DESIGN, INSTALLATION AND POST‐IMPLEMENTATION ASSESSMENT OF AN OPTICAL DISC BASED STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM FOR IMAGES OF ENGINEERING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS

A large‐scale image storage system for project records and other contract documentation has been installed in the Engineering Directorate of Thames Water Utilities. The system uses optical disc storage and a relational database for indexing and retrieval of nearly 500,000 pages in compressed image format, and provides end‐user access through seven work‐stations. It has met its design objectives in protection of vital records of engineering projects, fast access to large volumes of project files, and cost savings, mainly through reduced storage space. The REOS installation was intended both as a working system and as a pilot project to gain experience with optical disc storage technology in a technical environment. Areas where the project met real difficulties, underestimated in the feasibility study, were in physical handling and document indexing during retrospective conversion, the amount of training required for staff operating the system and the development of adequate validation processes for data entry to the INFORMIX database. The system delivers good images and is reliable, and has been relocated twice during the life of the installation without difficulty.