FAQ

 

 

 

Q: What are the Tec-Trac series of tools and software?

 

A:  Tec-Trac offers a set of tools and software applications designed to simplify CATV field plant maintenance.  Many field operations are cumbersome because of the amount of data that is involved.  For example, a successful power supply maintenance program requires taking and keeping data for hundreds or even thousands of devices over a period of years.  This used to be a manual paper based process.  Scheduling and collection of data was handled using labor intensive manual processes or worse, not handled at all.  The problem with implementing a successful manual program is that expensive resources (i.e. lead techs and management) are required to collect, collate and analyze the data.  Trained personnel can’t focus on managing and running a cable system because of the time they spend shuffling paperwork.

 

By eliminating the paper, systems can be implemented very efficiently.  Transcription errors are reduced since data is entered only once, not written down to be later copied into a spreadsheet or database.  Also, the built in reporting functions of the Z3 software allow data to be analyzed instantly.  The data is immediately available for budgeting, reliability analysis, and workforce productivity purposes.

 

Q:  What components are currently available?

 

A:  The Z3-1800 and the Z3PM Power Supply Preventive Maintenance module are available now.  Z3CLI Leakage Maintenance and Z3VM Fleet Maintenance are scheduled for release in the fall of 2002.

 

Q:  Tell me more about the Z3-1800.  It looks like a Palm device on steroids.

 

The Z3-1800 is a Palm OS™ based handheld terminal.  Unlike most Palm devices, however, it is specifically designed for field use.  It is build to IS-54 specifications for windblown rain and dust and will operate over an extended temperature range.  It has a “five foot to concrete” drop specification.  The Z3-1800 also contains an integrated bar code reader to reduce the amount of data that needs to be keyed in the field.  Equipment serial numbers are typically read using the bar code reader.  In addition, field data can be entered in using a bar code “cheat sheet” further minimizing the amount keying required.    

 

Q:  Are Z3PM, Z3CLI and Z3VM internet based applications?

 

A:  Yes.  The internet is universally accessible and an ideal why to use and deploy this type of software.  By running the applications on the internet, hardware costs are reduced, backups and upgrades are performed for you and support is greatly eased and simplified.  Adding additional users to your system is simple; the only thing required is that the user has internet access and a web browser.  By offering these tools as internet applications, Tec-Trac is able to provide the most powerful solutions at a very low total cost of ownership.

 

Q:  Why isn’t the Z3-1800 based on a laptop, Pocket PC, or other portable solution?

 

A:  The Palm OS™ based Z3-1800 currently provides the best tradeoff in performance, reliability and cost of any field data terminal solutions.  The “instant on” capability of Palm OS™ is ideally suited to these types of applications.  The integrated bar code reader and touch screen display are well suited to field data entry, particularly in difficult environments (e.g. in buckets or on ladders) where keyboards are impractical.  Battery life of the Z3-1800 is very good.  In typical operation, the Z3-1800 will operate for days between charges.

 

Q:  How does Tec-Trac software differ from Workforce Management Software?

 

A:  Z3 is targeted toward CATV industry specific applications like CLI and power supply maintenance.  By focusing in on very specific needs, the payback for implementation of Z3 is short.  Workforce management solutions by contrast tend to be very broad in terms of application, and users often find it difficult to tailor the software to their specific requirements. 

 

Q:  Is my data Safe with Tec-Trac?

 

A:  With the Z3 series of tools, your data is much safer than it would ever be on an unsecured desktop in your office.  Z3 uses all the leading edge hosting security devices available, from secure HTTP to 128 bit data encryption.  The SQL database is professionally managed and continuously backed up in a bunker-like data facility.

 

Q:  Is my data private with Tec-Trac?

 

A:  Your data will be guarded with the utmost concern and care.  Our privacy policy is comprehensive, but easy to explain.  Under no circumstances will we or anyone else have access to your data without your express permission.  Simply stated, we do not share your data with anyone, ever.  It’s your data and you always have the ability to download it at anytime if you desire.

 

Q:  What equipment is required to run the software?

 

In addition to equipment provided by Tec-Trac, you will need a computer connected to the internet with a serial port.  This computer will be used to allow the data and software to move from the Z3-1800(s) to the internet and back.

 

Q:  How do I get started?

 

A:  The fastest way is to request a demo through our web site.  One of our representatives will be in contact with you within two business days to discuss your requirements.