This is a quick note to answer some of the more common questions that IT departments sometimes have about installing and configuring the TRACSRoster base rostering system. Email us at support@tracsis.com if you have any further questions.
System requirements
| Operating System | Windows 10 and later (Windows 7 and 8.1 compatible but not supported) Windows Server 2012 R2 and later |
| Software | .NET Framework 4.7.2 Some features require a Microsoft Office installation (Word + Excel) |
| CPU* | Modern Intel (i3 and above) or AMD (Ryzen 3 and above) processor At least 4 cores at 2.4GHz. More cores and higher clock is better |
| Memory (RAM)* | At least 8GB in total and at least 2GB per CPU core |
| GPU | Integrated system graphics |
| Storage | SSD recommended 256GB+ |
| Audio | None |
| Network | Internet access required for TRACS Enterprise connectivity |
*As TRACSRoster features an optimiser which uses local machine compute resources, we recommend as fast a CPU as possible with plenty of memory.
The TRACSRoster system in detail
Environment
TRACSRoster is fundamentally a desktop application and needs no server or networking infrastructure to run. It stores its working data in a standalone file and interacts with other systems by reading and writing suitably formatted files. It does not directly interact with any DBMS or other server system.
TRACSRoster runs on a variety of Windows operating systems and we currently recommend Windows 10 64-bit or Windows Server 2012 R2.
It requires no privileges beyond that of a normal user and needs no administrative configuration beyond a simple installation process. Each TRACSRoster base rostering project can only be opened by one user at once, and distinct projects do not interact.
Installation and updates
The latest version of TRACSRoster can always be found at the link below. Customer-specific login credentials are required for access. Please contact support@tracsis.com if these details are required.
Updates are distributed as MSI installer packages, which can be installed (as an administrator) by double-clicking and then following the on-screen prompts. There are separate installers for the full and lite versions. Installation takes less than five minutes.
All software updates are included within the contract – we would recommend updating minimum twice a year, in-line with roster changes. Interim updates may be required additionally by users due to changing business requirements/bug fixes – these updates are released on an as-needed basis.
TRACSRoster project files from any version of the software can always be opened in the latest version of the application. Some updates will require changes meaning that files created in the latest version, can no longer be opened in older versions of the application. Accordingly, it is recommended to use a standard version across the company, or have a system in place to ensure individual users can obtain updates as required.
Files and storage
Each TRACSRoster project is contained in a single file which is typically no larger than a few MB. Users are free to manage their files however they wish using standard tools. Backups may be performed using standard file-based backup systems.
Hardware and software requirements
TRACSRoster is an optimisation program. The speed of the solver is largely dependent on the speed of the available processor, so it is worth investing in a reasonably powerful CPU – although runtime is generally in the duration of a few minutes, as opposed to multiple hours.
TRACSRoster will run on a remote desktop with no difficulty.
TRACSRoster requires Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.2. Various features of the program additionally depend on Microsoft Office being installed – in particular Word and Excel.
TRACSRoster Lite
TRACSRoster Lite is a light-weight version of the application, generally supplied to union reps and secondary users. It contains no optimisation functionality, so can be run on lower spec machines. TRACSRoster Lite has a separate installer from the full version and reduced functionality, however otherwise appears the same as the full version of the software.
External Interfaces
TRACSRoster interacts with plan management systems such as VoyagerPlan, CrewPlan and Irma through a file-based interface: the management system exports a file which TRACSRoster imports, and once TRACSRoster has finished its processing it exports another file which the management system imports.
Licences and support
On first running the application, users will be prompted to request a licence for the application. This involves emailing a block of unique user/machine identification text to support@tracsis.com. Support will then respond with the licence – in the form of a second block of text. The user should then copy and paste this text into the licence manager to gain access to the program. This process requires no administration rights. Licences will need to be renewed when expired, in-line with the companies payment plan.
Support is provided to administrators and full licence users by email at support@tracsis.com. Lite licence users should refer to the nominated full licences users for support. For any further questions on IT requirements, please email the above address.
Summary
- Desktop application
- No server or database component
- Project data is contained in a single file
- Interacts with other system through files
- Windows 10 64-bit
- 5-minute installation via MSI packages