HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8954During field testing of the production environment of the TriTech Computer Aided Dispatch and Visinet
Mobile project, field users found the current Motorola MW800 MDC devices performed at unacceptable
speeds when using Visinet Mobile and any other application at the same time. The devices performed
acceptably with only one software application running. Upon investigation by the CAD team, the devices
were found to be running on an insufficient amount of Random Access Memory (RAM).
Proof of concept testing on a test vehicle within a test environment and the slower wireless network did not
reveal similar performance issues. However, in the production environment additional security, virus scan and
scripted programs were installed and added additional overhead to the Random Access Memory (RAM) that
was not present in the test environment.
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1-all this memory into the MDC itself must be performed by a certified technician or risk voiding the existing
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warranty. The memory and a Motorola certified local support company required to perform the work are
available. The cost to upgrade the memory in these computers is listed in the table below.
T11hese upgrades enb=ce performance and may extend the estL-nated life of the '.NfDC beyond she current
p"! , cement cycle. Ann, M&C is on the council agenda to rcove this ex-tv nit are..
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
jj Page 2 of 3
SUBJECT: Update on Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) Project
In addition, field test personnel raised concerns about bandwidth should one of the two, 1.5 megabit per
second frame relay circuits be lost for any length of time. The field personnel did not believe there would be
sufficient bandwidth to support all units in this eventuality.
After meeting with the current cellular wireless vendor, the project team determined that the available
bandwidth could be increased to two 6 megabit per second circuits for an additional monthly cost of $286.00
per month. The timeframe for delivery of these larger circuits is sixty days from the date of order. Upon
delivery, the ITS Security and Network teams would require two weeks for configuration and testing prior to
release for field testing.
Once sufficient time after go-live has passed, the project team can determine a good baseline for bandwidth
usage. If the bandwidth meets the actual needs of the public safety users, these expanded circuits may be
sufficient to support other MDC users within the city. Both Development and Code Enforcement utilize
MDCs within their fleet. Transitioning these users onto the private wireless network would provide a more
operating environment.
Lastly, field personnel did encounter some coverage issues in remote low lying areas such as: Sandy Lake
Park and in the Loop 820 & Trinity area. External wireless antennas added to these vehicles resolved these
coverage issues. Adding external antenna available from an existing contract vendor adds a cost of
$36,048.00 to the project. These antennas not only resolve issues with no coverage but increase the coverage
and performance of the mobile devices in all areas.
Funding for these upgrades and additional equipment comes from the CAD contingency farid and from the
Police Department budget. The following upgrades are being purchased on existing contracts from contract
vendors.
__SIP YEDBYTHECITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
4*00
Funding:
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
I I rew-
June 17, 2008
Page 3of3
SUBJECT: Update on Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) Project
M &C approved expenditures
$294,000.00
Funded from existing Police Department Budget
$ 84,000.00
M &C Approved Expenditure Balance
$210,000.00
Contract Expenditure
$ 85,005.00
Total Remaining Expenditures
$295,005.00
Available CAD Contingency Fund
$341,129.05
CAD Contingency Fund Balance after Expenditures
$ 46,124.05
his timeline required to make the suggested changes and upgrade the circuits will push the CAD Go -live to
e September, early October 2008 depending on the availability of TriTech Software Systems. These
changes are necessary to guarantee the delivery of the best possible product to our Public Safety users and
assure a successful implementation of the TriTech CAD and Mobile software.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Joe Paniagua at 817- 392 -6191.
Da . Fis a r, P.E.
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS