BasicGov / BLOG

Part 3: Why Web-Based SaaS for Community Development processes (Permits, Code Enforcement, and Planning)? Why Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is a fit for community development processes such as planning, building permits and inspections, and code enforcement.

The community development department of a city, county or town has the key role of ensuring the community is livable, competitive and sustainable.  This department manages planning applications, zoning, building permits, inspections, code enforcement and related services.  Staff make recommendations to city managers, mayors and elected officials to ensure that all interests in the community are served.

The amount of work for the department staff can be overwhelming.  Most local governments use software to manage their workflow efficiently and give their citizens better service while avoiding the need for more staff.  Community development software comes in various forms: from highly customizable in-house systems, to simple desktop software, to web-based software. (see examples of local government innovators)

Web-based software, also known as Software as a Service (SaaS) and cloud computing, is increasing being adopted by local governments. These advantages are often cited by community development departments that use SaaS software:

• Affordable monthly subscription per user and no capital cost. The subscription basis of SaaS allows managers to add or decrease users depending upon the workload.  If a new building development increases work-load and staff numbers, new subscriptions can be purchased for a fixed period.
• Less demand for in-house IT resources. The SaaS supplier provides the implementation, training and support as part of the monthly subscription and no additional servers are required.
• Information is easily shared across the departments and teams.  All users can check on the status from any department, schedule inspections or public hearing events within the SaaS system.
• SaaS software integrates with other systems such as GIS and financial.
• SaaS software can be accessed from the office or remotely in the field with a laptop computer and Internet connection. Building inspectors and code enforcement officers can print out permits or notices in the field.
• Improved reliability of data back-up and recovery.  SaaS information is stored and protected at multiple high security locations.
• Improved reporting capabilities which can be configured for local requirements.

Part 2: Why Choose a SaaS Solution? Why SaaS offers advantages over traditional on-premise software solutions.

The process for selecting a software solution for local and municipal government software is a complex undertaking. With the introduction of SaaS solutions over the past few years, it is important to understand the benefits of SaaS, the risks and the challenges. To help shed some light on this process, we will explore the reasons you should consider a SaaS solution, and some of the risks that should be understood.

There are five main reasons to consider a SaaS solution for local and municipal governments:

Time: SaaS solutions can usually be implemented in a manner of days or weeks, instead of the months or years that it usually takes to implement an in-house solution. You don’t need a full staff of available IT resources to implement a SaaS solution either: the SaaS vendors will usually work with you to configure the software, and get you up and running as quickly as possible. 

Cost: Traditional in-house solutions are often an order of magnitude more expensive than SaaS solutions, given the amount of effort required from your internal resources and from the vendor to design, configure, develop, test, and support the systems. SaaS solutions are usually priced at a reasonable monthly cost per user, on a pay-as-you-go basis.

System accessibility: All you need to use SaaS systems is an internet connection and a web browser. This means that you can use the system in your office, on the road, or anywhere else where you have an internet connection.

Data security: Many SaaS providers provide an incredibly robust process for securing access to your system and your data. Your data is usually backed up regularly, and stored in a secure location, using the latest security procedures. This means that in the event of an emergency in your city, you would have access to your system and your data as soon as you have an internet connection.

Flexibility: Many SaaS providers work with you to configure your system to reflect your business needs, and are still able to implement your system in a very short period of time. This means that you can still get a fully configured system for a low cost without needing the costly and time-consuming process of implementing an on-premise solution.

All of these are key reasons to consider SaaS when you need a technology solution.  However, SaaS is not always the best solution. If you do not have a reliable internet connection, then you should consider in-house solutions. If you need highly specialized components for your application and have very specific requirements and little flexibility, then you may need to consider in-house solutions.

If you are cost-conscious, need a highly secure and accessible environment, in as fast a time frame as possible, then a SaaS solution may be the best solution for you.