On all software, hardware, and integration projects, there is a need for an intuitive and reliable package for entering and tracking Program Trouble Reports (PTRs) and suggested enhancements. RTI developed a Microsoft Access based PTR Database that allows the entering and cataloging of PTRs. Furthermore, the PTR Database operates locally, or across a network link. It is a critical program and technical management tool for identifying, categorizing, and tracking problems to resolution throughout the program lifecycle.

In addition to entering general information about the PTR, such as title, originator, type of problem, date of PTR, status, resolution date, closed date, and other relevant fields, the PTR application provides entry of the following information:

• Problem/change description.

• Validity assessment and reviewer comments.

• Problem/change analysis and modification description.

• Implementation results.

• Verification results.

• Metrics

Tailored drop-down menus are used for fields that can have only a fixed number of responses, like:

• Created by: (tailored with project team member's names)

• Config item: (tailored with the configuration item names for the target project)

• Email: (tailored with the email addresses of the project team members)

• Type of problem: (change, design error, code error, document error, improvement, new requirement)

• Encountered in build: (tailored to include project releases to date)

• Resolved in build: (tailored to include project releases to date)

• Status: (tailored to desired PTR states, like open, analysis, implementation, verification, closed)

• Assignee: (tailored with project team member's names)

The PTR database also comes with a set of integrated reports so you can quickly identify (as examples) the following for a particular project:

• All PTRs at Priority Level 1 assigned to and Overdue.
• All PTRs above Priority 3 that were opened as of 2 weeks ago.
• All PTRs that have been closed or rejected over the past month.

Using the RTI PTR Database, project personnel, whether in the office or on-site, can quickly access project PTRs, and update the status of the various stages of PTR resolution. If desired, customers can also be given access to the database so they have an instant picture of the state of project with respect to outstanding problems and issues that require resolution.