Quote:
Of course we need terrabytes on the desktop, everything's become so bloated.


We run a lot of technical programs and 1TB on a desktop doesn't even really cover our needs for productivity in our workstations. We have geodatabases and georeferenced image data covering entire states that if not loaded on the desktop, just grind the applications to a halt especially with multiple users. We also try to take large USB drives to the field when necessary.

We scan in legacy paper drawings (which would be nice to convert to AutoCAD but not really cost effective). A single facility might have 1000 42" by 60" drawings of equipment layouts, etc. All those drawings just sat in drawing cabinets largely unused. Information can be knowledge with a motivated employee, so larger, cheaper, faster drives containing that information is progress in some applications.

That being said, we don't have a great system (indexing) for keeping track of the information except in our GIS work. We use accurate GPS readings (20 cm accuracy with post processing) to document company assets. We even use GPS/GIS for our equipment inventories. It is a much better way to locate and put to use idle equipment in a dispersed environment.

We used to spend days (field visits) just collecting information for decision making which we now have in minutes at the desktop. We also have an aging workforce. We use the databases to "harvest" the information contained in our field personnel's heads known only to them. We had one field guy die recently (tragically on a personal level) and all his experience and invaluable information gone.