July

Our Annual User Feedback Survey revealed the need for a couple of new modules that will be added later this calendar year. Both modules directly address the need to save keystrokes on data entry.

We’re planning to begin investigative work, next month, on a voice operated data entry module, which would enable our users to input data over a microphone interface, and/or, utilize the standard keyboard and/or mouse input. This will provide another option for data entry. You currently enter data with just the mouse, just the keyboard, or whatever combination of mouse and keyboard you choose. The Voice Data entry module will provide another option for data entry.

Also, in the area of data entry, we will be investigating a standardized form (this is somewhat complicated by having systems in 20+ states) for Cost Accounting and/or Fund Accounting entries, and, then scanning and OCR-ing of these documents. - thus eliminating nearly all manual (keyboard, mouse or voice) data entry.

As usual, both modules (not including the scanning and/or voice entry hardware should be under $1,000 for our current system users, if they elect to utilize these modules). The software cost for these modules will be our usual for current users; i.e., absolutely zero additional cost.

May

Made several modifications to Nebraska State Reports, Optimized an inventory audit utility, Updated Kansas State AR2 Utility and Added the Visual R&B IMS Configurator, which provides 2003 module level pricing.

April

Added Permitting Module for tracking and follow-up on all permits issued by your department. Documents the Application Process, People involved, Location(s) involved, Inspections and other relevant Permitting information. Added Estimated cost field for Preventive Maintenance procedures.

March

Added (in addition to existing Numeric Commodity Code module) and integrated an Alpha based Inventory Commodity Code. Now, you may use alpha or numeric commodity codes. Added and integrated an Equipment Parts Warranty File (for tracking individual parts under warranty after the part(s) are installed on your equipment). Added and integrated a multiple Pay Rate file to account for those employees who may work under more than one pay rate; i.e., on FEMA projects, when they work different jobs, etc.

Added posting shortcut so you can use the Purchase Order module (in Complete Accounting module), but, then post directly to Fund Accounting Lite, thereby saving many key strokes (over using the Complete Accounting module; which entails, after creating Purchase Orders, closing Receivers on items purchased when they are recevied, closing Accounts Payable when vendor is paid, and tracking payments through Accounts Payable history.

Added several elements and a Daily Chemical Spraying Report to the Weed Control Module which has GIS hooks so you can see (on GIS) where you have sprayed and the type of noxious weed. These (GIS) hooks mean you can visually track noxious weed propagation in your City or County.

February

Added several State Specific reports for GA, KS, NE, TX, FEMA Rates, and other generic reporting. Architected several shortcuts to save data entry keystrokes when purchasing items that will be used immediately, and post directly to the Cost Accounting module. Integrated keystroke saving routine between Purchase Orders in Accounting Module and Fund Accounting Purchases.

January

Added a Partial Units Converter for Material units applied. The Converter is primarily used when converting, for instance (in your Equipment Maintenance Shop) an inventory quantity of a barrel of oil (of any size), to the actual amount used in an (for instance) oil change; i.e, applying a 12 quarts of oil (or any quantity) when the inventory quantity is a a 55 gallon drum (or, any size drum, etc.) of oil.

Conversions from an inventory base quantity (barrels, drums, etc.) to the units used/applied (quarts, pints, pounds, ounces, etc.) are automatic; only one mouse click. You may also add your own local custom conversion basis to the Converter. It also automatically calculates the converted cost basis. We've also added two new Cost Analysis Reports; by Township and by Road/Street (Detail and Summary level).

2002 Enhancements

Table 1.4. 2002 Enhancements

2001 Enhancements

Table 1.5. 2001 Enhancements

2000 Enhancements

October

Added Compressed Archived Backup capability to enable our system users to perform data backups, to any type of fixed or removable media, with just a couple of mouse clicks.

July

Introducing Visual R&B IMS, featuring:

• Charting/Graphing Pictures are worth a 1,000 numbers

  • Current Fiscal Year Operations.
  • Department Budget to Actual Spending.
  • Project actual cost to project budget.

• Visual GIS Editor

  • Add new roads/streets to keep your GIS current.
  • Develop custom spatial analysis for your location.
  • Subset maps for custom views.

• Visual Report Writer

  • Develop/design custom reports visually
  • What-you-see-is-what-you-get Report Writer
  • Add pictures to your forms and documents

• Graphics Library (integrated with GIS lookups)

  • Signs
  • Bridges
  • Culverts
  • Equipment
  • Projects
  • Noxious Weed identification library
  • Maintenance Cost Spatial Data Analysis

• Two Training Slide Shows (Built in)

• Optional Digital Satellite photos of your city or county

• Optional Digital 3-D Topos of your city or county

Prior to the introduction of Version 6.00 in November 1999, the Road and Bridge Integrated Management System went through the following versions:

• Version 5.xx (1997) Windows 3.xx, WIN95, NT 3.51/4.xx and IBM OS/2
• Version 4.xx (1996) 32-Bit DOS implementation with GIS support
• Versions 1- 3 (1993 - 1995) 16-Bit DOS implementations

Our software includes the first 12 months Support, Upgrades and Technical Assistance