TRAKiT centralizes information, saves time in Valparaiso
July 16, 2008
The City of Valparaiso, Indiana recently implemented the TRAKiT software suite, developed by CRW Systems, Inc, and they are enjoying the benefits of enterprise information management. In September 2007, the Building Department went live with PermitTRAK, CodeTRAK, LandTRAK, AEC TRAK, and MobileTRAK to manage permits and inspections, code enforcement, and contractor registration. Since then, the City has been expanding their use of TRAKiT across multiple departments.
“It’s very helpful to have a central spot for all of our information,” says Vicki Thrasher, Valparaiso Building Commissioner. In particular, she emphasizes how TRAKiT’s plan review tools have improved the City’s efficiency and customer service. “Multiple departments can make comments and we’re able to see them all at once. We don’t have to track down answers from different sources,” says Thrasher. Valparaiso is also saving time with MobileTRAK, an interface for laptops and handheld mobile devices. Inspectors can now enter notes in the field directly into TRAKiT, she says, instead of having the clerical staff type in handwritten notes.
The Engineering Department came on board with CodeTRAK and ProjectTRAK to track erosion control and other departmental functions in October 2007. Thrasher, who is the TRAKiT system administrator for Valparaiso, performed much of the Engineering implementation in-house using TRAKiT’s extensive administrative tools. Thrasher credits the quality of training by James Williamson, CRW Training Coordinator, as well as the support of Christina Adaska, CRW Project Manager, and Dan Haynes, CRW Technical Support, for the success of both implementations. “Being able to work with a client one on one was great,” responds Adaska.
Adaska looks forward to assisting Valparaiso as they further expand their use of TRAKiT over the coming months. The Planning Department will soon begin using ProjectTRAK to track multiple construction upgrades and new projects. Additionally, Thrasher and the CRW team are working with the Assessor’s office to develop an automated, custom script that downloads parcel data directly into LandTRAK every night. In the future, the City would also like to provide Web-based, public access through eTRAKiT.
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About Valparaiso, IN
Located in northwest Indiana just 55 miles from Chicago, the City of Valparaiso is home to approximately 30,000 residents. Valparaiso is a family focused, volunteer oriented, and pedestrian-friendly community, offering a variety of recreational activities, over 15 lush parks, a historic downtown, award-winning theatres, and welcoming churches. The Valparaiso Popcorn Festival, an annual tradition since 1979, honors Valparaiso's native Orville Redenbacher and features racing events, a balloon launch, and a popcorn parade.
For further information about Valparaiso, please contact Vicki Thrasher, Building Commissioner, at (219)-462-1161 or via e-mail at vthrasher@valpo.us.
About CRW Systems, Inc.
CRW Systems, Inc. is a leading developer of state-of-the-art enterprise solutions for managing community development. Such solutions include software applications for Permit Management, Project Application Tracking, Code Enforcement, License Management, Citizen Response Management, Interactive Voice Response, Mobile/Field Access, eGovernment, and GIS Integration. CRW has been serving the needs of municipal, regional and state agencies nationwide through the TRAKiT application for the past 18 years. CRW offers a complete range of services including training, project management, business process review, data conversion, and on-going customer support. TRAKiT is intended to be the final solution for local municipalities, due to its ever-evolving outlook on understanding the business practices of Community Development Departments.
For further information about CRW Systems, Inc. and the TRAKiT system, please contact Nathan Hershkowitz, Vice President of Business Development, by calling 888-CRW-2043 ext 119, or via email at marketing@crw.com, or by visiting www.crw.com.
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