Pen software: write way to access info
software and stylus now replace pen & paper in city operations
Building inspectors in Springfield, Ohio, eventually will make one less stop – the office – on their way to work each morning. This is because the inspectors will receive their daily assignments via lap-top computers, or phone lines or over wireless communication networks.
The pen computing system allows building inspectors to set up and assign inspections electronically, giving inspectors access to more information while in the field. Structural specifications, contractor information and permit applications are accessed by the laptop computer and the software.
Inspectors can display their daily assignment listings and arrange the list in any order they choose. In addition, they can have results of an inspection in a matter of minutes, and they may choose the manner in which the results are transmitted back to the office.
Transmission is via the phone line or in “real-time” over a wireless communication network and saves the results in a batch on a diskette.
By using the new technology for building inspections, the city may grow, yet not necessarily need to hire more inspectors – the software is estimated to save one-and-a-half hours a day per inspector.
Peter Husenitza, MIS Director for Springfield, says the pen-based feature of the system is not only as simple to learn as an erase-a-slate toy, but it is almost as much fun.
Indeed, pen computing is being used around the country in the business of city operations because it is state-of-the-art, yet simple to use.
As its name implies, pen computing involves a special pen called a stylus that enables the user to point and choose icons or write directly on the computer screen.
For example, police officers can easily supply and receive timely, accurate information related to accidents, warrants, arrests, dispatches and traffic problems.
The software replaces many of the paper forms that officers must deal with on a daily basis and even allows police officers to produce accident and crime-scene diagrams on the scene.
Fire departments are also using pen-based software applications that enable fire service personnel to track all aspects of any fire incident to which they respond.
Pen systems adhere to guidelines set by the National Fire Information Council and the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), which provides access to NFIRS code files.
Like the application for fire departments, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) software applications enable EMS personnel to track and report all information related to incidents involving response by EMS units including patient information, procedures administered and charges accumulated.
Even non-emergency personnel are using pen-based software to expedite procedures. City utilities are adapting their procedures in order to accommodate the pen computing technology: utility meter readers enter utility meter data directly into the computer, which makes for faster and more accurate readings.
The pen technology is ideal for employees of city government, many of whom do not have computer backgrounds nor the time to learn a new, complicated technology. Other benefits to storing data electronically include less paperwork and greater accuracy and speed.
City and county governments thinking of changing to pen computing should include the end users in the process. Husenitza believes the idea is to think big and start small.
Then, the first step is to get a demo system in the hands of the personnel using the system and the people making the financial decisions.