Site Operations Centralized Through New Tracking System

 
Published: 30 November 2008
Tracking over 300 instrument systems distributed around the world is a challenging task.
Tracking over 300 instrument systems distributed around the world is a challenging task.

With more than 300 instrument systems operating at remote sites around the globe, ARM Instrument Mentors can now use the centralized Operations Support System (OSS) to review or provide updates to instrument tracking information in a central database accessible to operations staff throughout the user facility. By consolidating information previously recorded in separate tracking systems for the various ARM fixed sites, this important new capability will increase efficiency of operations throughout the user facility. In superseding these other systems, the OSS site-wide application improves single-point management and tracking of ARM assets.

Recognizing the importance of moving to a central tracking system, development and implementation of this new management capability was a monumental task. Initial efforts involved interviewing various operations personnel from all the sites to determine site-specific needs. After prioritizing tasks associated with those needs, work began to develop the system and migrate historical information from the other databases into the new system. Feedback from the initial release resulted in additional design work for usability, as well as a request for additional features related to instrument calibration procedures, shipping and receiving, and even synchronization.

The OSS is now the standard site-wide application for tracking inventory and events related to ARM systems and components. In 2009, three additional features are in the design or development phase for this system:

  • Management of shipping and receiving
  • Documentation and tracking of instrument calibration
  • Remote entry, collection, and the associated synchronization of OSS events.