Monitor System Performance (52)

Description:

Ongoing system performance monitoring helps ensure the system is working properly and any errors are addressed in a timely manner. This process includes monitoring incoming mileage and financial data, observing trends, following up if anything unusual occurs, and making regular improvements to the data display/dashboard.


Details:

System performance metrics will be reported mostly by vendors; in fact, vendors’ contracts should include the requirement to report such metrics. System performance may include:

  • Mileage reporting accuracy metrics, which vary by method and may include frequency of reporting, whether devices have been activated or are unplugged, and other measures.
  • Planned and unplanned system downtime.
  • System glitches or other unexpected performance.

Primary Use:

Ensure mileage reporting system is functioning correctly.


Best Practices/Lessons Learned:

  • Metrics should be reported frequently—monthly or quarterly. Perform a periodic review of these metrics to determine whether data validation checks are in place and effective.
  • Most metrics will be reported by vendors. Vendors will need to follow up on any issues brought to the agency’s attention.
  • If accuracy issues are related to human behavior (e.g., not submitting images on time), achieve improvements through better communications (e.g., reminders, instructions). Remember that there will be a limit to feasible performance improvements.
  • When using On-Board Diagnostic-II devices as a mileage reporting method, remember that the time before devices are activated can cause lost revenue and mileage. To minimize this occurrence, devices should already be active so that they only need to be plugged into vehicles.
  • Data from interstate motor carriers should reflect miles reported to the International Fuel Tax Agreement and the International Registration Plan.

State Government Context and Assumptions:

This task is carried out by the implementing RUC agency.