16. Since our update at the last session of the Council on the project to improve the timeliness and completeness of notifications and other information flows – the so-called "eTRIPS" information management system – the Secretariat held on 26 July 2016 an informal demonstration of the eTRIPS online notification web tools. We used this informal demonstration as an occasion to showcase the prototype online notification web tools under development and to collect your valuable feedback.
17. In addition, since our last update, some interested delegates have met with us on an informal basis to essentially test the prototype. For us, this was an extremely fruitful exercise as we were able to gain a better understanding of a prospective user's experience and needs – and we have taken comments and questions into consideration for the prototype's continued development. In that light, we express our thanks to those delegations for their guidance.
18. We would encourage any interested delegates to get in touch with us on an informal basis in order to test the system and offer any feedback or suggestions.
19. Also, as there is generally an increase in the volume of notification and other review materials during this time of year, we would encourage delegations preparing to submit notifications or review materials to reach out to us informally. During this interim stage before the online notification web tools become available, we have practical arrangements that should make it easier for you to make these submissions.
20. In close cooperation with our IT colleagues and software developer, we are continuing to make technical and functional improvements to the eTRIPS System with the aim of making the online notification web-tools more robust and intuitive, and the data more accessible and transparent.
21. Further, we are continuing to transform TRIPS "legacy documents" into workable data by identifying data points and sorting information into spreadsheets.
22. Early in the New Year, we plan to consult with any interested delegations on the search tools and user interface.
23. We remain available to provide ad hoc briefings or demonstrations on request to any delegation, in particular delegations preparing to submit notifications or reports to the Council.