Code enforcement, a rigid paperwork and time intensive government compliance process, is undergoing major streamlining with city and county officers as well as authorized administrators soon having the ability to schedule, track and monitor the life cycle of all inspections directly from the field using a Tablet PC, wireless connection and web browser.
INKforce, a suite of automated government software tools, developed by Fort Lauderdale-based Calvin, Giordano & Associates (CGA), was recently put into the field by the City of Lauderhill in Broward County, Florida, the first municipality to do so in the country.
Lauderhill, according to Joan Fletcher, GIS Manager for Lauderhill’s Department of Engineering Services, has phased in INKforce over the past three months, and has been in full operation with its nine code enforcement officers since mid January.
CGA’s Data Technologies and Development team created the proprietary code enforcement application using ArcIMS, ArcSDE and SQL/Oracle and web technology as the main platform to deliver an easy, straightforward inspection process using realtime GIS enabled data. Armed with a Panasonic Toughbook Tablet PC and a wireless connection, code enforcement officers while in the field can access schedules and directions, property and complaint histories, city and county ordinance specifications and can secure signatures and issue compliance notices on the spot or automatically initiate a certified mailing to the property owner.
