From digital transformation of citizen services to workflow management wins for internal and external stakeholders alike, a modern permitting software system yields numerous benefits for those savvy jurisdictions implementing a suitable solution for permitting, licensing and inspections.
Citizen Portal(s) and Workflow Automation
The implementation of a citizen/client portal to facilitate digital self-services improves citizen engagement whilst simultaneously lessening reliance on antiquated paper processes.
- Improved Access
Provides an easier/streamlined/electronic method of applying for, attaining, viewing status, and paying for licenses and permits within the jurisdiction.- Potential Increased Revenue Opportunities
Increasing the volume of permits distributed results in increased revenue.- Increased Compliance
With the process for attaining, changing, paying for, and acquiring a permit and license made more accessible and more transparent, compliance levels increase.- Decreased Walk-In Volume
The availability of online tools decreases the volume of walk-in customers in the customer service center, freeing staff for completion of other tasks.- Increased Citizen and Client Satisfaction
Citizens and businesses will have improved access to obtain the permits and licenses necessary to do business with the Municipality, increasing citizen engagement and satisfaction.- Paper Reduction
Allowing for electronic submission and distribution of documentation reduces paper print-outs and copies required for the Municipality and clients both.- Increased Transparency
Allowing the customers to view and follow the status of their applications enables the application process to be open, convenient and available.
Data Accessibility & Mobility
Modern permitting software affording seamless mobile integration allows staff to easily access accurate information while in the field, providing the following benefits:
- Data Creation Efficiency
The ability to create data and access data where and when it is needed, regardless of Internet connectivity.
- Reduced/Eliminated Double-Data-Entry
The ability to enter data in the field eliminates the need for staff to enter records into the system when they return to the office.
- Errors Reduction/Increased Data Integrity
Mobility features provide a method of capturing data once, instead of transcribing into an electronic system at a later date.
- More Timely Data
The ability for staff to record and update records from the field enables more timely and accurate data creation.
- Better/More Accurate Decision Making
Data accessibility in the field (e.g. historical records on a property) empowers more informed decisions for better solution outcomes.
- Increased Number of Inspections
Streamlined permitting software increases the number of inspections staff can complete in a given period of time, gaining efficiencies and reclaiming capacity of resources.
- Data Linked at Source
Photos taken in the field can be immediately linked to the pertinent inspection.
GIS
The implementation of a modern permitting software system that can integrate with GIS technology provides many benefits, including, but not limited to the following:
- Identification of Potential Conflicts
An increased likelihood of identifying potential conflicts when permits are being issued for multiple Municipality services on a particular property/stretch of land (e.g. Right-of-Way Permits).
- Increased Safety
If a permit or an activity is planned for in an area that is known to be contaminated, the system can notify the user of the potential risk(s).
- More Accurate Pinpointing of Locations
The ability to accurately identify any location for any type of “in field” activity using the X-Y GIS coordinates results in increased efficiency.
- Improved Work Scheduling/Planning
By scheduling planned work such as building inspections and reviews geographically, staff can maximize their efforts into concentrated areas and complete more inspections in less time.
