Accela Implementation

About the Program

Category: Information Technology (Best in Category)

Year: 2013

The Baltimore County Office of Information Technology (OIT) implemented Accela, an enterprise software system that makes government easier, faster, and more accessible for its citizens as well as its agency staff. The web-based office and mobile software encourages data sharing, reduces data duplication and errors, and streamlines and automates business processes for the permits, land management, licensing, and enforcement agencies. The first unit, Animal Control and Shelter, was implemented in September 2011. Citizens can submit online complaints and agency staff can process the information through several mediums (laptop, desktop, smartphone, etc.) in the office or in mobile vans. Data is centralized and available to other agencies. Accela addresses many County challenges by reducing the data duplication and errors associated with eliminating multiple, disconnected systems; increasing transparency and improving operations by tracking the workflow status; and reducing printing costs automating and transitioning business processes from paper-based to electronic format. The Miscellaneous Permits unit has several implementations in Accela. Citizens can apply, pay, and check the status of their animal pet licenses and residential parking permits online. This enables Agency staff to reduce time in data entry, resulting in faster turnaround and reduced costs associated with paper reduction. Finally, the Permits, Approvals, and Inspections department (PAI) utilizes Accela to process land development applications. The department is able to manage and track the status of an application as it passes through a series of complex paper-based processes that includes: data intake, County agencies review, and approval/appeal. Associated documents (such as development plans) are linked to records and available for the public to access and download.