The Edge of Empty

Depending on how your auto process is set up in CryWolf®, it is possible under certain conditions for a process to not work exactly as planned.   This is usually because somehow we humans goof it up by not doing what we are supposed to do.   For example, when I was away for this year’s FARA symposium , the auto process routine was not run daily since my assistant was also out of the office.   This by itself was not enough to upset the auto process since we have a 7 day period to cover absences.  However, the days that it took to get caught back up on our return did exceed that limit.  (In my unit, we don't process alarms or send delinquent notices until payments and new registrations are entered).  Because auto process wasn't run, t his meant that a group of permits that should have received renewal letters, did not receive those letters. Unfortunately, since only permits that expired on one day were affected, we didn't notice immediate...

One of the great features of CryWolf® is the hints and tips that are available right in the software.  Going other places to get information and help is nice (and I do appreciate that you are stopping by my little blog), but don’t neglect the helps that are available right on your desktop.   For example, when you click the “Search” box to find an account (red arrow below),the “Search Options” pop up window opens. Two oft overlooked buttons in this window are the “Options” button (pink circle below) and the “Instructions” button (aqua circle below). When the options button is clicked, the additional search options of “Where” to search and “Type” of search appear.   As shown below, the “where” (brown box) option allows the user to search the “Main Account”, the “Responsible Party”, and “All Related Records”.   The “type” search (green box) allows a default, Soundex, or MetaPhone search.   ( The Soundex or MetaPh...

Many of us inherit the tracking and billing software that we use daily.  For those of you who have the opportunity to compare systems, I am listing the options that I have found. AOT Public Safety Corporation's CryWolf    ATB Services'  Alarm Tracking & Billing Digital Design Group's False Alarm Software EnablePoint Corporation's False Alarm Information Tracking Software Moose Rapids Technologies' False Alarm Tracking PMAM Corporations' False Alarm Management & Reduction Solution Purvis Gray Technology Group's False Alarm Reduction System Many CAD vendors also have some version of alarm tracking software as well.  Have fun comparing the options. If you are a member, FARA has published a guide to choosing software that may be helpful. If you know of other programs, please let me know so I can add them to the list.