fast and loose with installs, which tends to be problemat- ic. We’re doing the installs ourselves now.” At the same time, Reynolds said that installations can
be challenging simply in terms of mechanics having the time to do them. For video, implementation chal- lenges include incompatibilities in recording media and software. “Buggy or clunky software and solutions sometimes get in the way,” he added. A two-pronged approach is followed at Northshore School District in Bothell, Washington. “If it’s something that is an option on a bus order, then
we have that installed for us,” said Transportation Man- ager Sabrina Warren. The district’s technicians handle installation of new technology, such as GPS units, two-way radios, cam- era lenses, hard drives for camera systems, and tablet chargers. “This also includes most school bus repairs, unless
it’s something that will be cheaper to send out to be fixed,” Warren explained. “If it’s something like a fuel station computer system, then we would get bids and
contract that out.” In such cases, the district’s technology department may also be involved in the process.
Training Is Key When installation and repairs are handled internally, staff training becomes a key consideration. “Training is an important and costly part of imple-
mentation services,” Beaverton’s Feldhan said. He noted that while most vendors push for extensive training of all employees, his staff has found it more pro- ductive to adopt a train-the-trainer model. The district purchases training services for select staff such as the transportation management team, certain technicians and school bus driver trainers. “Not only does this practice translate into initial cost
savings, but it also means that we can train usage specif- ic to our policies and practices,” he continued. “We can also troubleshoot many problems internally.” Regardless of the method, a focus on training is good
practice, explained Renae Pickel, general manager for Continued on pg. 40 u
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