STRIDE (System Tool for the Retrieval and Input of Data and Engineering) is novel, it is easy to implement in existing, as well as in new systems and is easily maintainable. Compared to the conventional means it replaces, STRIDE offers great cost reductions at considerably improvements in efficiency and in accuracy of record keeping.

STRIDE consists of a combination of a number of overall system block schematics, using a layered approach to depict different views of the same data. The diagrams have been arranged in a system of increasing details of the various parts of the network, enabling one to zoom into the area in which details are sought. The actual interconnection details, which are contained in a reational database (e.g. SQL Server), can be readily accessed from the drawings concerned. That is, the drawing objects are linked to the database. Thus, by zooming in on a particular area of the block schematic, the relevant details of the database can be recalled, to provide whatever detail is required to carry out modification work in the area of interest.

The strengths of this system of documentation are as follows:

  • The system lends itself readily to a number of stages of development of the network. Planning and design changes can be shown side by side with the documentation of the existing network, allowing easy updating of “as is” drawings after commissioning of equipment. It is a natural extension of Network Management systems as well as being a tool for planning and design.
  • Once established, it is easy to maintain and extensions dictated by network modifications and expansion can be readily implemented. The cost of ongoing documentation is a fraction of that of conventional methods using a large number of interdependent paper based wiring schedules.
  • It is readily modifiable. Many of the changes now entered by technicians in the field can be entered directly into the database from each site, thus keeping the system up to date for all its users
  • Much of the system documentation such as the documentation relating to layout of multiplex equipment, circuit routing, Cable Schedules, Optical termination Panel Layout, Commissioning Test Sheets etc. are an automatic byproduct of the design process. Separate systems and data entry for these functions is not required.
  • The system is easy to supervise, thus the chance that changes go unrecorded is minimised
  • The major part of the documentation is essentially paperless, it avoids the need for endless references between a large number of bulky drawings. Paper records, however can be produced to provide work instructions for installation staff. Also, paper output for the system drawings remains important and the system has been optimised for both a clear screen presentation and paper output.