Reallife ERP

Reflective Journal
ERPs do in fact help the business run more efficiently. In my work history, ERPs have been the normal mode of operation for years. Fortunately, I work for an organization which believes information sharing is a must. Just recently, we received an upgrade to our DR(discrepancy reporting system) and MAXIMO(asset management). Both of these management system house information that is viewed daily by decision makers. The information they glean help pinpoint problem areas with equipment, operational discrepancies, ordering information among many other matters.

However, there have been issues. The old discrepancy system lost functionality prior to the implementation of the new system. Yet, upper management still wanted to know why preventative have gone unreported. Clearly, there was an obviously discontent. So, we had to relay on “good ole” pen and paper to record our issue and place it in four drawer file cabinet. So, old century! Once the new system did become available there was pressure to update information to the new system. The problem with this is we had a full operation schedule, so we perform operations first and the paper work became secondary. The database administrator wanted the information updated and proceeded to inform the direct supervisor our section was insubordinate. Despite all the benefits ERPs offer, office politics does play a significant role in how well it functions.

The Next Generation Troubleshooters

Week Five Reflective Journal

Although I have been using the Internet since the early 1990’s, I never really considered the backbone infrastructure which actually allows it to function.  The current infrastructure, IPv4 has nearly reached capacity, and the upgrade, IPv6 is waiting to be deployed.  However there are few issues surrounding the upgrade including cost, performance, and compatibility concerns.

In my introduction blog, I mentioned that a serve as an advisor with the Career and Technology Education program at Parkside High School located in Salisbury, MD.  Advisors provide input from various industries allowing instruction to shape their programs to be relevant to the needs of businesses as well as preparation for college.  Today’s generation has grown up with the Internet and other high technology products.  Conceivably, they will be the problem solvers for the concerns with IPv6 and other problems faced today.

See more about the CTE program at http://cte.wcboe.org/?page_id=268

Adrian

Data Mining Reflective Journal

Customer information, purchasing information, credit card numbers, and related personal data are housed on databases. This week’s discussion is certainly timely in light of the all the security breaches in government, entertainment, corporation, and social networks. Data we entrust to corporations and even to our medical providers is not secure as we would like, despite to best efforts on part of data possessors to the contrary. This week I participated in another 5K race benefiting the Palliative Care and Hospice Community of the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Certainly an organization like hospice use personal data for most altruistic intentions. However, what measures do these often cash strapped firms deploy to protect their databases. I received an e-mail from the director the hospice organization informing me of the race about three weeks ago. Considering the topics of this week does heighten a level of concern of my personal data. Military organization, large corporations, and other institutions are hacked constantly. These organizations have the money for network security protections, but are barely keeping pace with cyber- criminals. Smaller organizations like non-profits barely have the funds to operate their programs let alone have the funds to afford network security protections. We live in a new age where our personal data is at risk. So we must be vigilant in protecting our information by using strong passwords, using anti-virus software, and only acknowledging e-mails from people and organizations we know are legitimate. 

Visit http://www.hpces.org/

Adrian Justis

Cloudy days are not bad at all!

I subscribe to a couple of high technology magazines, but I rarely have time to read them. I did notice on a recent issue of Oracle Magazine, articles on cloud computing. Coincidentally, this week’s discussion does delve into this subject area. Now a have a clearer understanding of the concept and how this can be a money and time saver for businesses. Cloud computing could possibly have application at my place of work. One of the requirements of tracking satellites, rockets, planes is to retrieve and record information. Depending on the launch requirements the end user certainly want to review their data. Currently the recording media in use has some performance concerns. Replays or playback have been uneven at times and then there is the time to retain the information. Clouding computing could be a solution, but the concern would be the level of security since much of the information processed in my section is classified. Therefore, I will research this topic more extensively and perhaps present my findings to my supervisor for review. Speaking of clouds, there were overcast skies for a 5K Race I participated in Saturday to support the American Cancer Society. This race was sponsored by a local shoe store, Vernon Powell, now in its tenth year. I have participated each year and this year I finally won free sneakers! Check out more photos at http://www.vpshoes.com.