Geotech Computer Systems

Fall 2009 Newsletter

In This Newsletter...

A Quick Word

Welcome to the Fall, 2009 issue of our newsletter.  We hope you find it interesting and useful. And remember, it's for you, and not for us, so if there's something you would like to see, please let us know at info@geotech.com. See our Spring 2009 newsletter here and our Summer 2009 newsletter here.

 

Free Tip - Fix a Damaged Excel Sheet

Occasionally, an Excel EDD from the lab doesn't import all of the records correctly even though all the data is correct. This problem is often caused by an invisible cell formatting error. The problem is corrected by entering a text string into all of the empty cells and then deleting the text string. If this happens to you, here is a quick way to repair the file.

1. Select Cell A1.

2. Choose Replace from the Edit menu.

3. Leave the Find what box empty and enter ?<? in the Replace with box.

4. Click the Replace All button.

5. Enter ?<? in the Find what box and clear the Replace with box, leaving it blank.

6. Click the Replace All button.

7. The sheet appears as it did at the beginning, but now any offending formats have been removed from the blank cells.

8. Tip – Tell your lab to check the Save formatted checkbox whenever they export data to an Excel EDD.

 

Enviro Software News - Update on Enviro Features

Re-Name Station Names and Re-Name Parameter Names

Enviro Data helps the user to prevent station and parameter name duplicates during the data import process; however, it occasionally stills happens, especially when importing corrupted historical data. These duplicates may be eliminated in six easy steps, by using the two new Enviro Data tools: Re-Name Station Names and Re-Name Parameter Names.

1.  Select the correct name from a drop-down list. For example station MW-1.

2.  Select up to five duplicate names which were used for the same station. For example MW1 or MW 1.

3.  Compare the data fields for the correct station name to the other selected station names using a datasheet view. Transfer or edit any missing or incorrect field data to the record with the correct name.

4.  Change the station names with the click of a button, and view a list of any station names which were not changed because they would create duplicate records, which are not allowed by Access.

5.  Delete the incorrect names with the click of a button.

6.  Re-name the original, correct name, if desired. For example, now you may change all of the MW-1 station names to MW #1.


 

New Library feature in Enviro Data simplifies management of valid value lists

Managing lookup tables, or what many call valid value lists or coded values, can be a challenge for companies managing numerous project databases. These lookup tables include parameter names, analytic flags, reporting units, and so on. In some cases, you will want to have completely different lookups for different databases. The lists for a smelter in Montana could be very different from those for a refinery in Texas. Other times, though, the lookups could be the same, but the projects are different. Many Department of Defense projects are like this - the valid value lists are the same for all Air Force ERPIMS projects all around the world. It would be nice to have one set of lookup tables, and only have to manage them in one place, for all similar projects.

 

The new Library feature in Enviro Data lets you do this. You can store the lookup tables in a separate database file, and then attach each of your data databases to the library. That way you can make changes in one place, and all the other databases attached to that library will respond to those changes. And you can have multiple libraries for different project types.

 

This is just one of the many new features in Enviro Data, and more are on the way. Feel free to contact us to learn more about the Library feature, or other Enviro Data and Enviro Spase features that may be of value to you.

 

Custom Software Enhancements

Geotech Computer Systems is working with a Fortune 25 oil and gas company to implement a data management system for their discharge monitoring reports.  By extending the popular Enviro Data software in several areas we were able to significantly improve their workflow.  This includes expanded handling of permit info and more detailed handling of different regulatory limit comparisons.  Geotech is also working with one of the largest international environmental companies to implement the Enviro Data software throughout their company.  This company selected Enviro Data after thoroughly evaluating other options, including a well established in-house system.  They are funding a number of enhancements, including the printing of bottle labels to correspond with a chain of custody. The ease of use of Enviro Data, the expected significant time savings after implementation, and Geotech’s willingness to enhance the software to better suit their needs, were among the deciding factors in their selection.

 

Geotech prides itself on its adaptability to customer needs.  Without feedback from our clients, we could not expand the software and create new features to meet the demands of an always changing environment.  With a wide customer base and an array of technical knowledge, we are able to provide the tools that clients need to minimize their effort and maximize their efficiency.  For over two decades Geotech has helped to provide a cost-effective way for clients to manage their data and help keep the Earth clean. 

 

To see more new Enviro features, click on eData 2008 or eSpase 2008.

 

 

Environmental Humor

Job Interview

Reaching the end of a job interview, the Human Resources Person asked the young engineer fresh out of MIT, "And what starting salary were you looking for?"

The young engineer said, "In the neighborhood of $75,000 a year, depending on the benefits package."

The HR Person said, "Well, what would you say to a package of 5-weeks vacation, 14 paid holidays, full medical and dental, company matching retirement fund to 50% of salary, and a company car leased every 2 years - say, a red Corvette?"

The young engineer sat up straight and said, "Wow!!! Are you kidding?"

And the HR Person said, "Of course, but you started it."

 

Quarterly Special - Geotech Economic Stimulus Plan

Geotech is aware that this economic downturn has affected many of our clients.  Even if you have to cut your costs, your clients still expect you to manage their data as accurately and efficiently as possible.  Therefore we are offering quarterly software specials to help you satisfy your clients’ needs while still keeping your costs down.  This quarter, if you buy one or more Enviro Data advanced or concurrent licenses, plus maintenance, we will give you one Enviro Spase license, plus maintenance, for FREE.  This is a $1,200 savings.  Please call us or visit our website for more details on our Enviro software.  We would love to add you to our list of satisfied customers! Call today for more details and to take advantage of this limited time offer. 877-740-1999 (Toll-Free)

 

Smart Moves in Tough Times - Software Rental

Did you know that you can rent Geotech's powerful Enviro Data software? We have a rent-to-own program that allows you to put the software to work on your projects right now, saving time and improving quality. The rental fee is low enough that you can expense the software to overhead or administration, allowing you to purchase now instead of having to wait for a project to expense it to. Contact Geotech for details at 877-740-1999 (Toll-Free).

Geotech Services

Geotech specializes in environmental software, database management services and custom programming. We can assist with data loading, reporting, mapping, and other services, or we can train you to do these tasks. For more information about Geotech products and services, please visit our web site at http://www.geotech.com/.

 

FYI

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CONTACT INFORMATION

Geotech Computer Systems, Inc.

12150 E. Briarwood Ave., Ste. 202

Centennial, CO 80112

303-740-1999 (PH)

877-740-1999 (Toll-Free)

303-740-1990 (Fax)

http://www.geotech.com/

info@geotech.com