Onboarding Flowchart

Necessary steps to get FINDER data sharing installed and running at your agency.

NOTE: The “Server” referenced above can be either an agency PC, virtual server, or physical server used to connect the agency to the FINDER network based on the requirements below and agency preference. FINDER recommends the “Cloud Contribute” configuration below.

Cloud Contribute Server Specifications

NOTE: This is the recommended connection method.

Minimal hardware specifications for a FINDER Cloud Contributing server are (access to either a server or workstation that can read RMS reports required):

Minimal hardware specifications for a FINDER server are:

The RMS to FINDER ETL software requires a shared Windows machine which has connectivity to the RMS database and has outbound access to the internet. It is a .net console application scheduled to run using the Windows task scheduler. It requires 100MB of RAM, 2GB of disk space and consumes about 5% of CPU while its running. Due to the minimal resource requirements, a dedicated Windows machine is not required.

• Server class computer (at least 4 cores)
• 12 GB RAM
• 200 GB hard disk or higher- RAID  1 or 5 recommended (>300 GB for larger agencies)
• Network interface (2 interfaces may be needed at some locations)
• Current Microsoft Windows OS
• Microsoft  .Net 3.5 & 4.7.2 (Free download)
• Anti-Virus/system security software with a subscription
• All the latest security patches and server packs installed
• Any required third-party ODBC compliant drivers for RMS connectivity

On-Prem Server Specifications

NOTE: Please be aware that opting for an on-premises installation is not recommended and may lead to extra servicing expenses, fluctuations in system performance and security, and necessitate manual updates during the supported period.

FINDER can run on most systems, but it will run only as well as the agency system on which it’s placed.

Minimal hardware specifications for a FINDER server are:

• Server class computer (at least 4 cores)
• 12 GB RAM
• 200 GB hard disk or higher- RAID  1 or 5 recommended (>300 GB for larger agencies)
• Network interface (2 interfaces may be needed at some locations)
• Microsoft Windows 2016 Standard or higher (Per processor licensing mode)
• Access to a Microsoft SQL 2014 SP3 or higher. We can also install SQL EXPRESS (Free download) on the FINDER server
• Microsoft  .Net 3.5 & 4.7.2 (Free download)
• IIS installed and running (Part of Windows server)
• Anti-Virus/system security software with a subscription
• All the latest security patches and server packs installed
• Any required third-party ODBC-compliant drivers for RMS connectivity

If your agency wishes to install FINDER on a Virtual Server:

• There is no additional setup or configuration if your virtual server meets the minimum server specifications described above and is CJIS compliant.
• A shared server is permitted as long as the system is secure and the FINDER application functions reliably.

FINDER Query Only Requirements

FINDER Query Only can run on most systems as a web application.

FINDER recommends using a current system and high-speed internet connection.

Activation Requirements:

• As part of the set-up and activation, the agency will need to provide FINDER with the agency’s “outbound IP address” so it can be permissioned within the FINDER network. This also limits user access to devices within that IP.

FINDER Integrate for ETL and API’s

FINDER Software Solutions also offers custom Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) work via FINDER Integrate. This process allows any agency to transfer their legacy data from one database to another. This process is perfect for those agencies that need to change RMS systems and want to transfer their legacy data.

We also specialize in developing Application Program Interfaces (APIs) to enhance agencies’ ability to utilize other custom software systems such as mapping, analytical programs, and external law enforcement data sources.

Architecture and Compliance

Federated Architecture

FINDER provides an interface to allow other agencies to have access to your information while keeping your production data safely under your control.

FINDER can be implemented for data warehouses that require data storage at a specific law enforcement agency.

LEXS-SR and CJIS Compliance

FINDER is designated to meet the technological directives established by the federal government for sharing law enforcement data, including LEXS-SR, CJIS, and FIPS 140-2. FINDER also uses AWS GovCloud. This ensures a path to future expansion.

At FINDER, we are always working to improve our platform for our customers. If you have an idea or product request, you may submit it using the form HERE, and our engineering team will review it. If you happen to identify a bug, you can also use this form to submit it. Please note due to development cycles and the wide base of customers, not all requests will be implemented, however, our team does read all requests.

FINDER product release notes can be accessed on the Product Release Notes page.