Abstract

International Species Information Systems (ISIS) has provided collections record-keeping software for zoos and aquariums since 1975. ISIS has 825 members in 76 countries. Members have access to the ISIS global database with information on 2 million terrestrial and aquatic species.

Working with aquarium and zoo professionals, ISIS has been developing ZIMS (Zoological Information Management System). ZIMS is a web-based system that integrates and expands upon all ISIS legacy programs (ARKS, SPARKS and MedARKS). ZIMS expands the capacity of previous ISIS software, including complete functionality for aquariums, providing management tools for animal groups and colonies, enclosures, life support, and water quality measurements. ZIMS is role-based and customizable, so each user will have quick access to the functions that relate to daily tasks. When logged into ZIMS as a veterinarian, details about scheduled procedures, active cases, prescriptions and tests results will be easily accessible. The role-based security system and other protections assure that only authorized users will be able to view these records. The result is a streamlined, powerful program that can replace and expand current record keeping methods.

ZIMS will be launched in phases, with the first release available to ISIS members in the spring of 2010. The second release, focused on medical functionality, will be available in the spring of 2011. The third release for species management will be available in the fall of 2011, and the fourth release with advanced functions for everyone will be available spring 2012. ZIMS training tools will be available online for ISIS members. Please see the ISIS website for more information: http://www.isis.org/