Monday, January 21, 2013

Inventory / Audits

Have you ever had a problem with your communication network and had absolutely no idea what to do to correct the issue or even how to start?  Intermittent loss of signal, persistent static on the lines, or just poor performance?   All of these issues are symptomatic of network maintenance and/or operational issues.

Most agencies depend upon the technical skills and abilities of a small group of dedicated individuals to maintain and operate their communications systems.  This is great as long as these individuals are available and working for the agency but inevitably, these experienced technicians retire or move on to new opportunities.  There goes your network understanding and history out the door!!  It is truly amazing that the complex communications systems that exist in most organizations function as well as they do considering the lack of system documentation that is in place.

The first step in getting a handle on correcting network performance issues is having a true understanding of how your network is configured, what systems and devices make up your network, and how everything is connected and programmed.   While documenting your network is not a new idea, it is an idea that’s time has come.  New mapping technologies and multiple softwares are now available that make creating and maintaining the complex communication infrastructure datasets affordable.  These GIS softwares allow you to map your physical network, document how connections are made, record device information and configurations, and prepare reports that are actually usable and informative to the communication managers and technicians.

gbaSI specializes in working with you to assemble and build the critical documentation and datasets you need to successfully manage and operate your communication infrastructure.  Network construction plans sets, cable routing information, connection and splice diagrams, device information, communication system elements, and a whole lot more are mapped and included in the GIS datasets that will be available to you at the touch of a mouse.

Give us a call so we can help you make your technology talk!

Monday, January 7, 2013

gbaSI offers ON-SITE IMSA Certification


Why is IMSA certification and renewal important? This is a question often asked by IMSA’s certified body. It is often a misconception that working in the field every-day is proof enough that an individual is current in their field of expertise. In the public safety field, keeping pedestrians and motorists safe is critical, and IMSA certification / renewal is pertinent to the continued success and safety of your day-to-day job. Safety starts with you; the individual setting up the work zone, in the bucket truck, working in a cabinet, installing fire alarms, striping roads or posting signage. Being current in your field will help ensure the well-being of motorists, pedestrians and you. 

Maintaining mandatory training and continuing education requirements is always a chore! It requires employees to be away from day to day duties for their departments, getting required team members to offsite training classes, and usually includes travel expenses. IMSA certification is required of most Cities, States and Municipality Public Works employees and must be renewed every three years. Unfortunately, most IMSA training courses are only offered at Regional and National Conferences, which can be costly to attend as well as being out of State, which prohibits some Public Works Departments from attending. What is the most efficient way for you to get this critical training to your team members? 

gba Systems Integrators will now bring IMSA training to YOU! 

gbaSI will assist you in developing a customized program of certification, renewal of certification, CEU or retake/challenge tests that you require. Within a day or two of receiving that information, gbaSI will send you a formal quote for the cost of your program.

gbaSI will also work with you to contact surrounding cities or contractors to partner in your certification program. By bringing more students to any class, costs can be shared and necessary training can be obtained for less! Check us out at www.gbasi.com to contact a team member about your personalized certification program!

COMING May 3, 2013

Technical Operations Manager Chuck Metzger tells us about the importance of Firmware updates, and shines some insight on his retirement plan...