What's New (as of Dec. 23)

Avantis will not be available every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m starting February 25. Reason: Regular System Maintenance. Alternative Service: N/A

Update - December 23

Caretaking is on Avantis
The move to adding the caretaking users back on Avantis has been a positive step moving forward. A recent training session, specifically geared to the supervisors, demonstrated a brand new desktop, emergency work order templates and a new quick reference guide on how to enter a work order (now available online) uwo.ca/Facilities Management/avantis.html

The next step will be to give the opportunity to the Caretaking leadhands to be reintroduced to the system, as well. Following leadhand training for caretakers, specific training models will be deployed Division wide as needed.

New Computers
Currently, 25 new CPUs have been installed in Operations & Maintenance (with one more unit to go), the Caretaking Services units have 7 new units (with two more coming), and Business Operations has added a new system to their unit.

Hand held technology
Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) and scanners are currently on hold. To reduce the amount of equipment around Facilities Management employees waists, a combination two-way radio/PDA unit was evaluated. The technology failed to provide a safe and reliable option. A smaller, lighter (and more durable) PDA system is being sought.

Stakeholders will gather in the near future to proceed with the scanners. A discussion will follow on what functions are needed. Features, such as, signal strength to facilitate reading stock that is tough to reach will be evaluated.

More resources online
A ‘Request for Access’ sheet is now available online (PDF / DOC). The form is completed for any new users that wish to gain access to the system. Once the completed form is approved and delivered to Michelle Knox, she will create a profile and assign a desk top. Repective staff and supervisor(s) will be notified when a profile is activated.