Joint Condition

When a gang goes out to do a job they sometimes notice something about part of the network - a damaged cable, a leaking joint, etc. This is useful information about the state of the network, but because it isn't really part of the job in hand it is difficult to get anyone to record it. At best some scribbled notes are made, at worst it is simply ignored as the gang concentrates on doing the work they have been sent to do.

There are plenty of systems available that allow this type of information to be recorded. Many of them are computerised in some way and require the work team to have a laptop or a PDA in the van. The practicalities and expense of this type of system means that they are usually restricted to inspectors or emergency teams.

The commonest real-life system is still the paper form.

There are several drawbacks to forms:

• They have to be filled in.
• Someone else (usually) then has to re-enter this data onto a computer system.
• The information is often incomplete or hard to read.

In short, there is a fine line between the effort involved in collecting the information and the benefit we get from it. Essential information we collect whatever the effort. Less important (but nevertheless potentially useful) information we only collect if it is easy and reliable.

DP&P makes it easier to collect more reliable information and so tips the balance back in favour of recording it.