The Tulalip Technology Leap Is In Full Swing
By Ken Motamed
The implementation phase of the Tulalip Technology Leap (TTL) project began in earnest last Spring (2001). Rapid progress is being made on several projects to either upgrade existing systems or put new systems in place. This article will give the reader an overview of those projects that are near completion or have progressed substantially. Future articles will address other projects that will be undertaken in the near future.
The Tulalip Tribes Main Website
A website is a collection of information on the Internet prepared by a person, group, or organization; it is accessible on any computer with Internet access. The Tulalip Tribes main website provides access to all departmental websites. The prototype (working model) for the Casino website has been completed. The Health Services and Governmental Affairs websites are planned for the near future. The Governmental Affairs website will feature electronic message boards for employees and tribal members. The main website will feature a "Question of the Day" that will put forth issues for discussion that are of importance to tribal members.
E-mail Server
The necessary computer hardware and software will be deployed throughout the Reservation to deliver e-mail (electronic messages that are sent from and received at computer terminals). In addition to delivering e-mail and the Internet, the system provides the capabilities for schedule management and software-application sharing (for example, simultaneously viewing the same PowerPoint presentation on several computers).
MOM-TDR Upgrade
The computer software packages utilized by the Finance and Enrollment departments collectively known as MOM-TDR and the associated computer hardware are being upgraded. The Tribal Center, and the Finance and Natural Resources buildings will be provided access to the MOM system over a local-area network (LAN).
Mail-tracking System
A mail-tracking system is being put in place that will record-for every piece of mail-the sender, the addressee, and the date it was received at the mail distribution center. This information along with a unique identification number will be stored in a searchable database (an electronic repository for data). This system should make it possible for individuals to verify whether an important piece of mail they are expecting has been received, and should make it considerably easier to locate misrouted mail and deliver it to the intended recipient.
Access/Identification Card Management System
The need for secure access to tribal buildings, areas, and computer network is being addressed through a single-card solution. This system will serve as a common means for identification and access control. The system will consist of three subsystems:
- Facilities Access Control Management,
- Network Access Control Management, and
- Identification Card Management. All three subsystems will operate together to provide the desired functionality.
The desired functionality of this system is to provide a single card that will serve as an identification card for tribal members and employees to gain access to physical facilities as well as the Tulalip computer network. This system will be compatible with the voting system currently used by the Tribes.
Computing Help Desk
Three interns (including a Tulalip tribal member and tribal spouse) have been hired to assist Ray LeBar in responding to requests for computing support. The Help Desk currently provides computing support to all Tulalip departments.
A computer software package has been purchased to keep track of all calls made to the Help Desk for support. The resolutions of all reported problems will be collected in a database which should expedite the response to future requests for support.
An "asset tagging" system is being deployed to help build an inventory of all computing hardware and software. This system will greatly expedite the response to requests for computing support.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
The GIS-related computer hardware and software used by the Natural Resources and Economic & Community Development departments are being upgraded. A concerted effort is being made to combine the GIS capabilities of these two departments in order to make the most effective use of the available resources.
A fully-operational GIS will allow a complete, electronic map of the reservation to be created and updated as changes occur. This comprehensive map which will contain a wealth of information can provide assistance in site selection, planning emergency response, streamlining the leasing function, simulating environmental effects, and a variety of other activities. Portions of the map may be printed as desired.
Electronic Court Record System
An electronic court-record system is being developed for the Tulalip Tribal Court. The access to this information will be restricted to authorized individuals on a case-by-case basis. The system will facilitate storage and retrieval of court records.
Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems
POS systems are used by a variety of businesses to record all sales and keep track of inventory. This project was initiated by the Liquor Store's need for a new POS system. The broader goal of the project, however, is to provide a POS system that will have the capabilities to serve all tribal business entities. The advantages of having a single POS system that is shared by all tribal businesses include:
- ease of integration with the existing accounting system,
- high quality and timely technical support, and
- flexibility in the staffing of tribal businesses.
Stay tuned for future updates on these and other projects. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 360-716-5100. |