Project Description

The Food Safety Accomplishments Reporting System is an example of using technology to develop an efficient, practical online reporting system.

Client

Food Science & Food Safety, U.S. Department of Agriculture/Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES)/Plant and Animal Science (PAS)

Project Goal

Develop a password-protected, Web-based reporting system that allows food safety specialists in U.S. states and territories to enter their accomplishment reports online, with functions for

• Searching
• Viewing USDA/CSREES food safety state reports
• Creating customized reports and
• Printing reports from the Web site

IDEA Web Site Solution

IDEA designed a user-friendly interface, pass-word protected, that guides the user through the reporting process with minimal instructions.

The Web site has the advantage of eliminating the need to rely on proprietary software, so the only requirements for entering information and viewing Food Safety Accomplishment Reports is an Internet connection and a compatible Web browser.

Information entered online goes into a dynamic database in which the user can

• Enter, edit and view their report information.
• Create, view and print reports from all food safety specialists who have entered information.
• Search with keywords to find specific reports from food safety specialists.
• Enter and search contact information for state food safety specialists and national program staff.

IDEA also designed a page for the national program leader to post news and information.

Result

Food Safety Specialists are now able to enter accomplishment reports in a standardized, consistent format, have easy access to contacts and other state report information.