Summary Strategic Initiative 2.3 is to implement an awareness campaign to the staff and commission on the availability of new technology and provide training opportunities for the use of technology. Once tasked with this initiative, we completed a software survey and have provided findings and suggestions.
The following action items of the initiative to investigate possible software solutions were already underway prior to adoption of the Strategic Plan. Last year, the City was in negotiation with vendors for comprehensive enterprise software to replace multiple existing software applications in an effort to create better integration throughout departments and maximize efficiency. At that time, the City was also in the process of choosing a public records request management program that included a citizen portal.
Currently, the City has launched and is fine-tuning the GovQa public record request management software and key personnel have been trained in its use.
GovQa collects all the functions of the public records request process under one umbrella, which includes features so the public can conduct searches and requests through the City website.
BS&A was chosen as the enterprise resource planning software, and should be completely deployed by Oct. 1, 2016. It will be used by every department in the City and includes major functions such as accounting, budgeting, utility billing, payroll, code enforcement, building services, etc.
We expect these major programs to have a positive impact on our effectiveness and efficiency, much as Novus Agenda has had since its inception for meeting agendas and minutes.
As stated, GovQa training has already taken place and will be supplemented as needed, both for new hires and program improvement. BS&A training will be dependent on final roll-out, and will also be supplemented after initial training.
In addition, plans are for the Deputy City Clerk's Office and the Information Technology Division to partner in quarterly training sessions that will cover the peripheral software programs used throughout the City, such as Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office, among others. These sessions will cover practical tips that will increase productivity and awareness of program capabilities vis a vis City functions.
In each instance, the programs mentioned do or will afford much more public transparency, in addition to the increased efficiency and cost savings we expect. |