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1. What platform do I need for PSIMS systems? 2. What mapping systems are supported? 3. What E911 systems are supported? 4. Are State and NCIC queries integrated? 5. What mobile systems are supported? 6. Does the CAD system have fully integrated mapped ALI capabilities? 7. Does the licensing allow for adding more workstations in the future? 8. Is there a command line interface for CAD functions? 9. Does CAD System should allow for messaging? 10. Does the CAD System provide historical data for incidents? 13. What information is gathered during a call? 14. Are tables modifyable and dynamically updated without having to take 15. Can information be entered in any sequence? 16. Do high priority functions initiate with minimum operator activity? 19. Can the system initiate events with only the event location and event type information? 20. Do modifications to the event type database take effect immediately? 21. Does the event record should track the source of the call automatically? 22. Is additional event information entered via preformatted screens? 24. How are addresses entered into the system? 25. Does the CAD assign dispatch priority indicators to every event? 27. Does the system support Unit recommendations? 28. Can the dispatcher override or supplement the Unit recommendations? 29. What actions does the CAD system perform when a call is created? 30. How is data entered once a call is in progress? 32. Is it possible to update/display closed calls? 33. How can incident narratives easily be entered? 34. Are event updates logged by time, date, operator, and position? 36. Can event data be printed? 37. Is an event automatically closed after the last unit assigned to it has cleared? 38. Is system capable of assigning multiple user defined disposition codes 39. Is it possible to dispatch a busy unit to another call? 40. Can the dispatcher reopen previously closed calls? 42. How does the dispatcher cancel any unit from an event? 43. Does the system record all unit activity to a unit log? 44. How are units put on duty or added to the available units list? 46. Are Unit Status values customizable by the administrator? 47. Does the system provide query functions for historical data? 48. 6.23.1 What security does the system employ? 49. What training is provided?
What platform do I need for PSIMS systems: All Cushing Technologies Inc. systems are Windows 32-bit multi-threaded, three tier applications using MS SQL Server as their database. Whist the system has no significant demands Cushing Technologies Inc. recommends that the database reside on a “server quality” machine with at least 1GB of RAM. Standard commercial workstations are sufficient for all client computers. All data displayed is browser based HTML format using the Microsoft Internet Explorer engine – either within our application modules or when used with a native browser. THERE ARE NO CUSHING TECHNOLOGIES INC. PER-SEAT CHARGES – THE APPLICATION CAN BE INSTALLED ON ANY COMPUTER IN THE AGENCY. What mapping systems are supported?The E911 mapping systems supported are:
The base system supports all standard E911 serial interfaces – examples being Motorola’s CentraLink and CML’s ECS1000. PSIMS also supports the CMS Sentinal API. Are State and NCIC queries integrated?PSIMS includes a State/NCIC module so that dispatchers have immediate access to pertinent data for traffic stops, field contacts etc. automatically. No dual entry is required. What mobile systems are supported?In addition to the Cushing Technologies Inc. mobile software, PSIMS provides full integration to Motorola’s Premier MDC product. Does the CAD system have fully integrated mapped ALI capabilities? The Cushing Technologies Inc. PSIMS CAD will display both call and vehicle information with appropriate status information on the map. Each dispatcher workstation is recommended to have the maps display on a separate monitor but the view will be driven from the CAD. Does the licensing allow for adding more workstations in the future? PSIMS systems have NO PER SEAT charges and may be deployed to any and all connected workstations in the department. This permits command and other supervisory personnel to have access to the system according to the privileges assigned to their user ID. No client software is installed on any workstation – all programs run from a mapped network location.Telecommunicators are generally performing both Call Taking and Dispatching functions at each PSAP. Is the CAD capable of providing both unified and diversified functionality at each PSAP workstation.PSIMS CAD is a three tier client server system. Multiple workstations may be configured to use the system without incurring extra Cushing Technologies License fees.
Does CAD System should allow for messaging? PSIMS CAD contains a messaging system with permits users from any workstation running the system to inter-communicate. This messaging system also applies to mobile users. Does the CAD System provide historical data for incidents? PSIMS CAD provides multiple search features as well as performing many automated searches when data is initially entered. For any given call there is a history and warning response. A button is enabled on the dispatcher which automatically retrieves information from all of these sources combined in to a single response. The following example shows where for a given call the complainant’s history, his residence history, the suspect’s history, his address history and the event location history are all combined into a single HTML response.
Does the CAD system provide the ability to provide and add supplemental information on Persons, Vehicle and Property during an event? This data must also be able to be queried through other sources such as RMS, State/NCIC, etc. as needed.The system allows for the addition for persons, vehicles and articles. Following is an Add Person screen which can be accessed by using either a button on the primary display or the command line “ADD P”: As activity occurs log entries are made to provide full audit capability. For example in the command line a dispatcher may enter “NARR 40 584 ADVISES TELCO ON SCENE” which will add a narrative to call 40. When the call is viewed this entry appears:
Within the call log, entries for each activity are created. At 11:36 we can see the entry for the narrative addition. This table cannot be modified within the system.
What information is gathered during a call? As a call progresses information is continually gathered based on activity, locations, persons, vehicles, etc. Some information is related only to the call other information may reside in master index files.For example, a location will have items such as hazardous materials, photos, SOP, employee phones etc. However, events at that location are dynamically determined by examining the calls for service history in the indexed database.The system only shows data that has been entered or somehow associated with the call. PSIMS uses HTML to display this information in Web-style pages. These pages only contain fields where data is included reducing the need to search forms containing many blank fields.Call reports contain all the information associated with the call.
Are tables modifyable and dynamically updated without having to take the system offline? Almost without exception the system pick list tables may be modified without any interruption. Two security tables may require administrator intervention so that changes can take effect immediately. Can information be entered in any sequence? The system requires minimal information to create a call so that operators are not unduly delayed. Information may be later added from any workstation.Call creation only needs to know what is occurring where. Complainant information or miscellaneous narrative can wait until the call is dispatched, or while is it being dispatched.Fire/EMS calls are often created using a single screen when almost all of the information has been predetermined from the 911 ANI/ALI. The dispatcher only needs to override the fields that are not to their liking.In the following example, the ANI/ALI information gives us the assumed complainant and location and from that the responding units can be recommended.
Do high priority functions initiate with minimum operator activity? Event initiation is performed in one of three ways. First the dispatcher can select to created an event using one of the “Qucik Call” trigger buttons:
Or an E911 call appears and one of the event types may be select from the button panel on that screen:
Or the dispatcher can crate a generic call from the command line.A typical law enforcement call would initially request complainant information,
The “?” buttons provide index searched for people or phone numbers if a minimal search argument is entered – e.g. “D” is enough to search all names beginning with “D”. Or “123” in the phone number will return all persons whose phone number contains that string of numbers. The fields can then be auto-filled from a successful search.
Name and address are carried forward from the complainant entry screen and if they match the location of the event, only and event type has to be chosen.
Events may be recalled by selecting the item from the primary dispatched and double-clicking on the line, selecting the view button or entering a VIEW command. The call is presented in HTML format with buttons below to perform other functions.
One of those functions may be to reopen the call. If an update function is selected, then the user is presented an update/add selection screen. Does the system provide an ability to receive calls and initiate events from the following sources – E911, Standard Phone, Walk-in, Officer, etc? An E911call will immediately pop-up a parsed ANI/ANL screen from which a call can be immediately created selection one of the appropriate response buttons. For non-emergency calls the dispatcher may use the “Officer” or “Public” Quick Call buttons on the console or by the associated keystroke identified beside the button.
Selecting one of these will begin an appropriate form fill operation to gather the necessary data.Scheduled events will automatically appear in the “Unassigned Calls” list one hour (or as otherwise determined) prior to the event.
6.21 When initiating an event received via the E9-1-1 system, is all ALI (Automatic Location Identification) information transferred into the appropriate fields of the CAD screen? Following select of a call type from the parsed ANI/ALI screen the user will continue, in law enforcement situations, to the Complainant information. This screen will have been populated from the E911 data:
Can the system initiate events with only the event location and event type information? For public source initiated calls only the location and type of call are mandatory. The complainant can be skipped. For officer initiated calls, the unit will dictate the department and only the minimal data is required – e.g.on a traffic stop a plate and location. .Do modifications to the event type database take effect immediately? All pick list modifications are immediately broadcast to active stations and changes are immediately in effect. Does the event record should track the source of the call automatically? For officer initiated, wireline E911 and wireless E911 the system automatically assigns the call source. When completing the call narrative the user may override this choice or may select one if none has been assigned.
Is additional event information entered via preformatted screens? Following are the initial screens used to gather call information. As mentioned earlier, only minimal information is required and the operator will be referred back to these screens or similar ones when adding data later in the process.For EMS or Fire calls the entry is simplified to a single screen:
Law enforcement calls require the option to enter greater detail and have more options:
Officer initiated calls are always quick fill single form screens:
Does the CAD system support the generation of multiple agency events for a single call entry (i.e., police, fire, EMS)? The system supports either one record of service with multiple agencies responding or one record per responding agency. During the operational phase the dispatcher sees the event as a single entity. How are addresses entered into the system? Whenever addresses are entered the user has a number of options ranging from a field by field entry or generalized entry in a single field. Whatever is entered is then validated against a variety of sources based on the style of entry. Full Field Entry:
Free Form Entry:
In free form entries, a keyword such as “Library” will automatically be expanded into “TOWNSHIP LIBRARY, 44 E ELM PL, TOWNSHIP, IL, 66666” and the appropriate individual fields populated.Unrecognized entries can be treated in a number of ways. The system can enforce entry until a valid location is obtained or it can be overridden at the user’s discretion to be fixed later. Does the CAD assign dispatch priority indicators to every event? All calls receive an initial priority based on their event type. The dispatcher can override this initial value according to the situation or current call load. Can the dispatcher select any event for actions (e.g., dispatch, update, etc.), not only the first in queue? The system uses a single view as the dispatcher’s “home” screen which contains three lists – Unassigned (Pending) Calls, Units (with various filtering options) and Assigned Calls. These three lists represent the current operational view for the agency or group of agencies.
The primary method of managing the dispatcher desktop is using a mouse. But for most mouse activities there is a command line equivalent.
The command line is accessed by pressing F3 and the typing your command. In the example above, Unit T5 is being given a status of ENROUTE. The system knows already to which call unit T5 is assigned.Selecting a call or unit is a simple process achieved by mouse or command line.Using a mouse, the dispatcher may drag and drop units onto or off a call and vice versa.
A shadow of the assigned unit shows as the operator drags it to the call.Using the command line, to assign unit 3L15 to call number 22 the dispatcher simply types AS 3L15 22 or AS 22 3L15. The system will determine which is the call number and which is the unit, unless the value exist in both categories, in which case a prompt for clarification will appear.The sequence of the lists or which calls are selected is purely a matter of user discretion. Does the system support Unit recommendations? For either Law Enforcement calls or Fire/EMS calls the submission screens present a list of units that have been pre-selected as suggested responders. This mechanism for this depends upon a number of factors: Type of call and responding agency
The following example comes from a Fire/EMS dispatch where responder is determined by district. The dispatcher may of course override the suggested units or supplement the suggested units with other from the list. Only available units will be shown in this list.If the primary units for a given determined zone are either busy or out of service, agency defined “Move Up” and “Jump” lists will be used to determine the next suitable replacements.
The event type may be used to dictate the recommended units to respond. For each event code any number of specific units may be recommended. Nearest unit calculation requires an AVL system that has not been proposed in this bid response. The Move-Up list may be used to signify which zone unit will backup a primary. Can the dispatcher override or supplement the Unit recommendations? The dispatcher may simply override or amend the selected units by simply clicking on or off the choices. What actions does the CAD system perform when a call is created? Once the dispatcher has entered the call information, completed the unit selection and presses “Submit” (or hits Enter) the system will:
How is data entered once a call is in progress? On the dispatcher desktop are a series of buttons that become active whenever a call is selected. The buttons, or their associated command line text, may be used to add or update data related to a call. They are:
How are events recalled for review, entry of update information, or to dispatch additional units? The dispatcher desktop is a multifunction display providing an overall view of events in progress and the status of all units.
Certainly there are occasions when the dispatcher will change from the primary view to refer to other information. But typically this is the dispatchers “home” screen. At any time a mouse click or command may be used to select or update any information. Is it possible to update/display closed calls? The dispatcher, or those who have system access, can refer to the Shift Log at any time for any period for which the system has data – this may be from use for from historical data that has been imported into the system.The each column title also acts as a sort mechanism – by default calls for service are displayed in ascending date order. The user may click on any title to sort by that column – first in ascending order and if selected again the reverse.
A calendar is provided to allow the user to select a given day for viewing. When a call is selected, the HTML view of the event is presented. The user may select to update information or add new information to the record by selecting the “Update” button and choosing an update function from the options presented.
How can incident narratives easily be entered? This is best achieved through the command line where the operator continually enters narratives as data becomes available. This method provides a number of advantages. First by entering data in pieces it is immediately broadcast to all applicable workstations. Secondly others may also be entering narrative pieces so a more accurate time stamp is attached showing the flow of activity.Of course the system has a form fill method of data entry which will permit large blocks of narrative to be added. This is typically used after the event so that initial reports may be completed.
Are event updates logged by time, date, operator, and position? The call log records all entries by time stamp, user and workstation.
Is the system truly multitasking so that information is immediately available at workstations from all sources? All PSIMS systems are multi-user, multi-tasking and support entry to an event from any authorized workstation – fixed or mobile.When pertinent information is available for a call and the dispatcher is on the primary desktop view, then that call entry will be bolded to show an update has occurred. The dispatcher simply has to click on the call line to get the data. This is most prevalently used to signify that State/NCIC data has been received.
Can event data be printed? Where applicable a print button is usually indicated on the lower right of the view.
The filter button to the left is used to limit the data to be show and printed. Is an event automatically closed after the last unit assigned to it has cleared? The last unit is cleared from an event by the dispatcher closing the call. Simply unassigning a unit leaves the call in progress so that other may be assigned. Is system capable of assigning multiple user defined disposition codes when closing any call? The closing dispositions for a call are defined in administrator managed pick lists. When the dispatcher chooses to close a call the following screen appears where the default dispositions have already been pre-selected.
Is it possible to dispatch a busy unit to another call? Units may be assigned to multiple calls or the system can automatically unassign a unit from a call is assigned to another. In the latter case, if no other units are assigned to the call it is returned to the Unassigned Calls list.In call entry, by default, if a unit is not available it will not be presented as option for initial selection. However this list can be configured to contain all units. In which case a rule would have to be added to prompt the dispatcher to confirm the selection and act accordingly. Can the dispatcher reopen previously closed calls? When a closed call is selected in the shift log, a “Reopen” button will appear in the button row. Selecting this will reopen the call and put it in the unassigned list for action.
Does the system support actions to clear a unit from a call and return the call to the pending queue for re-dispatch? By selecting the “UNASSIGN” status for the unit or dragging the unit off the call will requeue the call in the unassigned list. How does the dispatcher cancel any unit from an event? The “UNASSIGN” command or status selection achieves this. Does the system record all unit activity to a unit log? All unit activity is recorded to a unit log, and where appropriate duplicated in to the call log. How are units put on duty or added to the available units list? The unit sign-on screen all allows for these fields. Units may be dynamically added and removed, or be permanently on roster.
Does CAD system should allow for the entry of beginning and ending mileage as part of a unit status change when transporting subjects? The change status screen allows for selecting a status and adding qualifying information for that state.For prisoner transport, the mileage would be entered in the remarks. It will show on both the unit list, unit log and call log.
Are Unit Status values customizable by the administrator? The unit status table is completely customizable. Even the choice of “AT SCENE” or “AT SCENE” is a departmental preference and the system has a way of know the meaning of this particular status regardless of the words. Status can be tagged as being FIRE, EMS or POLICE and will only be shown where appropriate. Does the system provide query functions for historical data? The Search sub system provides easy to use screen to generate queries.Queries may be entered for Calls, Persons, Locations, Vehicles, Articles, etc. Each major type has refinements to narrow the search results. For example, a search for all traffic stops for the month of May of 2004 would be:
The result would be a list like:
6.23.1 What security does the system employ? Every Cushing Technologies user program requires a logon procedure to be completed before access is given to the functions of the program.
Users are validated against the primary Windows Active Directory of the agency and the system gains permissions from either Active Directory groups or data specified optional system tables.All users are controlled by the Active Directory. PSIMS does not require a separate security system. However, individual levels may be set by the system administrator using a facility only accessible by persons with that level of authorization. The initial such user is created at installation time.All workstations have to be identified by name to the system so only authorized computers can run the programs even though the executable file can be accessed by others. What training is provided? Cushing Technologies Inc. provides full training to all staff over a two day period. These classes can be either of a “train-the-trainer” nature or can be full classroom sessions for all levels of personnel.Our on-site trainer will work with your shift schedule to ensure as many staff members as possible can be trained without incurring disruptions to the schedule or unnecessary overtime.Training will consist of one classroom session of about two hours for all personnel followed by one-on-one training of those members who would be regarded as lead or mentoring users.Within the allowed period, the trainer will sit with as many individuals who request such instruction using a test system on the trainer’s equipment.The trainer will work such hours as will provide instruction to as many as possible but reasonable time must be allowed for a pause between sessions. Server – Recommended Configuration based on Dell Spring 2005 offerings – any similar equipment from a quality manufacturer is equally suitable.
WorkStation – Recommended Configuration based on Dell Spring 2005 offerings – any similar equipment from a quality manufacturer is equally suitable
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