Case Studies
The following are summaries of projects - some major, most minor - that I have undertaken at the organizations where I have been employed or lent a hand. Some would call these "success stories" but, that implies all projects are successful and we all know the truth in that sentiment. Here I will post stories of my successes and my failures.
A Better way to Print Labels from a Browser
I love labels almost as much as I love a well-designed form or checklist - they are adult versions of "stickers." Recently, after creating an automated way to generate labels for IT-related assets through our company's intranet we started to run into problems.
Who is Dialing 911 in Shoretel?
We've been using Shoretel, a VoIP phone system, since 2002. Soon after opening another location - our first with unskilled workers - we started getting visits from emergency services. The problem was a lack of understanding of how to use the phone to get an outside line. A problem easily corrected with training but, first we have to find out who needs the (extra) training.
Prophet21 Item Usage
In 2006 we converted our ERP from a character-based system to a Windows-based system named Prophet21 from Epicor (formerly Activant). One immediate shortcoming was Prophet 21's inability to report total item usage for the entire company. We needed an easy-to-use report that was easy to maintain, inexpensive, and created ASAP.
Easy way to Install Printers on Windows XP
Like most sensible organizations running Windows XP or higher all end-users login with credentials that force them to be a "limited user." No end-user, including administrators, use their computers with administrator rights. This prevents the installation of applications and configuration changes. Unfortunately, this also prevents the installation of printers, requiring a call to IT to get a printer installed. The problem is compounded by the roughly 25 printers and faxes we have installed in all our locations.
