video record
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Description
The programme shows the use of the London On-Line Local Authorities (L.O.L.A.) data bases by the London Borough of Hillingdon's rates office.
Metadata describing this Open University video programme
Module code and title: M352, Computer based information systems
Item code: M352; 02
First transmission date: 09-03-1980
Published: 1980
Rights Statement:
Restrictions on use:
Duration: 00:24:30
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Producer: John Richmond
Contributors: Derek Leveridge; Mike Newton; Derek Pasmore
Publisher: BBC Open University
Keyword(s): Hillingdon; Local authority computing; Rates
Footage description: Mike Newton introduces the programme from outside L.O.L.A. headquarters in Enfield. He explains that two senior L.O.L.A. staff will present the programme. From Hillingdon Rates Office Derek Leveridge, Senior Systems Advisor at L.O.L.A., very briefly describes the on-line connection between Hillingdon and Enfield. Shots of woman using VDU. In interview Bruce Wells, the Chief Rating Officer, describes the advantages of having access on-line to the large data base of rates information. Brief shots of both printed and VDU information about rates. Wells explains that any number of staff can use the system at any one time. Film of VDU display over which Leveridge explains that a gross rateable value is being amended. Wells comments on the advantages of being able to update data instantly. Film of a woman handling a telephone enquiry by using a VDU. The camera shows her filling in a form displayed or the VDU, over which Leveridge explains what is happening. Wells briefly explains how his staff regard the data base system. Film of Leveridge in the rates office sitting at 3 terminals, the first of which is labelled XOO. He explains that this programme enables retrieval of rates records by the insertion of ratepayer's name. He calls up a set of records on XOO. Shots of a VDU display of similarly pronounced names - this facility is explained by Leveridge in voice-over. Film animation shows the place of the XOO program within the L.O.L.A system, over which Leveridge explains how it operates. At the second terminal Leveridge uses program XO1, which retrieves rates records by inputting the proper address. The changing VDU displays are shown as he proceeds with his query. He uses the third program RII, to show us the full rate assessment record, and explains the relationship between the three data bases, XOO, XO1, and RII. Film animation is used to show how the three data bases are linked to the rates office terminals and to each other. Leveridge demonstrates the live nature of the data by altering the spelling of a name and showing the alteration to be immediately recorded in the data base. He describes this as 'dynamic data'. He concludes by listing the services offered by the L.O.L A. rating system. At the L.O.I.. A. computer room in Enfield Derek Pasmore, the Data Base Manager, shows us the facility there. He shows us in turn the telephone exchange equipment, the control units that handle the lines to Hillindon rates office, the disc data storage area, and magnetic tape storage area. The size and function of each piece of equipment is indicated. Pasmore describes the three types of job handled by the computer room and how possible conflicts between them are avoided by the operator. The operator is seen at his console, over which Pasmore describes the largest component of the operating system, IMS, and explains why it is so large. He also describes the role of the IMS operator, who is seen at work at a terminal. Pasmore explains how the data base system can be used by departments, other than rates. He uses a diagram to show how data bases designed for rates information have been made suitable for wider use by means of P.I.P.S. - the property information and progressing system. Interview with Angela Ames, principal Planning Officer at Hillingdon, who is using the rates data base at L.O.L..A. for planning purposes. She explains why problems arise for planners because of the nature of the rates data base, and shows us examples of these problems on a planning map. Pasmore concludes by describing briefly how they hope to overcome these problems.
Master spool number: HOU2901
Production number: FOUM033E
Videofinder number: 4175
Available to public: no