I also use iClickers that allow students to use a device to record their answers to questions asked in class as part of their grade. There is an RFID chip in the hand held units that records the answers in a master unit I have in the front of the room. Instead of buying a hand held unit, the students can purchase a phone App that sends their answers to a satellite that then beams them down to my unit. The students like using the iClickers and I like them as it gets them to come to class and keeps them awake during a lecture as I intersperse questions throughout the lecture material.
Last year, a new version of the iClicker App was put into production. Apparently, not enough testing was done as they had many problems with the new version and had to actually shut it down for a number of days. Unfortunately, one of those days was the day of our class so I had to resort to Plan B (writing answers on paper) for those students using the phone App. Having been in the IT world for decades, I always have a Plan B ready and waiting, just in case.
In our 24/7 world, we expect software to always be available and fully functioning. Our EDI systems work around the clock, even if we do not. When implementing changes we must always remember the consequences of not testing thoroughly. Anything that causes a disruption in EDI communications or translation causes a ripple effect and can be detrimental to the bottom line.
Aurora Technologies/EDI Support, Inc specializes in EDI implementation and data integration solutions. For more information, please contact Shandra Locken, at shandra@edisupport.com or 800-404-9182 x25.