Elfs Keeps Track Of Case Files

San Diego County, California’s Department of Child Support Services previously faced difficulties finding files within its system, but after installing a secure wireless system, called the Electronic Locator File System, users can almost immediately locate files using a bar code number.

Users can choose either to view the file electronically or receive a hard copy version; when a hard copy version is not stored in either of the department’s two buildings, workers use a Hewlett-Packard iPaq handheld device to locate the file by bar code.

Runners use the iPaq to confirm releases or deny releases, and email is automatically sent to the requester determining the outcome of the search.

The iPaq receives encrypted data at up to 6 megabits per sec. The department spent about $80,000 implementing the system with most of the money buying a dedicated Hewlett-Packard ProLiant dual-processor server.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from Federal Computer Week Online (02/05/03); Sarkar, Dibya .