City employees will use the new application to automate permitting, inspections, workflow, project management, plan review, code enforcement and other critical agency functions. Users will access the application using a Web browser, reducing the IT effort needed to configure and maintain the application on client machines.
"Accela Automation allows agencies to expedite the application review and inspection process to improve internal efficiencies, increase citizen satisfaction, and spur economic growth in their communities," said Robert P. Lee, Accela president and CEO. "This enterprise implementation will dramatically impact how effectively and efficiently the city delivers services by providing staff with tools that reach out to customers in many ways -- from accepting applications via the Web to completing inspections in the field."
Additional business solutions to be implemented by Reno include:
- Mobile government -- Accela Wireless delivers mobile inspection capabilities to streamline the inspection and approval process for the city. Field 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. Updates are uploaded to the agency database in real-time for jurisdictions that have wireless connectivity in the field. Otherwise, agencies use the application's offline mode where updates are saved to the inspector's mobile device and uploaded to the agency database once a connection is established or when the inspector returns to the office.
- GIS integration -- Accela GIS enhances Accela Automation by incorporating map data from the city's existing GIS database and giving staff direct access to all geographic land use, zoning, and infrastructure information associated with a parcel, permit, inspection, or plan. Built on the ArcIMS platform by ESRI, Accela GIS seamlessly integrates with Accela Automation to provide automated map analysis.
- Citizen access -- The city will be implementing a citizen-access portal that provides real-time, direct access via the Internet to the city's permit and land-management activities. Citizens and businesses will be able to apply and pay for permits, schedule inspections, check the status of a permit or inspection, or print an approved permit directly from the Internet, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
