Information Technology:

Opportunities Still Exist To Better Use the Mint's Data Processing Center

GGD-81-64, Mar 27, 1981

Contact:

Office of Public Affairs
(202) 512-4800
youngc1@gao.gov

The Bureau of the Mint's automatic data processing center in San Francisco, California, serves not only the Bureau but other Department of the Treasury bureaus and Federal agencies as well. A review was performed to evaluate how well the Bureau's data processing resources are managed.

Incomplete and inaccurate computer utilization measurements have caused Bureau officials to believe that the data center was functioning at close to full capacity. In fact, the computer can accommodate almost twice its present workload. In addition, the center is incurring unnecessary costs for the maintenance of excess peripheral equipment for the computer. These problems have occurred because the Bureau is not collecting the performance data necessary to assess the computer's workload, evaluate its efficiency, and determine what additional equipment is or is not necessary to support it.

Status Legend:

More Info
  • Review Pending-GAO has not yet assessed implementation status.
  • Open-Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned, or actions that partially satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.
  • Closed-implemented-Actions that satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.
  • Closed-not implemented-While the intent of the recommendation has not been satisfied, time or circumstances have rendered the recommendation invalid.
    • Review Pending
    • Open
    • Closed - implemented
    • Closed - not implemented

    Recommendation for Executive Action

    Recommendation: The Bureau of the Mint should: (1) assure that the San Francisco automatic data processing center is performing as effectively as possible by making certain that the necessary performance and utilization measurements are collected and properly interpreted; (2) use this information as a basis for a computer performance management program to furnish periodic reports to management at the center and Mint headquarters on the extent to which data processing capacity is available and computer equipment is being used; and (3) on the basis of the information provided by the performance management program, try to ensure that the Mint's data processing capacity is fully utilized and that the data center's computer equipment is commensurate with its needs.

    Agency Affected: Department of the Treasury: United States Mint

    Status: Closed

    Comments: Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.