My idea would be to provide convergence of several
local government CRM and ERP solutions that are out
there. Currently, local governments provide a number
of services that include planning, building plan
check, code enforcement, economic development,
street/sidewalk repair and maintenance, traffic
controls, police and fire to name a few. Right now,
all of those various functions are managed by software
systems that don't talk to each other very well, and
that are not great in the field. For instance,
building inspection involves an inspector going to a
job site carrying 20 lbs of paper plans, taking notes,
entering the notes in a database, review of the notes
by a plan checker, adjustments to plans... all before
the contractor/architect can resume work on any part
of a structure that has problems. Imagine if a plan
checker with an iPad could pull up the electronic
plans, make notes on the plans in the cloud, notify a
plan checker and receive a response within hours
rather than days?
Economic development people interact with existing
businesses constantly and frequently run into problems
that range from potholes to crime. Imagine if when
meeting with a business that had an issue with traffic
for instance. The economic development person could
enter the info about the issue, location of the issue
and appropriate contacts at the business and have that
info go directly to the appropriate people at public
works who would then be forced to respond to clear the
issue out of a to-do list. As an economic development
person, I find myself spending several hours a week
following up on customer service issues that a system
like this would fix.
If someone could find a way to meld the existing (or
create new) CRM, ERP, GPS and 311 systems that cities
use and include a web enabled iPad application
everything from graffiti abatement to water bills
could live in one place and allow our very stressed
employees to realize some efficiencies, improve
customer service, improve responsiveness and allow
cities to learn more about the locational component of
everything we do (by integrating with GPS). I think
something like the iPad, with its unique footprint, OS
and interface is the key to getting this sort of thing
done. You can do the building inspection on a
toughbook right now, but it isn't very well designed
in terms of interface, so all the inspectors carry
around plans. Same for interviewing businesses... it
isn't very friendly to put a screen between you and
your customer while you are talking to them. Fire
departments could pull up building plans while
standing in front of a burning building (same for
police). Just a little bit of imagination and someone
(email me if you want my help) could revolutionize
this market and reduce complaints about local
government by 50% (30% of people will never be happy,
no matter what!). Thoughts?
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