BasicGov / BLOG

It is encouraging to see that in a recent survey conducted by Mustel Group and sponsored by us (BasisGov) that software is being used by local governments to help manage neighborhood complaints (code enforcement) but there is still a myth among the non-users that it is costly.

• Approximately 80% said that the foreclosure crisis has resulted in an increase in citizen complaints over the past year;
• The most frequent complaints were overgrown yards (87%), property damage (61%) and garbage dumping (47%);
• 88% do not plan to increase staff to manage the overall problem;
• 79% of the municipalities surveyed use software applications to manage their code enforcement process and already one in four of those were using web-based software;
• among non-users, 61% thought cost a deterrent in planning to implement software.

With the rise in foreclosures, increase in related complaints at city halls and the freeze on hiring more staff, overcoming the high cost myth will help many municipalities.

Do you think cost is the only deterrent?

(Photo credit – http://www.flickr.com/photos/respres/ / CC BY 2.0)

 The key to success for your SaaS implementation is to start from your desired outcome.  What is it that you want the system to do for you?  Are you clear about what you currently do, and when or how you do it now?  The clearer you are about your current and desired process the better outcome you’ll achieve.

Where to start? Concisely, thoroughly describe and document your current workflow. Understand that your processes may change slightly in order to take full advantage of the solution you’ve chosen. Be open to your vendor’s advice on how to streamline the process and accept that there may be gaps in what can be provided.  Expect a 80-20 solution: the system should automate the tasks that take up 80% of your time.  Focus on these tasks and understand that if you want 100% automation – you’ll likely have to pay for significant customization.  

 Once you’re through the “Business Analysis” portion of the installation, the real advantages of SaaS come into play. Saas is easier to configure.  No software installation and no IT headaches.  Time to rollout is reduced.  Users are up and running faster – and in a familiar “browser” environment.