BridgeTender Software

Software Created for Bridge Tenders by a Bridge Tender

Even though many drawbridges today boast the latest in technology in their construction and operation, most often the log taking tasks are still from the middle ages. Most bridge tenders still use pen and paper to manually record vessel names and data. These logs are inevitably hard to read and are frustrating to make use of in any helpful way.

Some bridges have tried to have their operators record information into a spreadsheet and some have even tried having them send social media posts about openings, but unfortunately this is almost impossible to accomplish without distraction! And the number one cause of all drawbridge incidents and accidents is….that’s right, distraction.

Distraction goes hand in hand with liability. If the worst would happen and someone is injured or killed while an operator was busy on their phone or computer posting an update on social media, liabilty would fall most directly on the policy makers who made the decision to incorporate operator distraction into their standard operating procedures.

Another danger of having operators post to any social media directly is that the operators can read what other users are saying and respond inappropriately , although understandably, to hurtful comments. In today’s world where internet stories can explode overnight, having bridge operators engaging in online fights with the public is the last thing any bridge owner wants.

BridgeTender Software solves these problems and simplifies this process. It minimizes distraction by requiring only the press of a single button to record a bridge opening. The software marks the start time and begins timing while simultaneously sending out a preformatted message to X (formerly Twitter, this does require internet access).

That’s right, instantly notify an unlimited audience  of expected bridge openings as well as the exact moment the openings begin and end.

Once the bridge opening has ended, a second press of a button records the start/stop times and duration of opening while sending out another real time notification via X that the opening is now complete. One button to start and one button to stop. No distractions! The bridge tender may now take their time to input the names, types and direction of travel for each vessel recorded.

All vessel data is recorded in a database that allows for easy search and manipulation of information. Get averages, totals and manipulate the data in numerous ways. And remember, storing paper vessel logs can take up a lot of room, but with BridgeTender you can fit a century’s worth of logs in the palm of your hand.

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