The SAR Management System is designed to manage and track all aspects of a typical SAR operation in a single web accessible database. Site administrators configure much of the nomenclature used in the system, split the geographical area covered into regions and zones, and then define units within those regions and zones. Individual members are added to the system who can then expand upon the details tracked at the unit level. Vessel coxswains then input reports to log both training and mission activity which crew members can view in their automatically created logs.

There are other features like request and activity forms, classroom and course training records, a built in authorization system, many reports, and crew achievement logging. Each of these will be covered in their respective topics.

While this topic endeavors to explain the basic operation of the module at a high level - members at various levels should view the help topics listed that relate to their needs within the system based on their role or position within the organization.

Structure and Access

The module consists of a single database and is linked to the other modules of the web site. User security and login is handled through the normal XDe login process. Security assignment and access is primarily related to the member´s positions (assigned in the SMS) and their site-wide security.

The system nomenclature must be defined by administrators before units and members can start inputting data - this is generally complete prior to site-launch. Administrators can update definitions (most of the items that appear in lists and drop-down boxes) at any time - but as with any record based system, careful thought is required before doing so because of the potential effects on historic data records and reports.

In the SMS much of the reporting and stats stem from the various reports that are filed. Thus, when a coxswain fills out a SAR mission/incident report the stats for their unit, the zone, the region, and all crew involved are automatically updated by the system.

Features

The system has a workflow engine that ensures authorizations are applied to reports, all reports are validated to ensure required data is complete, there are no duplicates, and that dates and entries make logical sense. There is a complete mapping system that provides point-and-click lat/long selection as well as plots missions and vessels for reports. Finally there are many reports at different detail levels and for various time periods that summarize activity.

Key Points

As with any records system the key for good reporting lies in data quality. The phrase garbage-in = garbage-out truly applies. Thus it is critical that reports are filled out accurately and that administrators give careful thought to nomenclature definitions - especially in selection lists - to ensure that redundancy is minimized and that the resulting reports will be valuable and valid.

.. for more information view the help topics related to the areas of interest.