Because we have better things to do: automating common support tasks

As technology permeates more aspects of our everyday lives, greater demands are placed on information technology personnel. Lehigh University computing consultants have found their scope of responsibility broadening as campus departments turn to computer-based workflow solutions. In previous years, consultants were tasked with setup, training, and support for PCs and their associated applications. More recently, however, consultants have been asked to lend their expertise to the evaluation, design, testing, and implementation of campus technology projects and enhancements, while continuing to meet the needs of their clients.Struggling to deal with increased demands on their time, Lehigh's computing consultants have developed a variety of time-saving methods, scripts, and utilities. They fall into two general categories: self-service tools for end-users and internal staff utilities. Self-service tool examples include those that configure email, install networked printers, and map drives for off-campus users. Examples of internal staff utilities include hardware independent disk imaging, simplified software distribution, and streamlined remote assistance procedures.Freeing staff from common support tasks allows them to focus on other demanding projects. Lehigh University is excited to share their time-saving developments with other institutions in hopes that they will be able to realize the level of efficiently to which Lehigh has grown accustomed.