The FacTS™ solution combines the best of both Windows and Web environments by offering a hybrid solution. System administrators and power users accessing FacTS™ through Windows for configuration and initialization setup, while web pages are used by focused and casual users to run queries and update day-to-day information and access the robust database. All features are available in Windows and can be integrated with the Web features that are in the Java API Application.

Several popular features of FacTS™' graphical user interface have been converted to web versions using Quantum's Java Application Programming Interface (API) that complement Quantum's existing Windows product. Developed using a Java thin client applications, the FacTS™ database is accessed using a desktop web browser. The key benefit of the FacTS™ Java API is to fully integrate the existing FacTS™ business logic and database with the Java platform. This allows Quantum to leverage Servlet technology to dynamically generate programs as HTML web pages. In addition, the API manages a number of service tasks (logging, connection pooling, etc.) needed to make the API a robust and reliable solution. This tool is being used to develop browser based, workflow-centric data entry and utility programs that will complement Quantum's existing Windows product.

Commitment and Task Management

FacTS™ customers use the Commitment and Task Management portion of the Permit Tracking feature to track and manage routine and scheduled Service Requests. This function defines and automatically distributes commitments (along with instructions and guidelines on how to fulfill the task) to the field via email on a predefined schedule, usually monthly. A manager’s report that lists the number of outstanding tasks is emailed directly to each manager. An aging report is also automatically distributed to the management teams. An automatically generated aging report is distributed to the management teams. In addition to tracking and managing routine requests, this function offers the ability to track event-driven and non-scheduled activities. Customers can define the criteria to automatically distribute assigned activities to the field via email. In addition to defining the specific tasks and procedures, customers can define the staff and equipment required, then the application estimates and tracks the associated costs.

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Permit Tracking builds and maintains tables describing an unlimited number of permit types, issuing agencies, issued dates, expiration dates, renewal dates, permit conditions, and tests required to meet permit conditions and can track tasks and scheduled permits. Plus, it determines any out-of-permit conditions and notifies the user at the time of sign-on.

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Incident, Injury, and Vehicle (Reporting – Tracking – Corrective Actions) Java Application allows for browser based, “workflow centric” data entry and utility programs that will complement the existing FacTS GUI product. The browser-based nature of the Java programs will allow for easy enterprise wide rollout. Since the output is HTML based, the look and feel can easily be changed to meet the client's preferences, or integrate with a client's existing enterprise portal. The application allows users to identify and track incidents and their associated spills and responses; flag reportable spills; and track calls made to regulatory agencies. FacTS™ automatically determines whether the incident is reportable and advises users of contact actions.

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Quantum's VIP (Visual Information Portal) provides all levels of users with Internet access to FacTSä generated reports. Using the same security as the FacTS™ product, VIP controls access based on the different "roles" for viewing reports: Corporate, Regional, and Plant. User names have one or more roles associated to them. Users with the Corporate role are able to choose Corporate, Regional or Plant views. This allows the user to view reports run for the entire corporation (Corporate), or all regions (Regional), or for all plants (Plant). A Regional user is able to choose from regional or plant reports for their assigned region. Finally, a Plant user will see reports at the plant level for the plant to which he/she is affiliated. VIP users may retrieve any FacTSä generated report or any document (spreadsheet, image, word processing document, etc.) posted to VIP. Because VIP uses standard browser-based access, users can connect via both Intranet and Internet connectivity; VIP does not rely on access to a LAN or WAN.

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The WebRTK module allows users to access scanned images of the Material Safety Data Sheets from Intranet capable user stations. One of the primary purposes of the MSDS is to provide health hazard, first aid, and other information about products and chemicals to the employees that use them. A Company is obligated by Right-To-Know (RTK) legislation to make this information available so that chemicals may be handled safely in the work place. The scanned images of the MSDS can also provide EH&S professionals with a valuable training tool for classes on Product Safety, First Aid, and Spill Reaction and Cleanup.

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