June- 20199GOVERNMENT CIO OUTLOOKDigital transformation, driven as a strategic initiative, is the cornerstone of the modernization plan and requires both the integration of digital technology across all department units and the participation of all our stakeholders, both within and outside our agency. Through this initiative, we are replacing archaic, disconnected systems and data sources, including more than 300 Access 97 databases; numerous Excel tracking sheets; and, most significantly, a 30+-year-old mainframe system that is challenging to maintain and modify in a timely manner.The centrepiece of these reforms is DOB NOW ­ our self-service platform that will bring nearly all of the agency's business online and into the 21st century. The system has four parts. DOB NOW: Inspections provides access to online scheduling, tracking, and notifications for enforcement and development inspections. DOB NOW: Build enables electronic job filings, permit applications, and more. DOB NOW: Safety provides online access to compliance filings, such as safety reports on elevators and boilers. Lastly, DOB NOW: Licensing provides online exam filing, issuance, and license renewal for journeyman plumbers, welders, and other tradespeople.The new system is being rolled out in stages ­ but so far, this digital transformation has already enabled us to:Improve service for construction professionals, homeowners, and interested citizens alike. Our new platform allows stakeholders to do all DOB-related business and research online, and access previously opaque information in real time. DOB NOW also gives our staff the ability to process applications and conduct field operations electronically and via mobile technology. Lower costs for developers, homeowners, small businesses by eliminating the need to make trips to our offices wait in line, and by standardizing our processes to reduce the need to pay intermediaries to interact with us. For the taxpayer, long term costs will decrease because the Department will no longer have to maintain an antiquated mainframe system.Increase efficiency for both customers and our staff. For example, DOB used to receive about a million pieces of paper annually just regarding elevator inspections -- from which data had to be transcribed and inputted manually into the mainframe. Now that this information is uploaded automatically, this frees up staff to analyse the data, which in turn increases public safety. Besides, customers receive instant notification if their elevator-related compliance filing has been accepted, rather than waiting months as in the past. The challenges facing our city are vast, and we must be equipped with the tools necessary to meet those challenges head-on. That means embracing technological improvements with both arms and innovating in lockstep with our ever-changing city. Leena PanchwaghJune- 20199GOVERNMENT CIO OUTLOOK
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