Transfinder - FAQ's

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Technical
Q:	What kind of hardware and network requirements are required to utilize Transfinder?
A:	Transfinder does not require any extraordinary hardware or network equipment. The system specifications are described in the Transfinder System Requirements page.

Q:	What mapping and database technologies does Transfinder use?
A:	Transfinder utilizes MapInfo® for its GIS (Geographic Information System) engine along with Microsoft® database technologies. It delivers the power and user-friendliness of these world-leading technologies making it a non-proprietary solution..

Q:	Is Transfinder compatible with other software products we are using, like Microsoft Word and Excel? What about with our main student database?
A:	Yes. Again, Transfinder uses standard technologies from the software industry ensuring its compatibility with products like Word, Excel and Lotus as well as with the main database systems utilized by your district or company.

Q:	Can Transfinder Integrate with our other systems and databases?
A:	Yes. In fact, we offer our clients options for Custom Database Integration. We write custom import and export routines, which will allow you to take a full import or just run a data comparison searching for updated information on your students. You can even send data back to your main district system.

Q:	Is Transfinder network ready?
A:	Yes. Transfinder is a 32-bit Windows® solution that is fully functional on Windows 98, NT, 2000 and XP platforms. We utilize a shared network structure where the software is installed on the local workstation and the data is stored on a server or another workstation. This allows us to also work on small peer-to-peer networks.

Mapping
Q:	Is it possible to make hazard areas like railroad crossings or one way streets stand out on the maps?
A:	Yes. Railroad crossings, waterways, State highways and Interstates are usually very apparent features on the GIS maps used in Transfinder. Hazard areas, one-way roads, and different types of roads can easily be distinguished by customizing the way the streets appear on the map. With Transfinder, it's like the old saying goes, "A picture says a thousand words!"

Q:	Can we utilize County 911 maps from a local source in Transfinder?
A:	Yes you can! In most cases, local 911 mapping projects are done with a common GIS program such as MapInfo® or with one of the ERSI® products (ArcView or ArcInfo). Transfinder is a "true" GIS program (Geographic Information System) utilizing MapInfo technologies. If there is a local map source, it is likely to be able to provide GIS data in a compatible format for Transfinder.

Q:	If 911 maps are not available, can Transfinder provide us with a map?
A:	Absolutely! Transfinder is provided standard with your desired county (or counties). There are many sources of GIS data out there, including MapInfo's StreetInfo or GDT to name a couple. If your local government hasn't completed a 911 map, we will discuss the alternative sources with you and help you with the selection process.

How often do we get map updates?

Updated map data becomes available sporadically depending upon the source. Many common GIS map sources release updates at least on an annual basis if not more. Local sources, like your county 911 or planning departments may be able to offer updated maps on a more regular basis. We have clients that receive updates every 4-6 weeks; it really depends upon the source and the quality and completeness of the updates. Our clients are able to easily keep their maps updated and customized for their specific needs.

Does Transfinder allow us to update and maintain the maps ourselves?

Yes! Remember that Transfinder uses MapInfo® for its GIS engine. We have provided you with easy-to-use map editing functionality that can be employed on any map screen at virtually anytime. You could be in the middle of routing or redistricting and realize that you need to add a street to your map. With a few clicks of your mouse you are able to make the edits you need without having to leave the area you are working in.

Implementation and Training
Q:	Do we need to add a dedicated staff member to run Transfinder?
A:	No, not in most cases. Transfinder is a tool that is designed to help you do more in less time. With easy to use technology and a simple, real world approach to routing, scheduling and redistricting, Transfinder will allow you to get the job done without having to expand your staff.

How quickly can we implement Transfinder?

A number of factors such as the quality and completeness of the map and the student data are significant indicators of actual implementation time. Furthermore, the number of students, routes, etc. and the amount of time you and your colleagues will be able to commit to working on the implementation from day to day will also influence how long it will take. Be that as it may, Transfinder is very easy to implement. Most Transfinder users testify to completing their implementation is less than 4 to 6 months of part-time effort.

Q:	Do we train with our own data and maps?
A:	Yes, that is the typical strategy. As you are cleaning up data, and customizing the system to best suit your needs you are learning by repetition, which also results in the most efficient use of your time.

Q:	How much training are we alloted/need?
A:	Most Transfinder users successfully complete their implementation process with 24 hours or less of actual training. Some large-scale implementations with multiple locations and projects may warrant additional training, but for most, 24 hours is sufficient.

Data Input and Maintenance
Q:	Can data be imported from other databases that the school may have?
A:	Absolutely. Simply provide us with an export file (such as an ASCII or DBF file) from your main data base system and we will prepare the initial conversion for you when you purchase Transfinder.

Q:	If I already have a Transportation Management System, how easy would it be to convert to Transfinder?
A:	We can salvage most of the data pertaining to routes and schedules from you current system, if the right data can be extracted from that system. We have successfully converted data for many clients who decided to upgrade from other systems to Transfinder. We are able to provide complete and partial "turn-key" conversions from other systems.

How do we keep our data up-to-date with information from the District?

Ideally, you will purchase a Custom Integration option which will allow you to keep the student data in Transfinder in synch with the district's main database. The Integration option will allow you to electronically update your data with new students, changes to current student information and will remove students who leave the district, saving you a great deal of time and effort. The alternative would be manual data entry and maintenance.

Usage and Problem Solving
Q:	Is it possible to get a list of information, a count, or to edit information for students within a specific geographic area on the fly?
A:	Absolutely! Transfinder enables you to draw polygons around students anywhere on your map. Once you have done so, Transfinder will give you a listing and count of the students within the polygon. From here you can view more information, generate reports, or make global changes to the information for the selected students.

Can Transfinder help us optimize our routes?

Yes it certainly can. By definition, Transfinder is an intuitive, interactive, computer assisted routing, scheduling and redistricting system. It is a powerful geographic information system that allows you to visualize current or proposed routes on detailed countywide maps. Transfinder provides the tools you need to analyze and manipulate routes and related data, revealing potential outcomes resulting from changes that you control. Transfinder allows you to perform "what-if" analysis with an interactive methodology vs. a pure mathematical optimization methodology. (Routing System)

Q:	Does Transfinder generate the lefts and rights for our drivers?
A:	Yes. Transfinder does generate the lefts and rights for you, plus it gives you the ability to customize them to your liking to be more meaningful for your drivers, especially the substitute drivers.

Q:	How do you know what side of the street the kids are on?
A:	Students that are geocoded (pinned on the map) appear on the side of the street that corresponds to the address associated with that student's home or alternate site. You can easily see which side of the road the student is located on by looking on a map. This is quite helpful when designing routes that travel roads that you do not want students crossing to board the bus.

Q:	Can Transfinder tell me the distance measurement from any students' home/sitter to their school? And what about the walking distance to their bus stop(s)?
A:	Yes, Transfinder will automatically calculate the home to school distance for your students. It also provides you with functionality that not only allows you to check the distance between a student and a school or stop, but will also generate lefts & rights to describe the shortest path!

How do you generate reports?

Just point and click on the report menu and generate whatever report you like. Over 100 "canned" reports are available with Transfinder for students, drivers, bus aides, schools, trips and routes, alternate sites and more. Whether you just want a left/right sheet, student notifications, bus passes, or a state report, you're likely to find one that works for you already in the system. If not, we will customize or create the reports you need. This service is standard with your Transfinder purchase. If you are familiar with Transfinder's report engine, Seagate Crystal Reports, you can design your own reports and incorporate them in Transfinder.

Can Transfinder handle daily child-care, special needs and other alternate scheduling?

Yes. Transfinder allows you to maintain routes and schedules for students who have alternate scheduling needs throughout the week. Students may have different pick-up and drop-off locations and transfer points every day. Out-of-district routing is easily handled thanks to the use of countywide and multiple county maps. Transfinder handles it all. It has proven to be a practical solution for operations that are small, large, urban or rural.

Customer Service and Support
Q:	How long has Transfinder been on the market?
A:	Transfinder was first implemented in a school district in 1990. It was officially released on the Windows® platform in April 1997. All Transfinder users are running in the Windows environment.

Q:	Do I have to pay for new releases of Transfinder?
A:	No. As long as you stay current with your annual support and maintenance fees, you will not be charged for regular product updates and enhancements.

Q:	How does the support work?
A:	You contact your assigned Transfinder Customer Project Manager (or another support representative if your CPM is not available) with a toll free phone number. Our support services include unlimited phone and modem support utilizing pcANYWHERE® (a Symantec product).

Q:	When I call, will I get a person or a machine?
A:	When you call for help, you will reach a person! If your CPM is not available, other representatives are ready to help. We make every effort to provide immediate answers to your questions and give clients the best service possible.

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