As most of you are aware, CSS is developing new programs that support various parts of FP&M's operations. Over the past several years, we tried a number of approaches to enable CSS to maintain and respond to user's needs while finding time to develop new systems. This proves to be a difficult combination.
Systems development requires extensive blocks of concentrated time. The staff loses the logic and flow of programming and systems development when frequently interrupted. Thus, we would like to try a process using a help line.
The new CSS Help Line number is 4-8993. The CSS group ( Sheri Cummings, Tim Koch, Dave Koehler, Lisa Nalean, and Ron Pool) share the duties of staffing the help line. Each person will take a turn staffing the phone one day a week. They will receive calls and answer questions or help resolve problems.
Each CSS staff member has their own area of expertise. If they are unable to assist you, they may ask if you can wait until the end of the day or the next morning for the appropriate CSS person. If your problem is truly an emergency, they will notify the appropriate CSS person to help you.
We recognize that this approach may cause some inconvenience. Our hope is that the help line will allow the CSS staff longer, concentrated blocks of programming time. This approach should greatly help their productivity towards developing our programs.
You may call John Hoffman or Mike Hamilton directly if you know they can help with your particular problem or question. Or, you can use the help line. As we work through the implementation of the new help line, please visit with me if there are any questions or concerns.