Shannon Sports IT Providing IT services to Motorsport

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Times are entered directly from time-cards. Although we can operate directly “in the field” (e.g. at service), rather than based at HQ, we do NOT like doing this. Due to time constraints, we would always end up being stuck in rally traffic, and simply being unable to get parking adjacent to HQ to unload our equipment, bring it in, and set it up again will delay results significantly (even if a parking space is “reserved”, it will almost certainly have been “stolen” by the time we get back!). This is why it is important that results be done from HQ as far as possible.

We have facilities for times to be entered into the system remotely, via the internet. A results crew is located at the passage control, with a laptop computer and a phone line (we have two mobile broadband devices which can be used, subject to Vodafone/3 coverage). Cards are collected, and times entered directly. These times are then collected back at HQ (electronically), and results produced and posted to the internet.

It is also possible to courier the time-cards from the passage control back to HQ. This method rarely works well, unless the passage control is not too distant (i.e. within 10 miles at most), AND motor-cycles are used as couriers. If planning to use couriers, it is VERY important to understand that bringing a large batch of time cards back to HQ will SERIOUSLY delay results – they MUST be brought in fairly small batches (e.g. not more than 30 to 40 time cards at a time). This usually means two couriers, shuttling back and forth continuously (hence motorbikes rather than cars!). When entering batches, interim results cannot be produced until the entire batch is entered, as we don’t know what order they arrived in! Also, you must provide at least one extra person at HQ to assist with data entry.

The final way of getting times in is by phone. Someone at the passage control phones all the times in to someone keying at HQ. Many major events operate this way, but we prefer direct electronic entry at the passage control as it is more accurate (there are fewer opportunities for errors to creep in). If you plan to phone in times, then you must provide at least one and usually two extra people at HQ for data entry.