The Applications Section, located within the Fire Department’s Communications/Technology Division, is responsible the review, recommendation, budgeting, design, development, implementation, training and support for all application software; user written, out- sourced or purchased. The Applications Section is also responsible for website development and complex content management as well as providing various statistical reports to internal and external customers. The highly-qualified Applications Staff also provides training and documentation development assistance.

The list below represents several of the major projects currently in development within the Applications Section:   Automated 42.9 (Remedy) FAST - Fire Activity Scheduling Tool (OSS replacement) Online Training Management System Redesign of Fire Department Website Development of Fire Department Intranet site Inventory Tracking Survey Development Tool   In order to provide efficient automated system solutions so that the CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department most effectively meets their business needs, the Applications Section follows the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) process for all major projects.  The following provides the stages of the SDLC and a brief description of each stage.   Project Planning - Establish high level goals and timelines for the project. Research – Establish details of user needs, determine application functions as well as operation, and analyze current systems and user processes for any changes required. Design - Document desired features and operations in detail. Development - Develop system or purchase off the shelf system using rigorous RFP process. Integration Testing - Full system test to ensure system readiness. User Testing - Full acceptance test conducted by users. Installation - Install system. Maintenance - Maintain system readiness. Although training is not a stage in the SDLC, the Applications Division considers a robust training curriculum an integral function of successful project management.   The following provides a partial list of the goals and objectives that the Applications Section strives to achieve with each project:   Excellent Customer Service Quality results Accuracy Standardization Eliminate redundancy Global vision Increased efficiency/productivity Risk mitigation Strategic development