ESC Announcements : reporting, ESC

ESC announces the release of ESC | StackVision 2.1

ESC Editor — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:26:00 GMT

You Asked… We Listened.

Introducing ESC | StackVision 2.1
ESC is proud to announce the release of ESC I StackVision 2.1 complete with brand new tools and functionality specifically designed with our customer’s requests in mind. By building upon the core features of ESC I StackVision 2.0, ESC has created an intuitive, user-driven version of our premier CEMS compliance software with powerful new capabilties to meet your ever-changing needs.

What’s New in ESC | StackVision 2.1

Linearity Tool

This feature has been completely redesigned to provide a more user-friendly experience allowing easier navigation and improved performance.

Highlights include:
»        A New User Interface
»        Significant Time Reduction in New Test Entry
»        Additional Regulatory Support, Including Abbreviated Linearity Tests

ESC I StackVision 2.0

ESC I StackVision 2.1

Report Performance
With ESC I StackVision 2.1, you can expect significant improvements in data retrieval and processing, as well as how reports are displayed. The changes made in version 2.1 have dramatically improved the performance of some of the most-often used reports*.

»        Average Data Report
                                         For one quarter of data for 10 parameters:
                  o        ESC I StackVision 1.4 Processing Time: 1 minute 53 seconds
                  o        ESC I StackVision 2.1 Processing Time: 10 seconds

                                        A speed improvement factor of 13

»        Opacity Performance Summary Report
                  o        ESC I StackVision 1.4 Processing Time: 56 seconds
                  o        ESC I StackVision 2.1 Processing Time: 4 seconds

                                        A speed improvement factor of 14

*Performance improvement is dependent upon configuration, amount of data requested and report selected.

Data Management Tool

The data backup and compression features afford you the piece of mind of knowing your data is safely stored and easily retrievable.   This customizable tool allows you to choose what data you save, where you store it and for what amount of time, while maximizing your available hard drive space.  You no longer have to place data backup in the hands of others or worry about data loss. With this tool, you can easily manage this process from your desk and remain confident that your data is secure.

Support for Low-Mass Emitters (LME)

ESC I StackVision 2.1 supports Low-Mass Emitter units subject to the rules in 40 CFR 75.19 with features such as:

»        Ability to generate both old-style (flat-file) EDRs and XML EDRs for LME units

»        Full support for maximum rated heat input and long-term fuel flow as Heat-Input methods, as well as default
      emission rates for SO₂, NO_x and CO₂

»        Handling of unit-and-fuel-specific NO_x emission rates and automatic switching between NOx rates based on
     the status of add-on NO_x controls

»        For identical units at the same site, support for the provisions in the rule that allow the determination of NO_x
      rate for multiple units based on testing of only a sub-set of those units

»        Direct entry of unit operation status and load information in DataLab (either manually entered or pasted from
     Excel) or it can be obtained automatically via an 8816 or 8832 Data Controller

Contact your Account Executive to hear more about the new ESC I StackVision 2.1 and the features created specifically to meet your CEMS software needs! Call us today at 865.688.7900 or email to sales@envirosys.com

ESC Q1 XML Reporting Update

ESC Editor — Mon, 05 May 2008 21:20:00 GMT

As the first transition quarter for XML reporting comes to a close, ESC is pleased to say that it has been a very productive period, providing valuable experience and offering insight into the upcoming months. Through this experience, we continue to believe that this transition is going to be a process, no matter which quarter a facility decides to officially make the change. It is a process that can, and in many cases will, take a lot of time and patience to complete. We believe that the most important lesson that can be learned from the first official XML reporting period is this: Preparation and Planning will be the keys to success.

In Quarter 1, seven (7) facilities currently using ESC│StackVision 2.0 that range in unit types, methodologies and applicable programs in the Q1 reporting base, successfully transitioned to XML reporting, giving ESC more experience than any of the DAHS vendors to date. While these transitions were not without challenges and some late nights, all seven (7) facilities completed the submission of the necessary files on time. Additionally, at these same facilities, twenty-four (24) Monitoring Plans were revised in the ECMPS tool and submitted, twenty-two (22) QA/CERT files were generated and submitted and twenty-two (22) emissions files were also generated and submitted.

These Q1 facilities covered a wide variety of unit types, ranging from coal-fired ARP and CAIR affected units with full CEMS instrumentation to gas fired turbines applicable only to the CAIR program and using Appendix E methodology. Additionally, a number of the facilities burned multiple fuels and calculated emissions based on Appendix G and D methodologies.

Based on Q1 feedback, we anticipate that most facilities will spend a significant amount of time during transition in one or more of the following areas:

Updating the Monitoring Plans (MP) in the ECMPS client tool
Correcting Date Inconsistencies within the CAMD Business System
Resubmitting Past QA test records
Fine tuning the existing Software Configurations for the new XML requirements
To be successful, it is crucial to begin to identify the corrections and updates needed through the current testing session, plan the necessary time to resolve the matters and then use that information to determine which quarter the official transition should be made. Please remember that entire facilities must be transitioned within the same reporting period.

ESC would like to thank everyone who made the transition to XML in Q1 for their patience, hard work and feedback throughout this process.

Helpful Transition Tips from ESC

Updating the Monitoring Plans (MP) in the ECMPS client tool
Monitoring Plan (MP) files will now be able to be transferred between Client Tool Preview (CTP) and Production versions of the ECMPS Tool
CAMD Business System dates are not editable through the client tool
Use of an XML viewer program rather than Internet Explorer is recommended on the ESC│StackVision server to view XML files
Files are checked in a sequential order. Correcting one error may open up additional checks on the data and possibly other errors to be corrected
Focus on one facility or source type at a time and then apply knowledge gained to the next facility or source type
Become familiar with the Reporting Instructions and make sure you have current versions
START EARLY and REMAIN PATIENT throughout the process

ESC understands you depend on us to provide solutions to the many issues that occur in our industry. Be sure to contact your Account Executive to learn more about the ESC|Safe Passage Programs that will help you make the 2008 transition to XML reporting.

200 Tech Center Drive | Knoxville, TN 37912 | 865.688.7900 | www.envirosys.com | escsales@envirosys.com

ESC is pleased to introduce the ESC | Safe Passage Program - A Smooth Transition to XML

adroz@envirosys.com — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:07:00 GMT

ESC understands that you depend on us to provide solutions to the many issues that occur in our industry. Due to EPA requirements for XML reporting by 2009, ESC introduces the ESC | Safe Passage Program, which provides a smooth 2008 transition to XML reporting and ECMPS readiness.

The move to XML reporting can get overwhelming so ESC wants to help you through this transition from start to finish.

ESC | Safe Passage Program provides the turnkey solution to your XML reporting headaches. This program will manage you through Preparation, Implementation and Support phases of the XML transition and get you set up for ECMPS usage.

We understand the stress our customers are undergoing due to this requirement by EPA and are here to help if you need us.

With the ESC | Safe Passage Program – A Smooth Transition to XML, you will get the expertise and support from ESC which includes thefollowing:

» Corporate site visit to discuss plan of implementation – 2 days
   (additional days on site will be billed at normal rates)
» Registration with EPA to test specific information
» Installation of client ECMPS tools
» Development of work processes & backup strategy for ECMPS client tools
» Evaluation of monitoring plan – corrections and new data input
» Telephone support on ESC | StackVision and ECMPS software product
» Registration with EPA to officially switch to XML reporting
» Make monitoring plan changes and submit
» Make ESC | StackVision configuration changes
» Assignment of agents with CAMD business system
» Generation of XML emission and QA/QC data reports with ESC | StackVision 2.0
» Report evaluation and error correction within ECMPS Client tool
» Submittal of QA certification info and emissions data

ESC | Safe Passage Program

We will work directly with you to plan and implement the necessary tasks to make this transition to XML.

ESC’s regulatory staff is proactively participating with EPA and industry forums to gather every detail, ensuring that all of ESC stays in-the-know on the ECMPS program and XML reporting requirements.

Whether we help or you do it on your own, ESC urges you to begin the process of converting to XML reporting with ECMPS no later than May 2008. Check out our recommended process path and schedule on our website, www.envirosys.com at the XML Junction. Our goal is to have you set and reporting by the third quarter 2008, which means you must start now!

Keep in mind, without ESC | Safe Passage Program, the XML transition is not covered under you standard support agreement.

Understanding the requirement of the XML transition – estimated 4 weeks

» New Regulations
» New software (ECMPS, XML generation in the DAHS)
» Develop a timeline and individual plan of what has to get done for the transition
» Registrations with the different business systems
» Assignment of Agents
» Backup and installation strategy for the ECMPS Client tool
» Develop the monitoring plan management strategy

Working with XML Monitoring Plan – estimated 5 weeks

» Learning the new ECMPS client tool
» Entering the new information in XML ECMPS monitoring plan
» Fixing errors in current monitoring plan
» Revisiting regulatory approaches
» Implementing the new monitoring plan in the DAHS
» Troubleshooting and correcting data QA issues from the new checks that ECMPS is doing

Without ESC’s involvement in the process we anticipate it takes 7-9 weeks to transition your reporting submittal process to XML. Why learn all the details of the transition when you won’t need this information in the future? Don’t struggle for 9 weeks, let ESC’s experience with XML transitions carry you through with ESC | Safe Passage Program.

Our team of experts is ready. Call your Account Executive to sign up!