Training

No secret to anyone in the Technical Services Group that we have some significant projects to implement this fiscal year. In addition to just the technical challenges we must also consider the impacts to the customer. A few of our projects could impact our customers significantly....now we could discuss whether that impact is real or perceived...it really doesn't matter. Fact is, our customers will be looking to us for guidance and the "how to's."

As a result, our front line IT employees need to be pondering and planning for the eventual roll-out. Two specific projects come to mind immediately on the Desktop side: Exchange/Outlook and Office 2007. While Exchange is a just an email solution, it does have a little different look and feel than our current system. That fact will require some prep work by IT Staffers. Office `07, while just a newer version than our current product, it too has a different look and feel to it.

Part of the role we need to be playing is putting a game plan in place to also help the customer adjust quickly and smoothly to the looming changes. I'm aware some thought has been given to this "education" process already....but it is NOT complete. We have technical staff who interact with customers on a daily basis....they understand competency levels and typical issues encountered. We must have that input/suggestions/comments to ensure successful implementation. So speak up, provide your input and suggestions to ensure the projects success .

I eagerly look forward to the changes coming this fiscal year as I believe many of our projects are tied specifically towards the long term growth of this Agency. With some of these news tools in place, we are better positioned to help move the Agency forward and enhance the communication abilities both internal and externally.

TAFN

Poll

You may (or may not) have noticed the little poll I put up on this Blog site. I'm wrestling with whether or not to continue this Blog. If it doesn't help you do your job better or provide you with an enhanced understanding (or relevant information) to "work related" things...then it's not meeting the goal. Think about that thought and cast your vote if you would. Better yet, and I know for many of you that you're not ready to take that step, if anyone is willing to offer up some ideas of what would add value that would be great, but that really hasn't materialized just yet. The poll will provide some answers even without specific commentary...

TAFN

Back Again...

Well, I've made it back from my vacation time. I must tell you, it was a refreshing break...and thanks to those of you who asked about my time off. I appreciate your interest.

While vacationing, I had numerous opportunities to reflect on almost every aspect of my life...both personal and professional. (There is something about sitting atop the Rockies at 5:30 a.m. on a large rock overlooking the Arkansas River, facing east as the sun rises over the towering rock formations in front of you....that seem to put many things in perspective.)There are definitely some things there that I think I need to address. While I'll leave the personal things out, there are some professional things that I think other may benefit from hearing about....so over the course of time, I'll try to share a few of those things that I think should change and how I plan to go about it....of course this is an open Blog....so suggestions are always welcome.

The Integrated Data Framework (IDF) project is occupying quite a number of staffers' time presently and I don't see that going away any time soon. Integrating our data across the entire Agency is a good thing. This endeavor will allow access to up to date data from all corners of the Agency. While we may presently have such data, it is often is silos and not readily accessible. As Conservation, as a whole, grows beyond being more than just Hunting and Fishing organizations, timely/accurate data will assist in making faster more informed decisions. I can even envision a future that could include the networking of others into such a framework. Other State Agencies, other Conservation groups, etc....all in an effort to provide the latest, best information relative to the subject matter. This project is perhaps the groundwork to such a future.

-ON another note, we are short a Programmer in our Application Development group. We are hoping to fill this position with a person that embodies much of what we have been talking about here over the course of time. It's hard for State Agencies to compete salary wise with the private sector, but I feel if we can provide the other intangibles and a working environment that embraces change and rewards quality work...then we can attract the right people. Our work here is more than just writing code (in this case)....it's about Moving Conservation Forward. I'm anxious to bring the person who thinks along those lines...on board.

TAFN