Interesting and important article "Mesothelioma and COVID-19"

Alpha Tracker user Midlands Asbestos Solutions has posted an important and interesting article about Mesothelioma & COVID-19 and what Coronavirus means to sufferers of asbestos-related diseases.

Here at Start Software we've been a supporter of the charity Mesothelioma UK for some time now (see https://blog.start-software.com/search?q=mesothelioma) and we know, from personal experience, the terrible impact that this disease has.

Take a look at MAS's article here: https://www.midlandsasbestossolutions.co.uk/news/mesothelioma-and-covid-19-the-risks-and-similarities/

Alpha Tracker Release 32.5 - major asbestos lab improvements

We're really pleased to announce that Release 32.5 of asbestos software Alpha Tracker is now available.

Release 32.5 follows hard on the heels of Release 32 (you don't say!) and is focused on improvements for asbestos lab users.

There are 22 changes and improvements in the new fibre analysis screen, for example, and they include a fabulous new "keyboard mode".  By the way, the new screen is optional - you can switch between the two designs with a system setting to see which one you prefer.

Here is a quick YouTube video to show you around the new screen:

In addition to the new features, we have included 20 bug fixes in this update which improve other areas of Alpha Tracker.

Read about all of the changes in Kim's release notes, here: https://www.start-software.com/tracker/alpha-tracker/release-notes/

The update is available now for you to apply to your system, or get in touch with our 24x7 support desk if you would like them to apply the update for you.

More asbestos consultancies join the Alpha Tracker family

Even in a depressed post-Coronavirus economy, asbestos consultancies are looking ahead and choosing asbestos software Alpha Tracker to help them increase efficiency, improve quality and grow their business.

Enviro Free in Preston have switched to Alpha Tracker and will be having their training this month.

Welcome on board!

If we can help your asbestos consultancy to improve, develop & grow, do get in touch (UK, Australia or New Zealand)

Support desk performance - May 2020

Our Start Software support desk has continued to operate 24x7 during the Coronavirus crisis. 

It's interesting to see how many calls we took compared to normal - you can clearly see the impact on the economy in our industry sectors (including asbestos surveying) highlighted here:

Typically, our support staff would take 500 or so calls during a month.  In April and May, however, the volume was down to only 320.

Despite the challenges of working from home, the support desk continued their good performance solving 90%+ of problems logged within the timescales agreed with the customer:

Alpha Tracker's risk assessment app now includes a COVID-19 section

If you're using asbestos software Alpha Tracker's risk assessment app (which is part of Tracker Mobile), you'll be pleased to know that it now includes a section relating to the recording and analysis of risk associated with coronavirus/COVID-19.

Here is a quick screenshot of the app itself:

and the output of the risk assessment as shown in an asbestos report:

Do get in touch if you want to use the risk assessment or have any other asbestos software requirements.

Asbestos consultancies are branching out with Coronavirus indoor air quality surveys

Several of our Alpha Tracker users who have previously focused on asbestos have now turned their attention to indoor air quality, especially with growing evidence that the dangers of Coronavirus are significantly higher indoors vs outdoors.

For example, see this blog post from Euro Environmental regarding their indoor air quality surveys: https://www.euroenvironmental.co.uk/news/item/covid-19-indoor-air-quality

Another useful "asbestos management during the Coronavirus crisis" post by BOHS

BOHS has been active over the last few weeks with helpful guidance on working safely with asbestos during the Coronavirus crisis.

Here is their latest post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/bohs_asbestos-crisis-faam-activity-6668799944872218624-tdVZ/