Driver Training – A defensive driving course is provided free with cars purchased from
Subaru and we encourage staff to take up this opportunity.
5.6
Information Management
After a tender process, we selected Microsoft Dynamics GP for the new finance and
client relationship management system. We expect it to go live in March and result in
great efficiency with budgeting, fleet management, property, project management,
tender and contract management, requisitions and help desk for IT, motor vehicles and
maintenance.
Site Upgrades (New Computers and LCD Monitors) were made to 7 worksites.
Site relocations – Eltham, Watsonia and Heidelberg were merged to the Eaglemont
office, including a new server, and the Take Two Northern team also moved from
Richmond to Eaglemont.
A new staff member commence with the team in December in the Help Desk function
as a student undergoing industry based learning for 2010.
Three (3) residential units were connected to broadband and Citrix.
The IT support of the VBCMS included 50 new laptops, 20 Wireless Cards and a new
site that was started in Alexandra.
Re-negotiated our Internet and site links for another 2 year contract with Macquarie
internet.
Signed contracts to begin a rollout of video conferencing to our major sites (initially
Richmond, Morwell and Shepparton, followed by Clayton and Eaglemont at a later
date) and to laptop users.
Internet has now been connected to computers at our schools for use by our young
people. Access is being filtered by the Netnanny program.
We strengthened our internet filters to restrict access to inappropriate websites and
banned social networking sites during office hours.
Changed over to Toshiba copier/printer/faxes at all main offices.
We have virtualized three of our servers. This will help cut costs on new server
hardware and the need for more server space, as well helping the environment by
using less power.
Issues continue to include:
The continued growth of Berry Street is placing increasing demand on servers and
data links requiring further investment in IT infrastructure.
Challenges due to the growth of “mobile” staff and their requirements to be
connected to the network while out of the office. The move to Macquarie has
helped with this due to the addition of wireless networking.
Due to the increasing number of staff, our small 4 person IT team is finding it hard to
continue the usual amount of face to face support.
5.7
Procurement Systems Review
2009 saw the Procurement Systems Officer complete his first full year of employment at
Berry Street. The focus throughout the year was continued process improvement and
cost savings.
26