Projects

Oil & Gas Credit Tracking System

State of Alaska, Dept. of Revenue (DOR), Tax Division

The Credit Tracking system is a workflow application built to help the DOR Tax Division track tax credit applications from receipt to refund or transfer. The system uses Microsoft's most recent .NET 3.5 frameworks. The user interface is built in Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) and is distributed to the users via ClickOnce deployment, a web-style application deployment for non-web applications published to an IIS server and accessed via a URL. The WPF layer communicates to the business logic layer through the Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) listener. The WCF layer sitting on the web server acts as a liaison between the WPF client interface and the other modules of the program to ensure separation of purpose. The WCF layer contains all the workflow logic, as well. Workflows are tracked using Windows Workflow Foundation (WWF), which allows the flow of the business logic to be managed in a graphical fashion and enables changes to occur in the core business logic without having to rewrite code. The WPF, WCF, and WWF components are integrated with the SQL Server database using "LINQ to SQL". LINQ automatically implements a listener that updates the user interface to reflect any database changes automatically and instantaneously.

CIMS Development

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)

PangoMedia developed the ANC’s Capital Improvements Management System (CIMS) data warehouse. This system was developed in Microsoft SQL Server using the Microsoft .NET Framework, and Microsoft Reporting Services to extract financial and project data from several existing systems (e.g., AKSAS and Alder) and produce management reports for use by the ANC Director and staff to make program decisions on capital improvements at ANC.

Complaint Automated Tracking System (CATS)

State of Alaska, Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

CATS is a multi-tiered, data-driven web application in C# for management and tracking of all complaints and associated entities in the DEC law enforcement database. Development was performed using new .NET 3.5 technologies such as ASP.NET MVC and LINQ to SQL to replace the existing MS Access database used as the application’s front-end. The new web interface was developed adhering to the DEC UI standards and is secured through the Active Directory-authenticated data access layer. All data was migrated from the existing MS Access database to the new schema in SQL Server 2005 by developing a custom application to automate data transformations according to business rules and improved data integrity standards. This migration was implemented thorough system logging to create accountability for both data changes and data access to meet new DEC standards for secure handling of private data.

Mobile Temperature Acquisition Cable Control Software (Fetch)

BeadedStream

Fetch is a Windows Mobile application that communicates via a One-Wire device between BeadedStream’s Temperature Acquisition Cable (TAC) and an Archer hand-held mobile device to record temperature readings to a database. The application takes readings from the TAC through a serial port implementation of the Dallas Semi-Conductor One-Wire protocol, and stores them in SQL Server Mobile 2005 until the user is ready to export them to CSV, TXT, or XML files. The system required development of a data format for storing TAC identification and calibration information on EEPROM chips embedded in the cable which is read by Fetch. A desktop application for programming the chips was also developed. Development of the mobile application was done using C# using the .NET Compact Framework 2.0 and SQL Server Mobile 2005; desktop components were written in C# using .NET2.0 and Windows Forms.

eGrants Dynamic Documentation

State of Alaska, Dept. of Health and Social Services (DHSS)

eGrants is a web-based statewide grant management system developed in-house by the State of Alaska, Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). The eGrants software allows grant managers and administrators to organize, communicate and report electronically on their grants. In addition, it allows grantees to manage their grants and interface with DHSS much more easily than they could with the previous non-electronic process.

PangoMedia developed all of the user documentation for this system. Separate and substantial documentation was developed for grant recipients, managers, and administrators. Documentation was written entirely using document-centric XML in a format that is easy for DHSS staff to manage, extend and maintain. PangoMedia then developed three separate methods of presentation for this documentation: 1) a searchable HTML version formatted and designed to ease concerns of non-technical users; 2) a PDF version that mirrors the HTML version with the additions of a table of content and index; and 3) Flash-based tutorials with voice-over narration for each user group provided as an introduction to the system from their perspective.

The eGrants application is under active development by DHSS. An important design goal was that all three versions be easy to update from the same source as the application changes. In order to accomplish this, the HTML version of the documentation reads dynamically from the XML source using an ASP.NET / C# application, and the PDF version is generated by an easy-to-use snapshot process based on the XML source.

Public Water System (PWS) Emergency Response Plan (ERP) Training Program

State of Alaska, Dept. of Environmental Conservation, Drinking Water Program

The DEC Drinking Water Program contracted PangoMedia to develop a rich media CD-based application with XML data-driven interfaces for their PWS ERP training program that is conducted throughout Alaska by owners and operators of small public drinking water systems. The final product is an interactive training CD that provides tutorial information, practical exercises, and quiz questions. Completed quizzes can be submitted to DEC to obtain Continuing Education Units required by the State.

The CD was written in Macromedia Flash ActionScript 2.0, with XML data-driven interfaces, object-oriented and procedural programming, external scripting, and generation of Microsoft readable documentation based on saved content from the quizzes.

Website and Patient Management Application

Mind Matters Research LLC

Mind Matters Research LLC is an Alaskan-owned company studying the effects of imagery in improving health and well being in survivors of breast cancer. It has received a grant through the National Institute of Health (NIH) to conduct its research and help facilitate moving toward a service that will provide its program to participants around the country. Mind Matters Research partnered with PangoMedia to create a dynamic, interactive presence on the Internet for patients, as well as a Patient Management Application (PMA) for Mind Matters staff to monitor patient participation in the study.

The PMA is a client-server application with a SQL Server Express database and is used by Mind Matters Research staff to manage patient data and send/receive patient information, including homework assignments and responses to surveys. The website is a secured ASP.NET portal used by registered study participants (patients) to complete homework assignments and obtain information about the study. There is a web service that returns compressed XML data with HASH verification for HIPAA compliance and patient privacy. The application includes a custom-built lightweight Drupal content management system (CMS) for administration of content on the website, and a MySQL database. The CMS allows for granular security to be applied by user account and content in a three-tiered setup of unauthenticated content, restricted content, and advanced content. Data is retrieved from the website database to the PMA database using a custom Data Exchange web service.

Website Redesign

Criterion General

Criterion General contracted PangoMedia to update their website for easier content management and a more modern appearance. This redesign effort included a structural reorganization of the entire website using DreamWeaver with a MySQL database, as well as a redesign of the appearance. Content includes PDF documents and text converted from MS Word documents. After completion of the project, PangoMedia staff trained Criterion staff on how to maintain the site and update content using DreamWeaver and MySQL. The website displays examples of construction projects, awards, and information about Criterion General.

UAA Recruitment of Future Students Website Redesign

University of Alaska Anchorage, Recruitment Department

PangoMedia redesigned the look and feel of the UAA Recruitment of Future Students web pages to provide a more contemporary presence for the department. The home page includes Flash elements with rotating images of Alaska, mouse-over information provided per student type (in-coming Freshman, transfer, international, etc.), and links to other UAA web pages with information pertinent to new and future students. Content is managed using the UAA CMS.

Corporate Intelligence Solution

Cook Inlet Housing Authority (CIHA)

CIHA is in the process of designing and implementing a comprehensive solution to meet the IT needs of all of their departments and clients in terms of integration of existing systems and the addition of new systems. PangoMedia was contracted to conduct the initial analysis of the organization-wide needs regarding document and workflow management, Contact Relationship Management (CRM) for intranet and public websites, document retention and archive management, and business intelligence (reporting). In Phase I, a team of analysts produced a vision document representing CIHA’s vision for the future of their IT services company-wide. In Phase II, the analyst team produced a Functional Requirements Document identifying the detail of all functional requirements to implement a comprehensive solution to meet the goals identified in the vision document. Investigation and proof-of-concept testing were performed on MS SharePoint as a possible Enterprise Content Management system and HP TRIM as a possible document management system.

RTCT Architecture & Code Review

Chevron Mid Continent Business Unit

After Chevron's acquisition of Unocal it was determined that Unocal Alaska's Real Time Cost Tracking (RTCT) system would be rewritten for use by the entire Mid-Continent Business Unit. The RTCT is a web-based cost tracking system for Chevron project managers and foreman working on construction projects. Chevron turned to PangoMedia for assistance with project management, quality assurance and systems architecture. This application was developed in concert with Chevron's offshore development team.

Website Redesign Analysis

State of Alaska, Department of Education and Early Development (EED)

EED maintains a website containing information, links to related websites, and web applications that are used by education professionals, students, and parents throughout Alaska. The website has become challenging to maintain in its current configuration, so EED contracted PangoMedia to analyze the site and provide a detailed inventory of the existing content and to make recommendations for improvement to content management, layout of the public-facing portion of the website, and basic usage optimization.

Oil and Gas Production Tax Scoping & COTS Analysis Projects

State of Alaska, Dept. of Revenue (DOR), Tax Division

During the preparation for the Alaska Legislative Special Session that began on October 18, 2007, the Department of Revenue asked PangoMedia to generate a report documenting the requirements for an oil production tax tracking system. This included requirements for developing a tax return; identifying data elements for informational return; determining a methodology and infrastructure to collect, examine, and analyze the data; and identifying other requirements. Additionally, the DOR Tax Division asked that PangoMedia perform a build / buy analysis to examine the question of whether to create a custom-built solution or to procure a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) product to meet the existing needs.

PangoMedia worked closely with the DOR Tax Division staff to understand and document the oil and gas tax as laid out in statute and regulation in 2006. Based on this analysis, we produced a preliminary requirements document that was used to work closely with prominent COTS vendors to obtain budgetary pricing and a preliminary project plan to implement their solution. For comparison purposes, PangoMedia also produced a similar estimate and project plan to design and build a custom solution based on the DOR Tax Division’s existing infrastructure. This analysis culminated in a final solution comparison study that compared and contrasted the two solutions. The study’s findings were presented to the Alaska Legislature for a final decision.

Employee Benefits Enrollment System

Public Employees Local 71 Trust Fund

The Public Employees Local 71 Trust Fund (Trust) is the organization that manages benefits for the State of Alaska (SOA), Anchorage School District (ASD), Municipality of Anchorage (MOA), Haines Borough (HAI) and Public Employees Local 71 Union and Trust (L71) employees. Every member of the Union (and non-Union members) pays into the trust fund as part of the dues, and this trust fund is then used to pay for health insurance and other benefits for members and their dependents. The Trust managed information about members and their eligibility for benefits using an out-dated and insufficient system. This system, the Local 71 DB 2000 application, was a key part of the Trust’s ability to provide healthcare to the members.

The Trust was looking for a replacement system to better suit their needs. PangoMedia was contracted to determine the business requirements for the new system and to either identify a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) product to purchase, or decide to develop a custom solution. Two documents were created for the Trust. A Functional Requirements Document was created based on interviews with the Trust employees and their insurance vendors. These requirements were then used to produce an Evaluation Findings document. PangoMedia then identified a COTS vendor that was able to meet the requirements of the Trust. PangoMedia assisted the vendor locally to transition the Trust to the new application.

CIMS Development

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) contracted with PangoMedia, Inc., to develop a Capital Improvements Management System (CIMS) data warehouse. CIMS extracts financial and project data from several existing systems and produces management reports for use by the ANC Director and staff to make ANC capital improvement program decisions.

PangoMedia conducted analysis of business intelligence to identify business processes among various stakeholders that could benefit from high level reporting services. A solution was identified and developed to address all business needs. Monthly data collection from project managers occurs using the web-based data entry screens, referred to as the Project Data Management Tool (PDMT), a web application powered by ASP.NET 2.0 and written in C#. The PDMT models ANC’s business processes, allowing project managers to submit monthly updates of their project data for review and approval by project administrators. The tool also provides an interface for data administration, reporting, and automated archiving of monthly status reports.

Another major piece of the CIMS project was to replace a simple Microsoft Excel worksheet used by ANC staff to manage their Capital Improvement Program for upcoming years. The Spending Plan data was relocated from Excel files stored on ANC desktop machines and passed around via email to the CIMS database, and the Excel Spending Plan Interface (ESPI) was created for accessing this data. The ESPI is an Excel workbook containing Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macros that add custom controls to Excel and populate the screen with Spending Plan data, dynamically maintaining the formatting of ANC’s previous workbook. This allows planning administrators to maintain multiple drafts of Spending Plans stored in a centralized location for easy review and updates. The tool includes a security model allowing other employees read-only access to browse the official and draft versions.

Positive Pay Automation

Umialik Insurance Company

Umialik Insurance Company (Umialik) contracted PangoMedia to conduct analysis and design for an automated upload of check disbursement information from Umialik to Wells Fargo Bank’s (WFB) Account Reconciliation Program (ARP), a “Positive Pay” system, an anti-fraud tool used by banks to verify check issuance. Automation includes querying data from three database sources: the Insurance Data Processing (IDP) system (a FoxPro database), the Tropics Claims System (Tropics) (an Oracle database), and the Microsoft Solomon Enterprise Accounting System (Solomon) (a SQL Server database). The queried data is consolidated into a custom-built Positive Pay Repository (PPR) from where it is parsed with scheduled SSIS packages into the ARP format and exported to a directory for upload to WFB’s system using WFB’s software. The PPR was built by PangoMedia in SQL Server and includes reporting and a user interface for data entry.

Alaska Yacht Charters, Website Redesign

Alaska Yacht Charters

PangoMedia created a website for Alaska Yacht Charters intended to sell up-scale charters in Alaska. The site features slideshows and a photo gallery, built in Adobe Flash, that display images pulled from the customer’s Flickr account.

CIMS Development

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) contracted with PangoMedia, Inc., to develop a Capital Improvements Management System (CIMS) data warehouse. CIMS extracts financial and project data from several existing systems and produces management reports for use by the ANC Director and staff to make ANC capital improvement program decisions.

PangoMedia conducted analysis of business intelligence to identify business processes among various stakeholders that could benefit from high level reporting services. A solution was identified and developed to address all business needs. Monthly data collection from project managers occurs using the web-based data entry screens, referred to as the Project Data Management Tool (PDMT), a web application powered by ASP.NET 2.0 and written in C#. The PDMT models ANC’s business processes, allowing project managers to submit monthly updates of their project data for review and approval by project administrators. The tool also provides an interface for data administration, reporting, and automated archiving of monthly status reports.

Another major piece of the CIMS project was to replace a simple Microsoft Excel worksheet used by ANC staff to manage their Capital Improvement Program for upcoming years. The Spending Plan data was relocated from Excel files stored on ANC desktop machines and passed around via email to the CIMS database, and the Excel Spending Plan Interface (ESPI) was created for accessing this data. The ESPI is an Excel workbook containing Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macros that add custom controls to Excel and populate the screen with Spending Plan data, dynamically maintaining the formatting of ANC’s previous workbook. This allows planning administrators to maintain multiple drafts of Spending Plans stored in a centralized location for easy review and updates. The tool includes a security model allowing other employees read-only access to browse the official and draft versions.

Oil & Gas Economic Research Monthly Reporting Module

State of Alaska, Dept. of Revenue (DOR), Tax Division

In August 2006 the Alaska Legislature passed a bill authorizing a new oil and gas production tax based on net profits replacing the previous gross-value production tax system. Since the inception of the net profits based system in 2006, data has been collected from taxpayers in complicated, non-standardized Excel spreadsheets or by various hardcopy reports. The Alaska State Department of Revenue (DOR) required a new and comprehensive system to standardize and automate data collection and store the resulting tax data in a centralized repository. This repository could then be made available to DOR Economic Research users via reports for the purpose of statewide revenue forecasting. The DOR Tax Division contracted PangoMedia to develop:

• A standardized data collection format
• An electronic repository for this oil production data and estimated monthly tax liabilities
• A reporting tool with a selection of standard reports
• A tool to allow users to develop custom reports
• Extensive training and documentation for this new system

PangoMedia conducted analysis and documented requirements for this system, identified data elements for informational reporting, determined a methodology and infrastructure to collect, examine, and analyze the data. Based on these requirements PangoMedia built the Economic Research Monthly Reporting (EMR) Module.

The EMR uses a secure web-based tool in order to collect data from taxpayers on a monthly basis. The collected data is validated based on both structure and content and any validation error messages are returned to the taxpayers via the online interface. A Microsoft SQL Server 2005 database is used to store volume, value, expenditures, credits, and payment information. Microsoft Reporting Services and Report Builder are utilized in order to develop both the standard and custom reports.

A secure internal user interface was built using C# and the Windows Presentation Foundation. This interface allows ER staff to both adjust the data and lookup lists as well as to produce new data submission templates that are posted to the Tax Division web site automatically. Training and user documentation were provided to the ER staff on the use of the EMR, Reporting Services and Report Builder. Full documentation of the EMR and the data formats were also provided to the Tax Division IT staff who will be maintaining the system in the future.

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