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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.