Stega-WHAT?

Cool program! It is cool/scary to know that you can hide message and transcription behind images and song files in order to keep information confidential or hidden.  I thought that it was pretty simple to use as well, however, I had difficulties trying to attach my own  hidden message on a picture.  It would attach to picture inside the program but I could not save that new image (just like the hidden zebra image) in order to send that out. 

I like the fact that there are programs out there that you are capable of sending and receiving such messages.  I think that this type of process and programming can be extremely useful in business world with confidential insource information meant for the eyes of internal management only and not for outside viewing or knowledge. 

The program itself is functional, however, I do wish that it was easier than it already is.  How cool would it be to send out emails but within those emails you can have a locked file storage behind the actual email so that when it arrived into the mailbox of certain (specified) individuals, it displayed a lock icon to where they could enter in a password or code and access that individual and specific information. I think when this programs gets to a point where it can be incorporated into every day business use and not a special task that requires a specific program it will then become universal and applicable.

As a FM, utilizing this type of system or software would be incredibly useful to send out EOP info or updates, security warnings to other FM or staff,  and key vital information regarding operarations and maintenance.  I don't know how much protection this information would actually need, however, if the occasion arose to where there was an instance where it was confidential or essential to keep it a closed case, then the software is available.  

All in all, I believe that there is a still a long way to go before this thought or idea transforms into something that can be utilized in every day business.

 

VEKTR's work order system

The VEKTR's work order system is pretty efficient.  I imagined myself as a FM Employee of the BYU Facility and myself logging in every morning coming to work and reviewing what "new" WO's I had, along with what past due WO's have I not finished.

It seems like a very organized and systemactic way of doing things, which brings a sense of accountibilty towards the employees because everyone can see what needs to be done and who hasn't done what is specifically required of them.

Some conerns I have with this is that there are work orders for things that maybe aren't so crucial.  Things like "fixing the doorbell" on the electrical shop.  Do things like that require a WO to take up valuable space within the WO system?  It seems that there should be some limitations for things that should be posted.  Otherwise, you might get posts for things that don't concern the Facility as much as it does employees who should be proactive in taking care of those issues themselves considering its their shop and their department.  Point being, I feel that the WO system might be too much of our main focus.  When a problem arrises, emloyees won't first thing, "I should fix that" but they think, "I should go put in a WO and then someday someone will fix it".  Its easy to say, "electrical shop fix your doorbell" and have the entire electrical shop put that off and off and off until someone puts in another WO to fix the doorbell.  Procrastination could be an issue. 

However, I would definately consider using this sytem with some modifications.  I would most definately maintain an email base WO system as well for issues more confidential that may require special assignment or instruction - this is obvious and I'm sure FM do that.  

I would definately recommend it to others - assuring that there is "training" that goes into the integration of the program into daily work.  Don't loose sight of proactiveness: judge whether or not that task can be taken care of immediately and save the headache of submitting a WO and having the issue linger for longer than necessary.

Overall, as much as I bashed the WO system, I find it incredibly useful and efficient to organize and delegate every day jobs within the Facility.

Technology Research Topic

*Green Switch*

Yes, I'm aware that this was not one of my original ideas but I've put a lot of thought to this and the Green Switch is something that makes so much sense.  I look at maybe seeing where else I can take this invention.  However, the main reason for selecting this technology is because it provides a margin of savings not only on utility bills for residential but commercial complexes but also the overal mechanical systems and appliances which are used rarely.  Sustaining the assets which are within the facility is something that makes so much sense, however, as I mentioned above, I want to see where else I can take this and to what other areas it can branch out to. 

Technology Selections

My three choices for researchable technologies would be:

1. Paper Towel Tracking System
2. Self-Power Washing Floor System
3. Hydrophilic, Impact-Resistant Windows