Among the most challenging activities for transit agencies, reporting accurately and effectively is at the top of the list. Between developing reports for multiple funding sources to trying to enhance coordination and improve operations, it can become difficult to achieve the desired results. However, Ecolane believes that by using web-based transportation software, coordination can be enhanced and operations improved. Here are the 8 advantages of using the web as a transit reporting platform:

1. Easy Access

Since the web is a platform that most governmental or quasigovernmental agencies can easily access; using it for transit reporting can save time and eliminates user stress.

 

2. Consistent Information

By using the web, users all have access to the same information. Viewing reports can sometimes be challenging when you use a client server environment and the information is directed to an incorrect location or there are varied parameters from user to user. The web ensures consistency, making reports more accurate and easy to understand.

 

3. Low Cost

Presently, there are many no cost web-based applications available that specialize in reporting. These can be a great option for agencies that already have personnel that have the skill sets needed for report generation.

 

4. Simplifies Report Writing

PC-based systems and complex report writing tools require licenses for each agency to operate their software. Therefore, if multiple agencies are coordinating transit in a multi-county region, each agency would have to pay for their own software license. Web-based tools eliminate this issue and make the process much simpler, which can lead to enhanced coordination for agencies.

 

5. Easy Software Updates

Since reports are web-based, updates to software only have to occur on the web. This eliminates the need to update individual user PCs for data files, saving time and energy.

 

6. Unlimited Usage

Other proprietary transportation software might result in users having to share computer time if there are limited copies of the software, depending on how many licenses the agency has purchased. This is not practical for agencies with multiple physical locations with users that need to access data. Instead, web-based software can be accessed by any authorized user, from anywhere, as long as they have web access.

 

7. Firewall Issues Eliminated

Each agency has their own firewall, and if they’re sending data through a PC network, access must be created through each firewall. Web-based reporting can overcome these multiple firewall obstacles.

 

8. Quicker

When generating reports, web-based systems are much quicker than PC-based reporting systems.

Switching to a web-based reporting platform can help transit agencies enhance coordination and improve operations through easy access, consistent information, low cost, simplified report writing, easy software updates, unlimited usage, firewall access, and quicker report generation. To learn more about how web-based reporting can enhance your agency’s coordination, download our free eBook.

Ecolane Web Intelligence