Originally Posted by
Justdoinmyjob
e-crew is the java based interface with DBMS, but is going away.
i-crew is the new web based interface with DBMS. Much faster and non java! Works anywhere there is teh internets.
Navtech ClassBid is the PBS system, can be a little frustrating to access directly. There is a free program, EasyBid, which downloads the bid packs, lets you put in your conditions, and then uploads your bids. You do need to pay for the access, but it's just a few bucks a month.
www.flightline.com is the company. It's run by a Delta Captain and his brother.
Heyas JDMJ,
Sounds like a weird setup. At NWA, we can access all of the computer systems (there's more than one) from home or the road via web interface (which contains java-based terminal emulators for accessing our scheduling/bidding mainframes). It is identical to the interface we have at work.
All of our bid packages, bid lists and other bidding tools (like the "pref-up" list, where you can see where you stand in bidding certain equipment) are in PDF and DOC form. We can also check loads, book jumpseats, check SOC weather products, file ASAP reports and access the flight ops pages from the same page. All company mail is now Email, also accessed at the same portal.
Our PBS bid entry program is called ATLASBid (ATLAS is the web portal), and is Java based. It works fine and allows all bidding at home as if you were at a work terminal. We used to have a stand alone version when we used the CLASS software (we use CARMEN now) where you used Compuserve as a portal, but it has been web-based for about 6-7 years now. The bidding structure changed a LITTLE bit when we moved from CLASS to CARMEN, but it was the same AWARD/AVOID methodology.
We can also access the employee system (health insurance, payroll, etc) unrestricted at home as well.
Most scheduling functions/bidding (except monthly schedule bidding) can also be done through the VRS system. It can be a little tedious listening the open time being read to you by a machine, but it can be a godsend if you don't have your computer with you. Jumpseats can also be listed via a different VRS.
We have a few third party applications that are strictly optional. As mentioned above, EZOPENBOARD is a very simple web based page that monitors open flying changes, and will email/text you if something meeting your conditions pops up. It also has a logbook function, jumpseat listing, and a pretty neat array of seniority analysis tools for position bidding (and home of the seniority "crystal ball" everyone talks about). It's a few dollars per month, adn
There are two third party apps for unattended booking of jumpseats. There is a simple calendar program that will import your schedule and make pretty calendars, and a more sophisticated one that does bid packet analysis and will help you plan your bid strategy. Prices vary.
It sounds like there could be some very nice competition to shake things up.
Nu