Author Topic: Equipment Tracking  (Read 9938 times)

tkleager

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Equipment Tracking
« on: May 23, 2013, 08:29:46 AM »
I'm curious how other team are using the Equipment section.

We currently have 16+ radios (couple with dead batteries for replacement).  Each one is individually numbered and assigned to a specific member.  How would you suggest putting them into the Equipment section?

I currently have a Kenwood TK-372g listed in the inventory and assigned to several members, but that doesn't tell me who has Radio #6, 12, and 5 check out to them.
Tyler Kleager
Scotts Bluff County CERT Webmaster
www.scottsbluffcountycert.org

Radishworks

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Re: Equipment Tracking
« Reply #1 on: May 23, 2013, 10:22:26 AM »
It might be better to add each radio individually as a piece of equipment if you want to track who has what radio.   Or, some teams add a Member field that tracks the radio numbers that they have.

tkleager

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Re: Equipment Tracking
« Reply #2 on: May 23, 2013, 11:16:21 AM »
Or, some teams add a Member field that tracks the radio numbers that they have.

Any ideas on how they are doing this?  We have the Radio Field Name already used for our individual Radio #'s. (ie.  CERT 07 to IC.  IC to CERT 45.  Can't use real names over the med channels we operate on).

I there a way to do a Member Certification String, but have it show up under Equipment?
Tyler Kleager
Scotts Bluff County CERT Webmaster
www.scottsbluffcountycert.org

SDCART1

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Re: Equipment Tracking
« Reply #3 on: May 23, 2013, 01:57:21 PM »
My team has a variety of equipment.  Some is "pooled" equipment (portable base stations, portable repeaters, etc.) but others (HT radios and such) are assigned.  I currently keep track of all the serial numbers, etc in an Excel spreadsheet which I could upload into the documents section of MM.  But I see several other possibilities for a solution to your question, using my team as an example.  All of our team members are licensed amateur radio operators.  We have to use our amateur call signs while operating on ham frequencies, so I created a box in Certifications for that license number.  Several of us also have Automatic Position Reporting Systems (APRS) so I made a Certification box for that which contains that ID number.  We also have tactical call signs, which are used on both commercial frequencies and amateur frequencies (in conjunction with our ham call sign).   These are also our personnel ID Numbers, which appears at the top left in the Member information page.  There is also the Radio Field Name, which I designated as Radio #.  I can then put the radio model and serial number in there.  There is also an empty box that show up under our equipment sub-heading for each member called "Other:_______________."  Could that work for you?

It sounds like your CERT#s are your tactical call signs, but probably not your Member ID Number.  Do your CERT numbers change from one incident to another or are they permanently assigned?  If they change for each event, then you could look at the CERT number as a team assignment ID when you are in a Mission.  If they don't change, I think your best bet would be to use the Other box if you want it listed in Equipment, or just make a new Member Certification box.

Radishworks

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Re: Equipment Tracking
« Reply #4 on: May 23, 2013, 02:00:41 PM »
Good discussion from all, this brings up a good point.
I know some teams are putting equipment information in the "Member Certification Strings", but that doesn't make sense if its equipment. 
Quote
I there a way to do a Member Certification String, but have it show up under Equipment?
You can now create "Member Equipment Strings" in the Configuration screen.

tkleager

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Re: Equipment Tracking
« Reply #5 on: May 23, 2013, 03:57:05 PM »
It sounds like your CERT#s are your tactical call signs, but probably not your Member ID Number.  Do your CERT numbers change from one incident to another or are they permanently assigned?
CERT #s are assigned and do not change, unless we have members drop from the team ect.  At one time when you joined you Member ID was your radio ID, but we started getting people with CERT# 78 and the next closest number was 42.  So when a new member comes on board, they take over an old CERT radio number that was vacant.  Saves on the little card space everyone is supposed to carry.
 
You can now create "Member Equipment Strings" in the Configuration screen.
I think now what Mike has set this up this may be the easiest to work with.  Going to give it a try tonight.
Tyler Kleager
Scotts Bluff County CERT Webmaster
www.scottsbluffcountycert.org

SDCART1

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Re: Equipment Tracking
« Reply #6 on: May 23, 2013, 07:35:32 PM »
Sounds like we have a solution!  Thanks for the quick change.   ;) 

Ed Philpott

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Re: Equipment Tracking
« Reply #7 on: June 13, 2013, 07:11:46 PM »
Thanks for the equipment string.  Can they be made a little bigger?

thanks
Ed Philpott
Deputy/Rescue Specialist
Maricopa Co. Sheriffs Office
Central Az. Mtn. Rescue Assoc.

Radishworks

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Re: Equipment Tracking
« Reply #8 on: June 14, 2013, 07:30:36 AM »
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Thanks for the equipment string.  Can they be made a little bigger?
Right now its 30 chars.  How much bigger do you need it to be?   Or could you create a 2nd one to store other info?

Ed Philpott

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Re: Equipment Tracking
« Reply #9 on: June 19, 2013, 06:39:22 PM »
only 10 characters show before it wraps out of site.
Ed Philpott
Deputy/Rescue Specialist
Maricopa Co. Sheriffs Office
Central Az. Mtn. Rescue Assoc.

Radishworks

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Re: Equipment Tracking
« Reply #10 on: June 19, 2013, 07:43:20 PM »
Oh, so you are looking for more visible, not more space overall?

Ed Philpott

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Re: Equipment Tracking
« Reply #11 on: June 19, 2013, 08:29:47 PM »
Correct, I hadn't noticed originally that there was 30 spaces available when I only saw the 1st 10.
Ed Philpott
Deputy/Rescue Specialist
Maricopa Co. Sheriffs Office
Central Az. Mtn. Rescue Assoc.

Radishworks

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Re: Equipment Tracking
« Reply #12 on: June 20, 2013, 07:18:42 AM »
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Correct, I hadn't noticed originally that there was 30 spaces available when I only saw the 1st 10.
That's easy.  I've increased it to 15 chars on screen, up to 30 total.  Let me know if that's enough or you'd like to see more.

Ed Philpott

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Re: Equipment Tracking
« Reply #13 on: June 20, 2013, 08:30:20 AM »
thats good for now, thanks
Ed Philpott
Deputy/Rescue Specialist
Maricopa Co. Sheriffs Office
Central Az. Mtn. Rescue Assoc.