[Platforms] Platform code requests (Ship codes) - improving the process

[Roy Lowry]

Hi Neil/Marilynn/Lee,

I've read through your proposal and am very favourably impressed - you seem to have all the bases covered and I am convinced that what you propose will work and work well.  

I had one thought - whether or not to formalise a metdata element specifying size (e.g. length, which is frequently in the 'notes' section) but in the course of typing this e-mail talked myself out of it because:

1) This is heading down a slippery slope towards developing the 'ship codes' into a ship database.
2) This would raise the issue of having another code for RRS Discovery pre and post her refit in 1991 when she grew by 16m, which I don't think is a good idea.

Had you had any internal discussions in ICES on this or any other changes to the metadata held on each code?

Cheers, Roy.

>>> "Neil Holdsworth" <NeilH at ices.dk> 12/8/2008 1:56 pm >>>
Dear platform group,

 

There are a number of shortcomings with the current platform code assignment process, some of these are technical in nature and some are related to workflow processes and traceability of actions. The ICES Data Centre has been investigating ways in which we can improve the situation, both for you as users of the platform code process and for us as administrators of the platform codes.

 

Attached is a new web application and database that we intend to build and implement at the beginning of 2009. The purpose of the new system is:

-          Place the whole workflow process (from request, to acceptance, to assigment) on the web

-          Allow management and administration to take place in one application

-          Allow all ship requests/amendments to be handled in a standard way, in one place

-          Give users an online report of status on requests as well as views of all the history behind a specific platform code or request

-          Give users more power to update requests with additional information

-          Capture all communication and amendments in an automated audit trail through the application

-          Expolit web services etc. to automate request updates

 

The ICES Data Centre would ask that you take a look at the attached document and return with comments to Lee Martin <mailto:lmartin at ices.dk>  by Friday 19th December. After this point we will be building and testing this application with a view to launching it in early 2009. It is important that you are aware of this development as it will mean in the future we only accept platform requests through this process and according to the minumum criteria as described in the document. 

 

We hope this initiative will lead to a better management of platform codes and a clear management process for all involved. Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you.

 

Neil.

 

Neil Holdsworth
Head of Data Centre
International Council for the Exploration of the Sea 

Email: neil at ices.dk <mailto:neil at ices.dk> 

Web: www.ices.dk <http://www.ices.dk/> 

Tel: +45 3338 6718 

Fax: +45 3393 4215

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