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Re: AVTS configuration standards

  1. Changing the TS Text is not necessarily a simple effort, insofar as certain text needs to be displayed in reverse formats, and it is non necessarily obvious which files correspond to which ballot station display components unless a person works on these files on a regular basis.  I found that even though I implemented continual revisions on the TS Text files in the LA general effort, I would frequently open up many of the files just to find the desired one.  Changing audio on VIBS units implies a hodge-podge of voices, volumes and sound qualities unless all operational instructions are recorded (60 in total).
  2. Changing the text in one language (usually English) necessitates changing it in all languages, even if the remaining languages are not employed, insofar as the GEMS computer may be used to configure elections with other languages at a future point, at which point the operator may potentially and falsely assume that all TS Text is consistent across languages.
  3. Since the TS Text files are already fairly inconsistent across Global employees' GEMS PCs, we have little control over the diversity of ballot station operational views as it stands.
  4. Support efforts should be focused on economization and thus maximal standardization not maximal fragmentation.  We will save time, effort and money not having to constantly verify and revisie the configuration of touch screens before every election with every account, because we do not know what the configuration of the PC used to program the election.
  5. We should seek to optimize the professionalism employed in the representation of our products and services.  Furthermore, we should seek to exploit our opportunities on this front in the most economical fashion possible.
  6. Other external report/display formats we employ, such as the AccuVote abo files conform to certain regional standards and although in theory the ABasic can be changed, it is not feasible and therefore not done.
  7. Taking into account Ken's prior message, we will in the future be able to change the most variant TS Text components through GEMS anyway on an election-specific basis.
Nel
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2001 1:51 PM
Subject: RE: AVTS configuration standards

I like the idea of the level of control that we have now, but I would certainly defer to Nel and Jeff’s level of experience.  Nel, is there a functional reason why TS Text should be standardized?  Or is it just to avoid “weird” TS texts in “generic” environments (like demos, test elections, etc.)?  Perhaps we should be pushing for greater flexibility in employing multiple TS Text versions, not a rigid standardization.  I’m playing Devil’s advocate here, obviously.

 

Tyler

 

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-support@gesn.com [mailto:owner-support@gesn.com]On Behalf Of Jeff Hintz
Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2001 3:47 PM
To: support@gesn.com
Subject: RE: AVTS configuration standards

 

Yes, it would be great if we had a set standard.  However, when a customer requests that the would like the instructions to be specific for that particular election, ie: Amendment Election, School Bonds, etc, etc.  Are the customers stuck with a standard set of instructions when they are using paper ballots????  

 

I think that it would be much better, if we were able to put into Gems those items within TSText that change for different elections.  INPUT????  

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-support@gesn.com [mailto:owner-support@gesn.com]On Behalf Of Nel Finberg
Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2001 2:50 PM
To: support
Subject: AVTS configuration standards

As it stands, many of us have varying versions of TS Text folders installed on our GEMS computers as well as varying versions of audio instructions on VIBS AVTS machines.  Could we aim at locking up and standardizing this information so that the TS Text is only changeable through a formal rcr procedure?  On one hand, this would make the revision of operational instructions and audio far more cumbersome, but at the same time, it would give us far greater control and standardization in the configuration of touch screens, which will be of greater importance as the units become increasingly deployed in the field.

 

Nel