New South Wales’ youngest city, Shellharbour, has facilitated business efficiency and leading edge technology with the development of a comprehensive management information and back office administration system.
Work commenced on the new system in mid 1998 following feedback from the community and businesses regarding Council’s customer service. Council conducted a comprehensive tender process which included evaluations and investigations, and by December 2001 had in place the basis for its IT system.
Costing a total of $2.2 million, the system is able to process rates data, human resources information, property accounts, mapping, records and assets, and enable purchasing to be done over the internet. It is made up of hybrid software and hardware containing a Microsoft network, Cisco technology, ISDN links, HEAT Helpdesk and 100bps distribution, and is the back up for more than 350 trained personnel.
However, with all this, its main feature lies in its ability for simultaneous rather than sequential usage by staff, allowing certain internal processes, such as the processing of Development Applications (DAs) to be completed in shorter timeframes and with greater efficiency. DAs which took two weeks to process can now be processed in three to four days.
The whole system is monitored by a Central Information Group, which operates under a cross organisational continuous improvement program. Obtaining ideas for improvements to the system from Council staff, the group then presents this via a business case to senior management. Once approval is gained, the group monitors and implements the project and measures its benefits to Council and the community.
Council’s system is such that it can be applied to a number of organisations, not just Local Government.
With its ability to reduce time spent on various tasks, it has saved Council $72,000 per annum.
The addition of new palm pilots to the system will allow equipment to be ordered, damage reported and records updated in the field. Multiple attachments include a digital camera, a global positioning system and mobile phone.
For further information, contact Shellharbour City Council’s, General Manager, Brian Weir, on (02) 4221 6123.
