1.3  Benifits The WAS program saves all information in a Firebird database that can be installed on a single PC or on a server for use over a network. This makes it possible for the manager, accounts personnel and water office personnel to access the database from PC's in their own offices. There is no limitation on the number of PC's that can be linked to the database. What makes the WAS program unique is the fact that it is an integrated system that includes the water allocations, water use, water distribution and billing information. WAS will generate monthly invoices automatically using water usage or scheduled areas information captured in the database. Different user names and passwords can be used to control access to certain information in the database. Using the WAS program have many benefits including: ●  Minimise water losses ●  Maximise water usage ●  Saving time and improve productivity ●  Better financial control ●  Improve overall management of a scheme 1.4  Modules WAS consists of seven modules that are integrated into a single program that can be used on a single PC or a multi- user environment.  These modules can be implemented partially or as a whole, depending on the requirements of the specific scheme or office.  The seven modules are: Administration module This module is used to administer the details of all water users on an irrigation scheme.  Information managed by this module includes addresses, notes, cut-off list, images/photos, list of ratable areas, scheduled areas, household and livestock pipes installed on canals, industrial water quotas, crops and areas planted and crop yields.  The administration module must be implemented before any other module. Water order module This module is used to administer water abstractions from canal networks, pipelines and rivers and it keeps track of water quota allocations and water usage.  Water abstractions can be captured in three different ways. ●  Standard water order forms such as the ones currently used by the Department of Water Affairs and a few irrigation boards and water user associations.  Provides for original orders, additional orders and cancellation of water. ●  Water orders based on a flow rate, starting date and time and duration. ●  Meter readings that can be captured on a weekly or monthly basis.  The end reading of the previous period is automatically transferred to the start reading of the current period. ●  Date and time related data that can be imported from electronic data loggers.  Water usage can be calculated between specified date and time ranges. The water order module also has extensive water reporting capabilities such as: ●  Water balance sheet per abstraction. ●  Water balance report that can summarise the water usage per abstraction and all the abstractions per farmer. ●  Water usage per month report. ●  Operator defined water reports to compile weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly water usage reports. Most of the water reports have extensive find, sort and filtering capabilities.  Abstraction points can be linked in such a way that water is transferred from a master to an extension automatically.  There is no limit to the number of extensions that can be linked to a master.