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In this Edition
Featured Article I Upcoming Events I Client Support I Under Construction I Product Spotlight
Eventually I developed a realistic working relationship with my computer–tempered by a recognition that I needed to think more about how I use it before building another database. A woodworker soon learns it is best to develop a plan before buying the lumber; things just work better when you take that approach. This brings me to the key point I would like to share with you. Through my years of experience, I have seen a similar pattern repeat itself in laboratory animal facilities I have worked with. Computers, software applications and databases can be powerful allies. They can also become an obsession that can cost a lot of man hours. Databases are inherently hungry and can include more parts (fields) than are needed. The key is wise management of data. You need to know the desired end-point for that data. The inclusion of more data than will serve a useful purpose results in wasted time (data entry), resources (PC or server space) and the increased risk of performance issues (slow response times). So the message is simple–start from the end and work backwards. Begin by looking at what outputs (reports, processes, etc.) are truly needed and then decide what data you really need to collect in order to generate those outputs. Make sure the outputs are worthwhile and necessary. Studiously avoid the tendency to become enamored with what computers can do and focus on achieving worthwhile outcomes. Computer technology should be your servant, not your task-master. Just like in woodworking, don’t be afraid to make cuts.
Members of the TOPAZ team will be on the road over the next few months, attending and exhibiting at numerous industry events. As always, we would love the opportunity to connect with you face-to-face. If you are planning to attend any of these events, please stop by our booth for a visit!
Date: Friday, Nov. 20, 2009 Time: 10:00 A.M., CST Register Today» IBC committees are under increased pressures to manage biological safety within human and animal studies. Relying on manual processes to monitor protocols is often inefficient and increases compliance risks. Please join us for a free, interactive webcast and learn how world-leading research facilities leverage our automated solutions across the organization to integrate IBC committee operations with IACUC and IRB, in order to: • Increase operational efficiency • Simplify and streamline operations • Store, track and maintain protocol records • Enhance communications and protocol visibility • Reduce compliance risk Register Today»
Ensuring institutions have the necessary tools to gain the full benefits of the new interface and enhanced functionality of TOPAZ products requires careful planning and coordination with Client Services. Our team is made up of Certified Trainers, Implementation Coordinators and Project Managers who specialize in implementing rich Internet applications. TOPAZ Technologies has a proven, successful implementation strategy used by over 100 clients around the world. This strategy employs a three-phased approach for a successful implementation and training.
The culmination of the three phases is a well-defined, successfully implemented project completed in 4 to 6 months on average.
Have you heard? Our new Animal Orders module will replace GRANITE’s Animal Orders components, maintaining core GRANITE functionality and providing additional utility such as custom animal order and receipt forms, reporting and printing, and an improved user interface. Want an insider’s look at Animal Orders? Product Management is seeking client input on the module. Contact TOPAZ at (800) 250-9090 and ask for Aaron or Mick. 
The latest version of TOPAZ’s market leading Enterprise application, version 5.3, is now available to the biomedical research community. Current users of 4.x will notice the addition of custom master lists (that can be used in single or multi-selection questions, filtered and used as e-mail variables), auto summarize function in reviews and custom agenda/minutes forms. Current 5.x users will be able to take advantage of several improvements such as a Billing Administration role designed to better manage transactions and new data fields and filter features in FMS. Plus, version 5.3 also includes the ability to associate a link or attachment to a procedure so the author can open the link during protocol submission. Want more information? Contact TOPAZ for more information on what 5.3 can do for you.
In order to ensure all users have the appropriate access and rights to perform key activities, it is important the corresponding functions are enabled in the “Maintain User Profiles” section and consistent with the appropriate Security Groups. For instance, assigning a security group will ensure the user can access the appropriate screens, while the user profile selections will determine what rights the user has in those screens.
Quick Tip #2: In GRANITE 4.x, in order to allow users read-only access to all animal orders, enable the “Access All Orders” setting, located in the “Maintain User Profiles” section.
TOPAZ recently announced SoBran Inc, one of the nation’s fastest growing biomedical research support organizations, selected our GRANITE and Animal Protocols software as the primary medical research solutions for SoBran Inc.’s newest facility in Baltimore, Maryland. The SoBran Inc. staff of medical research professionals will use TOPAZ Technologies’ GRANITE and Animal Protocols software to manage daily research operations, IACUC compliance requirements and support Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). Read the full press release»
TOPAZ Technologies recently announced that 15 customers have upgraded to the rich Internet application of our Animal Protocols software. Developed to manage the protocol review process, addressing research and compliance needs, our Animal Protocols software has multiple new features to centralize complex research data, maintain a comprehensive protocol history and help protect from IACUC compliance violations. Read the full press release»
TOPAZ is pleased to welcome a new Product Manager to our team, Aaron Plante. Working closely with TOPAZ clients, internal product development and customer support teams, Aaron will drive product planning and framework for new and existing products, including usability, features and functionality. Having worked in the biomedical research industry for over 10 years, Aaron’s deep industry experience will be key to the continuous enhancement of TOPAZ software solutions. Just for Fun LAR and Order Comic Series As promised … the continuation of our LAR and Order comic series. Staffing up for success … 
Successfully “driving” the staff crazy! 
To be continued … Stay tuned. |
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