With over 40 training sessions per year, the U.S. Border Patrol wanted to migrate from a manual record keeping system to an online and secure database to streamline the training academy's business processes. This required a system that could handle the entry of 10,000 to 12,000 new records per Session. In addition, it was necessary to convert all Session records from previous years into the secure database.

A vendor was selected to develop customized software in Visual Basic, using Oracle as the required database. This approach meant that the software must be loaded on each computer used by the Border Patrol, and required extensive technical support to load and configure the software. After several problems during the final phase of the project, Envisage was hired to analyze the situation and to recommend the best long-term business solution. During our analysis, we discovered that the previous vendor used Access instead of Oracle as the database. The U.S. Border Patrol then asked us to take the Visual Basic system and convert it to Oracle. In the process of migrating the database from Access to Oracle, we found that the software didn't work and that the Department of Justice had a nonstandard network. The client then asked Envisage to continue working on the project.

Our process is a phased methodology that actively involves the client throughout each step. Work products in each phase are approved before we proceed to the next phase. Together, with the Border Patrol, we carefully analyzed the issues so we could define the business requirements. These requirements were based on a combination of existing business practices and anticipated class management system capabilities. Once the requirements were defined (and approved), we suggested a solution that would make the best use of available tools.

Re-engineer the system so it uses standard, yet "free" Browser technology (i.e., Internet Explorer® or Netscape Navigator®). The advantages of this approach are:

• Secure, centralized database
• Software and database run from network servers
• Standardized reporting (from site to site)
• Standardized business processes used to manage the Academy
• Eliminates "technical experts" to install and configure hardware and software
• Eliminates the need to load software on each computer

Envisage developed a Web-based training and assessment database utilizing Oracle 8.0. The database provides secure data entry, and full search, report and update capabilities. The Intranet portal is built on Windows NT/98 and utilizes Active Server Pages/VBScript, JavaScript and Crystal Reports. Users need only a Browser-enabled computer to access the database.

The result is higher productivity and reduced costs. The U.S. Border Patrol Intranet has exceeded the client's expectations. It is helping the client to:

• Streamline business processes
  
• Automate class management activities
  
• Improve productivity and save time
  
• Reduce paper flow
  
• Search and find requested data in real-time
  
• Create user-defined reports
  

"ACMS is a real time saver for our staff! ...Our office productivity has greatly improved..."