Darryl Booth

EnvisionConnect Dispatch Centers

I'm preparing this week to record a short training session (Decade password required) on the workflow known as Convert to a Regulated Facility. This time-saver takes the data-entry that was done during the plan check phase and instantly copies that information to a new permit (assuming the facility was approved, of course).

While preparing for the class, I re-discovered EnvisionConnect's Dispatch Centers. It is a pleasure working with data in the Dispatch Centers!

The default views and full text search are perfect for the casual user while the grid's Excel-style filters, grouping, and sorting are ideal for the increasingly sophisticated user.

This design, like all good designs, was formed iteratively by listening to the experts... the user community.

• Lorraine Lew coined the phrase "Dispatch Center" while describing how critical complaints are rapidly assigned (dispatched).
• Rich LaWarne advised us on the simple list design and the default views, underscoring the fact that he and his staff don't have time to learn how to design custom views.
• The search works because Raj Muthusamy crafted a search engine that examines the columns that are in view. This gives the user power over the search scope and makes it clear why each match is a good result.
• Runaway searches are impossible since the user can tweak (e.g., adding or changing search terms) and re-launch the search at any time... one does not have to wait for the first search to finish.
• Set your filter, columns, sort, grouping, etc. anyway you like it, the settings will be preserved between sessions based on your user name.

The Pragmatic Data Manager

The word pragmatic made its way into my every day speech after I encountered the book "The Pragmatic Programmer: From Journeyman to Master" (several years ago). Since then, I've probably over-used the word as I've worked with colleagues and clients… all data-managers.

I also noticed that publishers love book titles with the word pragmatic. So, I guess I'm not alone. Go figure.

I got thinking again about pragmatism last week when San Bernardino County Environmental Health staff told us that they have an interest in optimizing their internal processes in favor of leveraging EnvisionConnect to its fullest. In a later conversation with the director, Dan Avera, he reinforced the same message.

This dose of pragmatism advanced their project notably and emboldened, I think, the team to approach the project differently… with a optimistic sense that the goal just became more achievable because both the vendor and the customer could (and would) flex.

The meaning of pragmatism is clear to me. It means honesty over pandering, delivery over promises, and substance over fluff. Thank you SBCEH for your pragmatism.

Now your homework… what is the opposite of pragmatic?