As part of a move to modernise services in Guildford, all councillors have been given secure access to ACOLNET so that they can get up-to-date planning information at any time.

Plantech proposed the use of Internet technology, which had not actually been considered by Guildford. We believed that members would find browser-based access easy to learn and use, IT staff would minimise their support costs, and the experience would prove useful for future development of intranet and Internet.

The project has also helped non-technical staff, such as senior managers in the Planning Department, to appreciate the potential of this approach.

 

Mobile working

ACOLNET is Plantech’s XML Gateway and toolkit for web page creation. Its strength lies in the combination of a solid framework with flexibility, a flexibility that allows authorities to interface with any standardised third party product and to create both intranet and external web pages to suit their own requirements.

• Scenario 1

  You're a building control surveyor up to your ankles in mud and you need to check the inspection notes for the plot you're on...

  With a mobile phone in your pocket, a palmtop can literally put the information in your hand.

• Scenario 2

  You've done your inspection and you want to update your records from home rather than having to travel back to the office...

  An ACOLNET-created web page allows you secure access to update the database.

• Scenario 3

  You're an Environmental Health inspector about to get a sample and you've got a feeling the restaurant owner himself could present a health hazard for you...

  Any information you need about potential dangers on site is available.

With ACOLNET, case officer can enter data directly into handheld device during inspection

The advantages of mobile working hardly need to be spelt out. With ACOLNET, case officers can enter data directly into a handheld device during inspections. Time, effort, trouble and money can all be saved, and with the financial pressures and current staff shortages in some areas of local government (especially building control and environmental health) anything that can help you to cut corners and still get the job done has to be considered.

Arrangements with mobile phone companies that allow on-site workers to keep their mobiles on and the connection open all day, but only pay for the amount of data they send, now make mobile working even more attractive.

The technology is here. If the data exists in ACOLAID you can read it and update it - wherever you are.

For more information on ACOLAID Building Control Mobile Working contact Shaun Barrett, Building Control Product Manager.

For more information on ACOLAID Environmental Health Mobile Working contact Richard Sankey, Environmental Health Product Manager.

For more information on ACOLAID Planning Enforcement Mobile Working contact James Sealey, Development Control Product Manager.