TRAKiT Simplifies Permitting and Inspection Processes in Norwalk
June 24, 2010
The City of Norwalk, Connecticut recently implemented the TRAKiT software suite, developed by CRW Systems, Inc. In November 2009, the Public Works Department went live with PermitTRAK, ProjectTRAK and LaptopSync to manage their permitting, inspections and invoice tracking for roadway projects. TRAKiT has maximized resources and reporting capabilities for the City.
The City had difficulty tracking work in progress and various project completions. TRAKiT allows the City to see land records, permits, projects, outstanding reviews and other activities associated with a land record or permit. The City is able to establish project status and activities completed with TRAKiT which saves time for staff members by preventing duplication of work.
Drew Berndlmaier, the City's Senior Civil Engineer, has seen improvements in the City's workflow with TRAKiT's inspection scheduling. Previously, inspectors manually documented inspection information in the field which would then need to be logged into a spreadsheet at the City. TRAKiT has simplified the process by creating one system to manage permits, associated inspections and other linked permit or project information. "Inspections can be linked to a record and managed directly within the system," said Berndlmaier. Additionally, LaptopSync allows inspectors to insert inspection results in the field preventing City inspectors from losing inspection results documented on paper. LaptopSync also saves inspectors time by eliminating double entry of results in the field and at the office.
CRW worked with the City to define best business processes and workflows utilizing TRAKiT. According to Berndlmaier, Michael Truncale (CRW Project Manager) was a huge help throughout the implementation process. "It's really nice that CRW has people to help figure out how the data should be defined and how the system will work best for us," said Berndlmaier. Reports created by Truncale allow the City to identify which road patches need restorations and to invoice contractors accordingly. "TRAKiT provides many ways to track, report, and run queries to make sure activities are completed and criteria are met," Berndlmaier added.
TRAKiT is integrated with the City's GIS to keep inventory of parcels and road segments with associated permits or projects. With TRAKiT the City is able to identify any proposed work, known problem or previous work completed. This provides users information to determine if work is allowed for the land segment. In addition to tracking associated records, appropriate fees are automatically inserted based on the roadway classification. TRAKiT allows the City to easily manage the fee assessment and collection process.
Norwalk selected CRW because the City needs a GIS-centric system which manages the condition and classification of each City street segment in Norwalk and associated permit information. TRAKiT has allowed the City to bill out permit holders at rates directly related to the land segment and be able to keep record of accounts receivable. Norwalk looks forward to expanding use of TRAKiT as well as using eTRAKiT in the future to provide the public access to permit status and inspection scheduling requests.
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About Norwalk, CT
Located in southwestern Connecticut on Long Island Sound, the City of Norwalk is home to over 80,000 residents. A one hour drive from New York City, Norwalk offers numerous shopping, dining and recreational opportunities. Norwalk's beaches are recreational assets both in summer and the offseason. The City is also home to the largest annual water boat show on the East Coast.
For further information about the City of Norwalk, CT, please contact Connie Blair, Customer Service Manager, at (203) 854-3200 or via e-mail at cblair@norwalkct.org.
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 since 1991. 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 Jennifer Lewis, VP of Business Development by calling 888-CRW-2043 ext 1133, or via email at marketing@crw.com, or by visiting www.crw.com.
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