LAM
Overview. The
Local Audacity Manager, or LAM for short, is a PC program
that performs a variety of file management functions. Most
of these functions involve transporting the dictated files
from the Audacity Voice Recorder to the transcribing computer
in an automated fashion. LAM makes the file transport and
management process simple and easy. The LAM usually resides
on the Author's local PC. Another application has the LAM
residing on a network PC and being used by several PDA's
through a wireless network access point.
The
LAM performs a variety of functions. The most important
one is transporting the dictated files from the dictation
point to the transcription PC. Usually the files are transferred
as part of the PDA Sync process, but an SD card reader could
also be used. With the Audacity TAM (Telephone Access Manager)
program, the files are sent to the LAM through a network
connection. In all cases, the LAM automatically retrieves
the files from the recording source and stores them on the
PC.
When
Audacity recorders create a file, they also create an associated
AWI file (Audacity Wave Information file). The WAV
and AWI files share the same file name, but use different
extensions. The AWI file contains important information
about the WAV file. It is easily customized to the author's
needs. One item always included is the file disposition,
which controls where the LAM sends the file. The author
can specify a default destination or the default can be
overwritten by a file specific destination.
First,
the LAM program collects the files from the various recorders.
Second, it reads the AWI file to determine where and how
to send the dictation file. It can transfer the file to
a networked PC, E-mail it, or FTP it. The LAM contains the
software to perform all of these transport functions automatically.
Also
included in the AWI file is information pertaining to deleting
old files from the Audacity DVR. Most professionals
like to keep the dictated files on their handheld for a
few days so they can review the dictation while the activity
is still current. PDA's have limited storage, so the files
need to be erased on a regular basis. LAM handles this chore
automatically. The author specifies how long to keep the
old files, the AWI transmits the request to the LAM program,
and the LAM deletes the files from the PDA at the correct
time via the PDA Sync process.
The
LAM logs all transactions. If a user misplaces a
file, the LAM helps find it. Every file movement is logged
and timestamped. From the file manager screen the files
can be viewed and sorted.
Normally,
files are recorded in a compressed format and are uncompressed
at the destination. If there is a need to change the format
on the local computer, the LAM can be set to perform an
automatic format conversion.
The
LAM accommodates the Audacity dual filing structure.
For instance, a doctor's patient files can be automatically
FTP'd to a transcription service, but his personal notes
can remain on the local PC.
Lost
files are a real pain to any busy professional. The very
first thing LAM does with a file is Archive it. If anything
goes wrong with the processing, there is a backup.
LAM
also handles file conversion. For instance, if the file
is compressed and/or encrypted, Lam will automatically convert
the format to a useable form.
The
LAM can be licensed for a single author, or multiple authors,
in increments of 5.
The
LAM program is a "must buy" for the
busy mobile professional. Files are transported and managed
with a single step.
The
Local Audacity Manager is one of several Intelligent
Dictation applications comprising the Audacity
product family. Products include the Audacity Digital Voice
Recorders, Audacity Transcriber program, and the Audacity
Telephone Access Module. Products may be used individually
or may be combined to form a seamless solution. Audacity
Audio also designs custom solutions for our customers and
partners.
Purchase
LAM
