[BC] Can't solve it if you don't know about it

[Gordon Carter]

For years I have dreamed of consolidating the information in these
reports into a relational database that could be easily searched by
equipment type, problem, or any other number of criteria.  Of course,
this would also make a great budgeting tool.

My problem has been that in order to make this really effective, you
need some sort of free-form search engine that allows you to type in
words, phrases, etc. to search for.  I don't know how to do this with
any database program I can readily afford.  This sort of feature is what
you find in things like Google and other internet search engines.

Gordon S. Carter, CPBE, CBNT
Chief Engineer
WFMT and The Radio Network
5400 North St. Louis Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
773 279-2071

-----Original Message-----
From: broadcast-bounces at radiolists.net
[mailto:broadcast-bounces at radiolists.net] On Behalf Of Paul Christensen
Sent: Monday, July 31, 2006 8:38 AM
To: Broadcasters' Mailing List
Subject: Re: [BC] Can't solve it if you don't know about it

>"...pilot error), cause of problem, action taken to remedy problem.
When 
>it
is fixed, engineer removes red copy from equipment, returns yellow copy
to person originating the report (to confirm what was done so he knows
he wasn't ignored), and files white copy for future reference..."

That's a great tool for documenting problems.  It also closes the loop, 
so-to-speak with the person originating the malfunction report.

Taking the concept one step further, the reports form the basis for
monthly 
and annual statistical tracking of problems, including time off air, and

maintenance costs.   Costs can be further divided into functional area 
(e.g., studio, transmitter, network, etc.) The output then becomes a
driver 
for creating future operating budgets.  At budget time when you're asked
to 
justify why you need X dollars per month for repairs, you have
irrefutable 
evidence to back up your data.

We used either duplicate or triplicate carbon-copy forms as well and as
I 
recall, we used them at RKO Radio in Chicago.  I give Warren Shulz
credit 
for teaching me the statistical reporting aspect.  At any point in time,
he 
could (and often did) present this information to management as a 
justificiation for maintenance expenses.

I imagine that some stations and groups have since moved to a
computerized 
or web-based presentation for the collection and tracking of this data.

Paul


====================================
Paul Christensen, CPBE, CBNT
LAW OFFICE OF PAUL B. CHRISTENSEN, P.A.
3749 Southern Hills,  Jacksonville, Florida 32225
Office: (904) 379-7802   Facsimile: (904) 212-0050
pchristensen at ieee.org

.


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