which have been tested in human resources but could be used effectively in the medical and financial service industries as well as a means of improving the efficiency of the internet.

Winner of the East of England awards will be announced at an event in Cambridge on March 31.

Professor Hani Hagras, director of the Computational Intelligence Centre at the University of Essex, who has been involved in the Knowledge Transfer Partnership project since it started in October 2006, said it was a “groundbreaking” piece of work with the potential to have some major benefits for business and commerce.

“This product represents a major shift in thinking in intelligent data analysis and decision support,” he said.

“We worked with IP4 Ltd to develop the system and have piloted it with one of their subsidiary companies, Sanctuary Personnel. The system has also been piloted in accountancy systems and car dealers management systems.”

Awards patron and chair of judges Lord Stafford said it was an “excellent” case of a company approaching a university to develop a piece of innovative software which could have major benefits in different industries.

Sanctuary, a specialist recruitment agency supplying care and social workers to more than 100 local authorities around the UK, used the software to support job allocation in human resources.

Sanctuary Personnel managing director James Rook said: “We receive thousands of CVs and job applications from around the world and matching applicants to posts has always been something of a challenge.

“We have been able to use the Intelligent Data Analysis and Decision Support Systems to improve markedly our efficiency and success in supplying staff.

“The software has had a positive impact in terms of human resources and we are confident it would prove equally successful in other fields.”