Up Front
Planning Department AdoptsNew Software System
Left to right, (front) are: Mr. Tim Hubbell; Mrs. ChristinaMaltman; Mr. Chris Wuerz; Mr. Kenneth Ebanks; Mr. Nathan West;Mr. Clark Buchanan; and Mr. Orrett Connor. Left to right (back)are: Mr. McCleary Frederick; Mr. Dennis Thiebault; Mr. Scott Talbert;and Mr. Kearney Gomez.
The Planning Department has procured newsoftware to automate the majority of its office functions.
The software, dubbed 'trakit', is the first of its kind in theCaribbean and will enable members of the Department to keep achronological record of an applicant's history and to view thestructure in question, as well as to transfer information to spreadsheets, word documents and e-mail.
As a result, personnel will be able create reports for both governmentand the private sector in considerably less time than before.Additionally, the department can now list all inspections scheduledfor a particular day, and can link all permits for a single clientinstead of having to create brand new files each time.
The system is also capable of generating the names and addressesfor a specified area. This is useful for applicants having tonotify adjacent landowners. When the finer details are workedout between Planning and Lands & Survey, the feature wouldsave applicants considerable time, free up time for Lands &Survey staff, and further enhance government's service.
The system is capable of showing current permits on a highlightedgrid map and inspectors can see whether or not buildings are approvedby simply clicking a button. The department will also seek feedbackfrom its customers as to whether an automated inspection processwould be acceptable. If acceptable clients will be able to scheduleinspections by phone, without speaking to staff.
There will be different levels of access for staff and all informationwill be stored on government's main-frame, safeguarding againsttampering or inadvertent loss of data.
According to Chief Building Contract Officer, Mr. McCleary Frederick:"This software is very user-friendly and our speed and efficiencyas a department has been greatly enhanced."
System designer, Mr. Christopher Wuerz, introduced the new softwareon behalf of the company of which he is president, ChristopherR. Wuerz (CRW) Associates. He was accompanied by his trainingdirector, Mr. Scott K. Talbert.
Also attending the presentation were Permanent Secretary for theMinistry of Planning, Communications and Works, Mr. Kearney Gomez;Chief Immigration Officer, Mr. Orrett Connor; Director of Landsand Survey, Mr. Clark Buchanan; Acting Director of Planning, Mr.Kenneth Ebanks and Mr. Frederick.
They were joined by Senior Assistant Permanent Secretary for theMinistry of Planning, Communications and Works, Mr. Tim Hubbell;Planning Officers, Mrs. Christine Maltman and Mr. Dennis Thiebault,and Planner, Mr. Nathan West.