For the past two and a half years, the DGA has been engaged in designing and developing advanced new computer software systems to improve DGA operational capabilities. This project has been named Take 2 and when finished will provide the Guild with a fully-integrated state-of-the-art database management system.
Our current systems were first developed more than twenty years ago. Much has changed in both the industry and in database management during that time. Although our systems have been constantly updated, their current structural limitations do not allow the Guild to process most effectively the significantly increased volume of information the DGA now tracks on behalf of its members.
Residuals are one prominent example of an area in which the Guild tracks and processes significant amounts of member and industry data. In just the last ten years alone, the Guild has gone from processing $93 million (1994) in member residuals to $240 million in 2004. The new software systems will better enable Guild employees to monitor residuals payments and ensure that checks are processed and sent out quickly.
The software programming is now complete and the testing of the system starts in December and will continue through mid-February to ensure that all systems are fully operational before the planned conversion date of March 1, 2006. During this period of testing, many members of the Residuals, Signatories, Credits and Membership departments will be in training for the new system while also fulfilling their daily responsibilities.
We have planned for the extra staff load during this period, and although we do not expect any negative impact on member services, we appreciate your patience and understanding during our transition to the new systems.
January 01, 2006
