Plumbing With DataPipe™ Software Provides a Varied Toolbox
By
Kevin Santee
DataPipe is another in a long list of software packages
designed to help manage EH&S information. It stands out
from the competition because of its size and diversity.
Like the plumber who needs sufficient tools to complete
the job, DataPipe offers more than 100 modules covering
the areas of environmental, safety and occupational
health.
DataPipe is a database-driven application consisting of a
core system that can be run in a Web environment, on a
network or on an individual personal computer. The
modules, which are purchased separately, can be loosely
divided into three categories:
Each category has modules for general management, such as
employee summaries, medical restrictions, training
tracking and project management. The remaining modules
cover technical programs: waste management, chemical
tracking, medical case management, driving information,
noise exposure, indoor air quality, PPE, workers’
compensation and many more.
No matter which modules are installed, the application
interface will closely resemble a Windows® Explorer
screen. A vertical frame on the left side of the screen
displays modules and topics as directory trees while the
main frame displays the form that was selected. Data can
be entered manually or imported and exported directly from
external devices. Instrument-specific drivers must be
installed to permit data importing from sampling devices.
Handheld Tools
A similar interface can also be enabled to allow
communication between DataPipe and portable devices such
as the Pocket PC, Palm Pilot or Tablet PC. Forms developed
in DataPipe can be downloaded to a PDA for input in the
field. The resulting data can later be uploaded from the
PDA back into DataPipe with the formatting intact.
Information from some modules can also be linked to other
modules. For instance, an injury/illness incident can be
linked to an incident report. DataPipe is also reportedly
compatible with outside systems such as HR applications to
permit interfacing with other corporate information.
While information is entered through standard forms, the
form designer feature allows the user to develop new
forms. It includes a language converter that can translate
English forms to Spanish, Chinese or other languages.
Multiple forms can be opened simultaneously in DataPipe to
multitask input. Graphics, video or text files can also be
added to DataPipe and associated with a project as an
attachment. All notes entered are date, time and user
stamped.
Aside from exporting raw data, output occurs through
standardized or customized reports. Many reports regulated
by standards such as OSHA 300, EPA Form R and SARA Tier I
come pre-developed with the DataPipe system. Other reports
can be created as needed, in an ad hoc fashion. Data
fields, data labels and rules for filtering the
information are selected in a query-like format. The
resulting information can be printed in a simple fashion
or as a fancy display using a Crystal Reports option. The
information can also be exported to a Microsoft Excel®
file or e-mailed using the advanced reporting feature.
E-mailing can also be set up automatically. Using a
feature called Post Save Trigger, the application can be
set to automatically e-mail alerts or perform similar
tasks at specific times. Security permissions in DataPipe
can be set like any database to limit individuals or
groups to specific modules, forms or other portions of the
application.
Since this review is based on a Web demonstration of the
safety module, no comment can be offered about actual
hands-on operation of the application. However, it appears
that DataPipe clearly offers a wide variety of data
management tools for the EH&S professional without
appearing to be overly complicated.
For more information on DataPipe, visit DataPipe USA
Inc. at
www.DataPipeUSA.com.
Santee is with the General Services Administration,
Kansas City, Mo. He can be reached at (816) 823-2219 or
Kevin.Santee@gsa.gov.
