Project Features

Pocket ESA is based upon the project concept for data storage, where the user has numerous projects and within each project there are numerous surveys. Using this method, a Microsoft Access database is used to store each project. Each project is stored in a separate directory, which can be on the same computer or spread across a network. A master database is used to keep track of projects and their locations. This master project database is also used to store data (such as questionnaires and text macros) that is common to all projects.

The creation and editing of projects is supported by the following features 

• Microsoft Access database management system.

• Master project database tracks projects over a network.

• Separate toolbar for project functions only. 

• No limit to the number of projects.

• New projects can be easily created. 

• Project directories are automatically created.

• Existing projects can be opened and closed using toolbar and menu commands.

• Projects can be deleted, including project directories.

• Projects not in master database can be imported into master database.

• Projects can be exported to be used on a different computer.

• Surveys can be uploaded from the Pocket PC one at a  time or an entire project at a time.

Report Template Features

The first step when using the Pocket ESA program, is to create a report template using Microsoft Word. This template is later merged with the specific responses of a survey to create a final report. The template is a generic form of the final report and contains keywords where the specific answers to the questionnaire are to be merged into the report. These keywords are highlighted in the report template using a unique style created for the Pocket ESA program. 

The answers to be merged into the report are not necessarily the direct answers to the questions, but are the text responses associated with the answer. 

For example, if the answer to the question “Are there any ACMs suspected?” is “No” the text merged into the final report is not necessarily “No” but could be a paragraph of text that has been associated with this response; such as, “There are no asbestos containing materials suspected on the subject property.” This response can be further edited on the desktop prior to being merged.

The creation and editing of report templates is supported by the following features 

• Templates are created and edited in Microsoft Word.

• There can be an unlimited number of questionnaires.

• Each questionnaire has one report template. 

• Report templates can be used by more than one questionnaire.

• Report templates can be created from an existing report. 

• There is an unlimited number of keywords in a report template.

• Keywords can be replaced only once or throughout the report.

• The Phase I ESA style can be customized in preferences.

• An appendix can be added to the report template that will only contain the questions and their direct answers.

Questionnaire Features

After the report template has been created the next step is to create a questionnaire that is used to collect the survey data. This questionnaire will assign a keyword specified in the report template to each question. The text associated with the answer to that question will then replace the keyword when the actual survey data is merged to create a final report.

For every question a question type is selected. The question type determines the format of the question and allowable answers that are used to collect the data. After the question type has been selected and the question entered, the text associated with each allowable response is entered. This is the text that will actually be merged into the final report.

The creation and editing of questionnaires is supported by the following features 

• All questionnaires are stored in a Microsoft Access database.

• There can be an unlimited number of questionnaires.

• Each questionnaire has one report template. 

• Questionnaires are divided into an unlimited number of sections and subsections.

• Questionnaires can contain an unlimited number of questions.

• Each question has a question type assigned that determines the types of allowable responses. 

• There are numerous questions types.

• A list of keywords in the report template that have not been used by the questionnaire can be displayed.

• A blank paper form for the questionnaire can be printed and used for field data collection.

• Questionnaires can be downloaded to the Pocket PC or used directly on the desktop.

• Questionnaires can be imported and exported for use on other computers.

Data Collection Features

After a questionnaire has been created, survey data can be collected on either the desktop or Pocket PC. All survey data is organized into Projects. Before the data can be entered, either a new project must be created or an existing project opened. The created or opened project is then referred to as the current project. After the project has been opened, the new survey can be created. 

The creation and editing of surveys is supported by the following features 

• Projects can contain an unlimited number of surveys.

• All surveys are stored in the project database in Microsoft Access database format on the desktop and binary format on the Pocket PC.

• Phase I ESA data can be entered on the Pocket PC or desktop..

• Data entered on the Pocket PC can be uploaded and edited on the desktop. 

• Survey data is saved automatically as it is entered on the Pocket PC.

• The questions that have been answered are tracked and a list of un-answered questions can be displayed.

• Pictures and other text files can be inserted into the response for a question.

• Text macros can be created on the desktop and used on the Pocket PC to rapidly enter common text answers; such as, asbestos materials, drainage, site descriptions, storage tank contents, etc.

Merge Features

After the survey data has been collected on the Pocket PC or desktop, it can be merged with the report template to create the final report. During the merging process the keywords in the report template are replaced by the text associated with each of the answers to the survey questions. This last step in the process is performed on the desktop version of the program. 

When the merging is complete a final report will be created in Microsoft Word format. This report can then be edited in Word to include the information regarding the records reviews and interviews.

The merging of surveys is supported by the following features 

• One or all of the surveys in a project can be merged.

• There is an option to merge only the questions and answers without the report template. This can be used to create an appendix of the survey results.

• Merged report can be immediately opened in Word.