FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 4, 1998
A&L Computer Software Wins Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Chinese Canadians Celebrate Business Excellence
Richmond Hill, ON … Alex Yuan, founder and
president of A&L Computer Software Ltd. has received
the prestigious 1998 "Entrepreneur of the Year"
award from the Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs,
the organization’s highest honour for business excellence.
The Chinese Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year award, sponsored
by the Bank of Nova Scotia, recognizes the vision, leadership
and innovation that Yuan has brought to the software industry
in Canada, and the role that A&L Computer Software Ltd.
has played in improving health care delivery with the introduction
of the first comprehensive electronic health network in
Ontario. It also recognizes his record of achievement in
community service.
Yuan who is 40, was previously honoured for his accomplishments
in 1995, when he was presented with the distinguished "Business
Entrepreneur of the Year" award by the Town of Richmond
Hill.
Since its inception in 1982, A&L has grown rapidly and
now ranks as one of the leading medical software development
companies in Canada. A&L has achieved its leadership
position in a competitive market by providing high-quality
systems to clients at a reasonable price and by implementing
leading-edge software solutions that improve business performance
and reduce costs. The company reported a 44 percent increased
in gross sales in 1997 and continues to invest more than
$500,000 each year in research and development.
A&L Computer Software Ltd. set the standard in the industry
when it launched its document imaging software called Document
Console in 1994 and continues to expand its operation to
meet the increased demand for high quality software in global
markets. In 1997, the company established its first US dealership
and client centre in Fallbrook, California, enhancing its
North American presence.
A&L Document Console provides document storage solutions
that can significantly reduce the estimated 2.7 billion
new sheets of paper that are filed globally in offices each
day. It is a virtual filing cabinet with its own built-in
database that allows users to create, build and control
electronic filing systems that best suit their needs. The
high security system built into A&L software makes it
the product of choice for doctors, lawyers, hospitals, security
firms, police and insurance companies that rate confidentiality
of records their highest priority.
Document Console replaces the need for paper and microfilm
archiving and provides significant savings for business
by eliminating the need for off-site and additional office
storage space. With its compression capabilities, 39,000
pages of text can be stored in as little as 650 megabytes,
the equivalent of one compact disc.
In 1995, A&L brought together the precise resources
needed when it launched, along with HTN Incorporated, the
first comprehensive transactional health network for the
Ontario health care industry. The Windows-based software
supports all elements of an integrated "Smart System"
for health care delivery with electronic OHIP billing, patient
scheduling, E-mail communication and its capability for
laboratory requisitions and pharmacy prescription transmission.
A&L software is currently used by over 4000 Ontario
doctors and in 12 Ontario community colleges for student
training. Over 300 medical secretary graduates have received
their formal education each year using the A&L program.
The company holds an annual Business Information Forum for
physicians and support staff, provides personal, on-line
telephone support from its head office and technical support
through its associate client centres throughout Ontario.
Its popular bimonthly newsletter "Softwords" keeps
users informed on the capabilities of the software.
" While A&L provided the vision and special expertise
required to introduce the first transactional health network,
we want to give credit to the major health stakeholders
such as the Ontario Medical Association, Ontario Ministry
of Health, medical laboratories and pharmacists who worked
with us and made it possible to deliver a secure network
that meets the continuing needs of all health care providers
at a reasonable cost," said Yuan.
When the software was launched in 1995, Yuan had anticipated
and resolved the Year 2000 compliant issues for physicians
and OHIP billing.
Yuan’s vision, leadership and perseverance, some of the
qualities that account for his business success, also make
him the driving force behind a wide range of community projects
and fund-raising initiatives.
In 1993, A&L Computer Software Ltd. donated 33 percent
of its software revenue to support the University of Toronto
capital campaign and the Yee Hong Centre For Geriatric Care.
In addition to serving on the Board of the Centre for several
years and as Vice-chair of Information Systems, Yuan built
an integrated computer system for the Chinese nursing home,
donating his time, as well as the hardware and software.
He is the founder and chair of the S’port for Kids Foundation,
a not-for-profit organization that raises funds for amateur
sports associations across Ontario and inspires young people
to achieve their personal best through their interest in
sport. Last year, A&L Computer Software Ltd. teamed
up with the Town of Richmond Hill in a joint campaign to
solicit corporate sponsorship for the financial support
of Richmond Hill sports teams and local sporting activities.
Yuan also serves as a Director and Treasurer of the Medical
Software Developer Association of Ontario (MSDAO) and a
Director of the Ontario Medical Secretaries Association
(OMSA).
