Case Study

Improving Program Tracking by 240%
with Database Automation

The Customer

And Their Challenge

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is a U.S. Department of Defense agency responsible for developing innovative technologies and capabilities to ensure national security. They were manually tracking the status of all their programs on large sheets of paper displayed on their walls and in multiple Excel spreadsheets. This system frequently resulted in outdated information that was not easily distributed among group members. DARPA needed a way to automate their tracking system to reduce manual efforts and provide the group with more consistent information.

The Solution

i3solutions was contracted to refine the Program Database Management Solution for DARPA. The solution created by i3solutions, developed using Microsoft’s .NET framework and a Microsoft Access database, provides DARPA with real-time online access to program information and status updates. i3solutions improved the user interface design of the system and resolved compatibility issues that existed because several versions of Microsoft Office were used throughout the organization.

i3solutions also developed extensive search features that dramatically improved access to relevant information. Some search improvements include: full text searches, an advanced search that allows searching on multiple terms to refine search results, a component for importing and sorting search criteria, and a history of previous searches is maintained for future use. In addition, the new system was designed to seamlessly display reports and charts, providing clear insights into program information for key decision makers.

Technologies

Used in the Solution

Measurable Benefits
and Business Impact

DARPA no longer needs their paper wall charts or excel spreadsheets and realized a 240% return on investment in the first year by eliminating this combined manual effort of approximately one full time employee. Now, consistent, reliable, up-to-date program information can be accessed by anyone in the group, at any time, by using the new online application and enhanced search features. And integration with Microsoft Excel and advanced graphing and charting capabilities allows the creation of polished status reports that are easily updated and distributed among team members as needed.