Norddeutscher Rundfunk has put the transmission-sequence component of its S4Schedule programme-planning system into operation. The software from Cologne systems and consultancy company S4M forms part of an integrated package used for daily planning and administration.
NDR uses S4Schedule from strategic programme planning through frame-accurate transmission. It also runs S4Rights for editorial title and inventory management and material logistics. A central information-analysis module has been integrated into the broadcaster’s organisational workflow.
The newly activated short-term planning component edits the transmission sequence and accommodates changes shortly before broadcast. It can also schedule secondary events such as logo or telephone-number overlays.
The wider S4M system creates and manages relevant information centrally. It supplies other NDR applications with data, including project and resource planning, statistical systems and SAP. The exchanged information ranges from editorial and programme records to technical transmission logs.
NDR’s intranet is also connected. Staff can view the previous day’s programme plan with scheduled and actual information and the technical transmission log generated by S4M.
A connection to NDR’s press portal is planned for 2008 to publish programme information online more quickly.
