REDS-Management of Research and Innovation Projects Portfolio

The Research Evaluation Database System (REDS) helps the Caltrans Division of
Research and Innovation (DRI) maximize investments, saving California valuable
transportation research funding. It is a unique tool that identifies the current state of DRI-funded research, offering comprehensive project information.

CCIT has been improving REDS since July 1, 2003. During the first phase, CCIT
collected data on 424 projects. In the next phase, we plan to speed up data collection and input information on 3000 total projects.

CCIT improved REDS’ functionality and usability. For example, we reduced the
number of steps required to retrieve information from the system, simplifying the user’s experience. We also clarified the presentation of project information; the display is now compact and uncluttered. Finally, CCIT improved research assessment and decision support by adding graphical representation of the information, as well as by providing additional standard report forms.

The project team incorporated Caltrans staff feedback and stated needs to determine the areas of REDS that required upgrades. The team conducted end-to-end testing, trained end-users on upgraded features, and updated the user manual.