Two Virginia Cities to Implement New Mobile Government Services

Virginia cities Suffolk and Portsmouth have selected Accela Wireless, a software application that facilitates direct, real-time access to data in an agency's database from a mobile device in the field. This software will be implemented in Suffolk's Neighborhood Development Services Department, which includes the Property Maintenance, Zoning Enforcement, and Building Inspections divisions, and in Portsmouth's Code Enforcement Department.

Inspectors will be able to shift daily tasks from the office to the field using portable devices (e.g., laptops, PDAs, etc.) that allow them to remotely access permit-related data, complete inspections, create correction notices, and process sign-offs.

While in the field, inspectors will input their inspection results and the information will be uploaded to the Department's database in real-time. The application also offers an off-line mode that can be used when wireless coverage is unavailable; updates are saved to the inspector's mobile device and uploaded to the agency database once a connection is reestablished or when the inspector returns to the office.