[ANSS-netops] Database

[David S. Croker]

Nathan and Bob,

That's a really interesting idea.  I can see it's merits.  I like the 
idea of having the text-based templates too in order to keep things a 
bit organized. I would be interested in seeing examples of the 
different types you have.

Dave

At 11:51 AM 2/9/2009, Robert Busby wrote:
>Hello netops,
>The EarthScope Transportable Array uses a system for station visits
>quite similar to that Nathan describes which was based, in turn, on a
>similar system at Caltech for the SCSN.
>We have text based templates for various types of station visits;
>construction, installation, service, removal.  The message is sent from
>the tech's own mail account to a maillist.
>The subject line includes the type of visit and the station code.  One
>of the recipients in the maillist is a program that archives the email
>and puts the message in a preformed station reports web page for that
>station.
>Other maillist recipients can easily access the messages, sort and
>search either within their own mail client or on the web based tool.  We
>also maintain an equipment inventory database but this
>captures details of the specific equipment (purchase date,
>modifications, version, other key information) and does not attempt to
>describe the station details.  The installation and service report includes
>serial numbers of equipment.  I can provide some examples if interested.
>
>For us, this email system has scaled very well to activities which might
>include 5-8 visit postings a day.  Attachments, photos, or unusual messy
>details are easily accommodated. A side benefit is that
>it builds a bit of a community, as recipients are aware of other
>people's efforts (in trying conditions) and the reporting can be
>engaging and entertaining, depending on the circumstances.
>Even account administrators can use the reports to corroborate invoices
>or billed activities-reducing the need to compile and file additional
>reports.  It serves many purposes.
>It is also easy to execute in the field or back at the hotel, but does
>not require an online connection-at least while creating a report.
>
>One problem that is solved by the web based archive is  its easy review
>the history of a station over a few years.  One entry we find useful is
>to convey items to be done on the next visit.
>cheers,
>Robert Busby
>
>Nathan L Edwards wrote:
> > Hey all,
> >
> > We are looking to implement something similar.  Someone I talked 
> with said their lab was just using a shared email account (say, 
> stationvisit at seismo.unr.edu) just for station visits which all 
> techs have the password for.  Visit records are sent to the account 
> from the tech's account, and records are reviewed from the 
> stationvisit account.  No database to construct, highly portable, 
> and it's easily searchable by date, tech (from line) and station 
> (subject line), and you can easily send records to your own email 
> account.  As an added bonus, this can easily be done from a 
> Blackberry in the field (where there's coverage anyway).  We 
> haven't yet decided if this is what we will be doing, but I thought 
> it might be worth sharing.
> >
> > -Nathan
> >
> > Nathan Edwards
> > Development Technician
> > Nevada Seismological Laboratory
> > University of Nevada Reno
> > Reno, NV 89557-0174
> > o:  775-784-1106
> > m:  775-303-5899
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: anss-netops-bounces at geohazards.usgs.gov on behalf of John H. Parker
> > Sent: Thu 2/5/2009 9:51 AM
> > To: anss-netops at geohazards.usgs.gov
> > Subject: [ANSS-netops] Database
> >
> > Hello,
> >
> > I wanted to ask if anyone is using a database to keep track not only of
> > their equipment, but their service visits. I have been working on one in
> > Microsoft Access, but if somebody else has already done this please let
> > me know.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > John Parker
> > Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI)
> > University of Memphis
> >
> >
>
>--
>============================================================
>Robert W. Busby
>Transportable Array Manager                     508-801-7628
>USArray / EarthScope                            37 Haynes Avenue
>www.earthscope.org/usarray                      Falmouth MA USA 02540-2312
>
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