Incident Management Utility

Started by MattPHS2002, June 10, 2007, 02:37:42 PM

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MattPHS2002

Has anyone heard of the Incident Management Utility? The email that I received makes reference to IMU2. I haven't been on a mission in several years (mainly due to school and lately just general inactivity on my part.) The email also talked about a workshop we would be asked to attend, I'll need to suss that out myself but I was just looking for info on IMU.
1Lt Matt Gamret

NER-PA-002 Drug Demand Reduction Officer

sardak

First, read the discussion of IMU on this thread.
http://captalk.net/index.php?topic=1661.0

Next go to WMU
http://wmu.nat.cap.gov/

then log into Web WMU as an IC.  If you can't do this, then I don't think you can get to IMU.

Once logged in as an IC, use the "Download Wing Database" button to go to the IMU2 download page.

Mike




MattPHS2002

Thank you, I'll look in to that.
1Lt Matt Gamret

NER-PA-002 Drug Demand Reduction Officer

IceNine

Quote from: sardak on June 10, 2007, 04:42:34 PM
First, read the discussion of IMU on this thread.
http://captalk.net/index.php?topic=1661.0

Next go to WMU
http://wmu.nat.cap.gov/

then log into Web WMU as an IC.  If you can't do this, then I don't think you can get to IMU.

Once logged in as an IC, use the "Download Wing Database" button to go to the IMU2 download page.

Mike


There are a couple of minor discrepancies with the above information

1) When you log into the WMU your best bet is to log in under "Unit Commander",  because unit commander section has more functionality for the casual unit level user. 

2)  When you log into the "Unit Commander" Section in the middle row of buttons at the bottom you will see "Download Database"

3) In order to download the IMU you must be AT LEAST one of the following if not you will not be allowed to download the program
   IC1, IC2, IC3, AL1, AL2, AL3, OSC, PSC, LSC, FASC, GBD, AOBD, or CUL

4) After you get to the "Download Database" setion you will need to download BOTH the Current Release (bottom Link)  AND the Current IMU2 Database

5) When you have downloaded follow the instructions listed in the manual that comes with the application download and you are all set

Before you use this utility for a mission be sure that you play with it A LOT, it takes some time to get used to the navigation and there is one pretty big draw back, when you assign members to their duties the IMU uses the NIMS titles (i.e. intelligence unit leader) instead of the current "CAP" titles (i.e. Planning Section Chief) so the mission participation for duty performance must be manually input. 
"All of the true things that I am about to tell you are shameless lies"

Book of Bokonon
Chapter 4

c172drv

The program is great for managing missions.  It will take a while to get use to it and all its functions.  I started using it when it was called the MMU ( Mission Management Utility ) and it was a god send for keeping staff to a minimum.  Problem was it was proned to crashing for odd reasons.  He has really seemed to fix it plus you can run missions from multiple locations and connect together via the internet.  Toss in some IM action and you have an easy way ot communicate and not tie up the radio or phone lines.

Down side is it takes a while to really use it.  Documentation is ok but not spectacular. A good and bad thing is that he updates the computer on a regular basis so things change. 

I definetly would recommend checking it out.  To get the most out of it I do think that you have to have the wing use the WMU.NAT.CAP.GOV website.  That will make managing assets easier.  I've been fighting that battle here in my wing and I hope that they will switch over.

John
John Jester
VAWG


IceNine

Don't push to hard to switch, there are some changes coming down the pipeline...if your wing is planted in MIMS, stay there at least for a while
"All of the true things that I am about to tell you are shameless lies"

Book of Bokonon
Chapter 4

MattPHS2002

Thanks for all of the information folks, I'll probably look over some of this at work. The workshop is going to be a problem because I work weekends and taking time off just isn't in the cards.
1Lt Matt Gamret

NER-PA-002 Drug Demand Reduction Officer

Matt

Quote from: J.Hendricks on June 11, 2007, 06:22:21 AM
3) In order to download the IMU you must be AT LEAST one of the following if not you will not be allowed to download the program
   IC1, IC2, IC3, AL1, AL2, AL3, OSC, PSC, LSC, FASC, GBD, AOBD, or CUL

You can, you are simply not able to register it.  Which means a hill of beans, aside from you can't download the databases...
<a href=mailto:mkopp@ncr.cap.gov> Matthew Kopp</a>, Maj, CAP
Director of Information Technology
<a href=https://www.ncrcap.us.org> North Central Region</a>

c172drv

Quote from: J.Hendricks on June 11, 2007, 06:26:41 PM
Don't push to hard to switch, there are some changes coming down the pipeline...if your wing is planted in MIMS, stay there at least for a while

The nice thing about the new versions of IMU/WMU is that it feeds into MIMS and WMIRS.  The only thing it doesn't feed back into MIMS is the pilot data.  I hope that he will reinstate that function since the WMU version was much easier to use.

John
John Jester
VAWG


Eclipse

Its a PITA.

Requires you have more than a few technical people who can manage the connectivity and system in the mission base.

its dependent on the WMU, which, thank (>insert deity here<) is FINALLY going to die, which means it will be all but useless very soon.

(imho)   ;D

"That Others May Zoom"

flynd94

Quote from: Eclipse on June 12, 2007, 07:19:51 PM
Its a PITA.

Requires you have more than a few technical people who can manage the connectivity and system in the mission base.

its dependent on the WMU, which, thank (>insert deity here<) is FINALLY going to die, which means it will be all but useless very soon.

(imho)   ;D

I find it easy to use and, who said the WMU is going to die?   Plus, what is going to replace it another great system built by the brainchildren in AL?   All of your rants about the WMU can be said about MIMS.

IMHO
Keith Stason, Maj, CAP
IC3, AOBD, GBD, PSC, OSC, MP, MO, MS, GTL, GTM3, UDF, MRO
Mission Check Pilot, Check Pilot

arajca

Once IMU is set up and running it is relatively easy to use, but getting to that point is a PITA. For example, I attended an IMU class. Class was to start at 0800. I got there late (~100mi drive) and the system still wasn't operational. It wasn't until 0845 that the system was operational. This included all those who were on time (I was only 15 min late). Once everything was set up, it ran ok, but not great.

IceNine

Quote from: flynd94 on June 12, 2007, 09:08:22 PM
Quote from: Eclipse on June 12, 2007, 07:19:51 PM
Its a PITA.

Requires you have more than a few technical people who can manage the connectivity and system in the mission base.

its dependent on the WMU, which, thank (>insert deity here<) is FINALLY going to die, which means it will be all but useless very soon.

(imho)   ;D

I find it easy to use and, who said the WMU is going to die?   Plus, what is going to replace it another great system built by the brainchildren in AL?   All of your rants about the WMU can be said about MIMS.

IMHO

First off this system is only easy (a relative term) when it is used on a single system.  When you try and set it up on a network, it gets more difficult then try to use the remote system and you need the designer himself to help set it up.

As for the system dying...that's one way of putting it.  Word came down the pipes a couple months ago that Col. Andersen was taking the system offline because nationals refuses to help keep him up to date on changes in MIMS etc so it is a nightmare to try and keep the system(s) in sync.

As for the system being replaced Good luck, we are going to be back to powerpoint.  There is however a GREAT system out there that a lot of the EMA's etc are using

http://webosb.pnl.gov/index.stm
"All of the true things that I am about to tell you are shameless lies"

Book of Bokonon
Chapter 4

flynd94

Used it in LAN mode many a time at SAREX's no problem.  The only issue is when you use it in distributed mode.  I have a lot of experience with the IMU.  I helped Beta test for Pete.
Keith Stason, Maj, CAP
IC3, AOBD, GBD, PSC, OSC, MP, MO, MS, GTL, GTM3, UDF, MRO
Mission Check Pilot, Check Pilot

Matt

It's a shame if it does "die".  Believe it or not, if you have it placed on your computer, have a semi-competent Comm section (which IT falls under), it should run quickly.  The only problem, which if it hasn't been resolved will be soon, is that because of down-time sync the databases go out of sync, soon enough (again, if not already) this update will be made and life shall be groovy...

But also note this, he's one man (although more do help) designing, running and hosting this system, he isn't a paid staff at NHQ.  He offered NHQ WMU, MMU and IMU, but they turned him down, which is a shame since his system is a lot friendlier than their's is.

Only problem with WebOSB (from what I'm seeing) is we'd have to pay for it...  The other major system (again that people pay for) is e-sponder...
<a href=mailto:mkopp@ncr.cap.gov> Matthew Kopp</a>, Maj, CAP
Director of Information Technology
<a href=https://www.ncrcap.us.org> North Central Region</a>

Eclipse

Quote from: J.Hendricks on June 12, 2007, 09:34:42 PM
As for the system dying...that's one way of putting it.  Word came down the pipes a couple months ago that Col. Andersen was taking the system offline because nationals refuses to help keep him up to date on changes in MIMS etc so it is a nightmare to try and keep the system(s) in sync.

NHQ refuses to keep him in sync because we were all ordered to be off of it TWO COMMANDERS AGO.
(granted, at the time, it was not ready).  NHQ's official stance since then, has been that eServices is the authoritative database, and if states wanted to use a non-standard client (WMU) to access it, that was fine, but that NHQ would not make schema changes to support something they wanted to go away, nor would they necessarily keep Pete in the loop.  Why should they?

Somehow more than 1/2 the states seem to be able to function without it, using MIMS as the replacement.
Much of the inertia is based on the fact that the WMU allows for defacto extra-regulatory control of ES qualifications, because he who has the keys, controls the kingdom.

I am no proponent of MIMS vs. WMU, MIMs and eServices / MIMS were obviously designed by people with no GUI design experience, however I am a HUGE proponent of not having multiple points of information, which regularly conflict, and now put us in jeopardy of not being able to participate because WMU sign-offs aren't in sync with MIMS.

"That Others May Zoom"

arajca

Quote from: Matt on June 12, 2007, 09:46:56 PM
It's a shame if it does "die".  Believe it or not, if you have it placed on your computer, have a semi-competent Comm section (which IT falls under), it should run quickly.  The only problem, which if it hasn't been resolved will be soon, is that because of down-time sync the databases go out of sync, soon enough (again, if not already) this update will be made and life shall be groovy...
How many time do you have extra comm folks at a SAREX? Just about every one I've been at for the past four years, we were trying hard to get two or three folks. Comm folks primarily concern themselves with getting and keeping the radios running and manned. Typically, there isn't anyone who has the time to set up and babysit a patchwork computer network, let alone understand IMU sufficiently to get everyone's laptop working on it. Couple that with a lack of trained IMU operators and you have problems.

Don't give me the "It's easy to use" line. I am quite computer literate and I have some problems figuring some of the stuff out. Take your average SM who uses the computer for email, surfing, and writing the occasional letter. They really have problems with IMU. The primary issue is currency. IMU is a one-trick pony - good only at large-scale missions. We do not do enough of these to maintain currency in IMU for enough personnel to make the system work.

QuoteBut also note this, he's one man (although more do help) designing, running and hosting this system, he isn't a paid staff at NHQ.  He offered NHQ WMU, MMU and IMU, but they turned him down, which is a shame since his system is a lot friendlier than their's is.
True, he's only one man, but I can't run IMU at home. For some reason, I keep getting a missing font error and IMU crashes. I've contacted him, and after two emails, he basically told me "too bad, so sad".

Matt

Quote from: arajca on June 13, 2007, 03:05:07 AM
How many time do you have extra comm folks at a SAREX?

Believe it or not: quite a bit.  Plus, we have some advantages in the comm field since we have someone who helped write the book.

If all the comm folks care about is radios, then there is a serious problem with comm unit since communications is a lot more than just rogers and paperwork...  Although I know that it isn't always possible to accomplish simply that.


Quote from: arajca on June 13, 2007, 03:05:07 AM
Don't give me the "It's easy to use" line. I am quite computer literate and I have some problems figuring some of the stuff out. Take your average SM who uses the computer for email, surfing, and writing the occasional letter. They really have problems with IMU. The primary issue is currency. IMU is a one-trick pony - good only at large-scale missions. We do not do enough of these to maintain currency in IMU for enough personnel to make the system work.

It can be a PITA to setup once the DBs are out of sync, however, if they're in sync, the servers are online, it does run smoothly.


Quote from: arajca on June 13, 2007, 03:05:07 AM
True, he's only one man, but I can't run IMU at home. For some reason, I keep getting a missing font error and IMU crashes. I've contacted him, and after two emails, he basically told me "too bad, so sad".

I've had problems, which I can have answered locally with some other gurus (if you will).  Your font error does intrigue me though, if you shoot me a PM with a bit more detail, I may have an answer (or may be able to find one).
<a href=mailto:mkopp@ncr.cap.gov> Matthew Kopp</a>, Maj, CAP
Director of Information Technology
<a href=https://www.ncrcap.us.org> North Central Region</a>

Eclipse

I'm all for introducing technology into the ICP, but there simply is not the expertise across the board to get the IMU stable / easy enough to make it viable, and generally IC's and branch directors do not have the time or patience to beat this thing up.

There's also the issue of the abomination that many of the CAP-Issued notebooks are with regards to patches, crapware, spyware, and just basic function.

The last thing I'm going to allow is somebody I don't even know to start hammering out ODBC connectivity and the like on a machine I depend on.

A turn-key, kiosk-type system, provided by the ICP is a different story, provided there are dedicated support people.

"That Others May Zoom"

RiverAux

The problem is that even fairly large CAP operations are not really all that large in terms of how many people are working on the staff.  Really, the only people that have to regularly communicate are Comm, Air Ops, Groud Ops, Ops, and IC.   Most of the time it would be just as effective to do it the old-fashioned way with runners rather than trying to go high tech.

Now, if we were running an op with 20+ people that needed to be in the loop on messages, etc., then a electronic system would probably be much more effective than runners. 

Basically, you probably won't get a lot of bang for your buck by going electronic.  Marginal increases in efficiency at best.

sschwab

This week in our SONS http://www.freshwaterspills.net/sons07truth/ exercise, we tried to use IMU, and had limited success.  We had a command staff of three MSA, ground OPS, air OPS, IC, a few comm crew, and in addition a couple of Air Force watching over our shoulder.

I am the ITO, plus a computer programmer, part time IT guy, used to networking etc., and we still had the following problems:

1) The MSA, while computer literate, struggled with some of the basics.

     a) The clicking on the RED TEXT to update the "Next of Kin" on the Incident Checkin page was not obvious.  A bit of experimentation resolved it, but my IC had been trying to use the software the previous week and never figured that out.

     b) Our main member checkin computer died, as it was an older PC with a flaky power supply, so we switched to a laptop.  It worked, but it turned out the clock in the first computer was a month off, so we struggled getting everyone active on the same day.  This problem was compounded by checking in people to two different mission bases (just different names) by mistake.  While I don't think this affected anything, it did caused confusion and delays as MSA tried to get everyone at the same base, on the same day.  I think we never did figure out how to switch bases for those checked in. 

        To complicate things, the PC switch happened after crews were dispatched, and at the time we did not think about using the form 60s to check everyone out and back in.

     c) It took a while to figure out how to check people out,  again we had to poke around for awhile.

2) We tried setting up an aircrew on the second day, after the crew was launched, using the 104s the air ops had used.  Since we had problems with IMU the day before, air ops did not want to mess with it when they had planes to get out.  The MSA gave up, trying to translate the information from the paper form to the IMU pages.  I was busy working with imagery at the time, so I am not sure what the exact problems were.

3) We never attempted adding a ground team.

4) There was confusion about who goes into the system, do member activated at home and going to a search get logged in?  If not, how could you add them to a sortie?  If you do, how do you get all the required information to add them to the IMU program.  You could call and ask, but our comm was already overloaded?  I am not sure but I think we ended up calling the GTL cell phones and adding everyone to the system, but this took some time to sort out.

In the end we used IMU just to manage checkin/checkouts and produce head counts and rosters for IC.  We never got to the point of using the status boards for air and ground, which was our initial plan.

Something I never figured out was how to get IMU into a network or virtual mode.  I had one laptop which enabled those options, but I could not get my other laptops to do more then just "local".   We tried sharing the database on a Windows shared drive, but ended up putting just running it off of one system with actual database on a memory stick (in case of another failure).

I have to say the software seems to have a great deal of capabilities, and a user guide could have solved many of the problems.  I also imagine it is a bear to program, getting all the forms up to date and printing proper.  I guess I would be more optimistic about the outcome, except that one of the AF overseers had not walked up to me, on the last day and said "you know a couple of excel spreadsheets could have done all of that."

I don't think IMU impressed many at our mission base, and regretfully some of the MSA where wing staff and they were not happy with it.

Just my 2 cents, but my recommendation to new users is get some training for you, MSAs, and other staff before the mission.



2LT Scott Schwab
Gateway Squadron
MOWING