Imagine going to bed wondering how the forecast for inclement weather might impact your office operating status the next day. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) now has an app for that.
Granted, it is not challenging to check the website. However, this is a free, handy application that could make it a little easier to stay “in the know.” It would probably be more useful for those that live outside the D.C. area, where the weather fluctuates and actually impacts travel a little more than simple rain impacts the Washington region. The application is more than simple convenience, however, it signals the government’s continued shift to ‘go mobile’ and make data accessible to all – including the growing number of individuals who use their smartphone more than their personal computer.
Aside from providing from the government’s operating status the application has two main features that could be helpful. First, the user has the ability to control the application notifications – it’s not simply an all-on or all-off setting. It is probably not necessary to get notifications for all the instances identified in the settings, but it is definitely convenient to have the options available.
Second, the history or the archives feature could be useful. Instead of guessing whether or not current whether projections will result in a shutdown, you can look back on previous operating status changes in order to determine the potential for a shutdown or operating status change.
The application is definitely a nice-to-have for those working with or for the federal government. It is pretty simple to check the status online, but this is a convenient way to have the information literally at your fingertips.
