Double the Data, Double the Cost: The Price of Duplicating Your Data Entry

As a Town Manager, you are likely familiar with the challenges that arise when having to duplicate data entry across multiple, unconnected systems. Having to repeatedly input information about citizen issues, as one example, into different platforms not only takes extra labour, but also introduces more potential points of error. Redundancies like these in your internal processes can compromise the integrity of your entire municipality’s data. This is where Application Programming Interfaces, known as API’s, can be introduced. API’s reduce the duplication of data entry and streamline operations across all departments and platforms. Therefore, when selecting a platform for your municipality, picking one that is able to utilize API’s is an important consideration.  AccessE11™ is a centralized software solution that provides a single, consolidated platform for your entire municipality.

Bad Data is a Big Problem

frustrated worker

It makes sense that having to enter data multiple times, across multiple platforms, can (and will) lead to mistakes. Every time a person must manually enter data into a program, there’s an opportunity for something incorrect to be entered. If you have multiple people entering the same data, that then leaves even more opportunity for errors. But how much of an issue is bad data anyways?

From a cost perspective, bad data is unfathomably expensive. A report by IBM in 2016 estimated that bad data costs the U.S. over $3 trillion per year. Costs associated with maintaining bad and duplicate data can take various forms. For instance, when a citizen’s information is only partially entered in a database, it requires additional time and effort to collect and compile all available data on that individual. The labour cost of managing inaccurate and redundant data compounds at every stage of the data lifecycle, including data entry, retrieval, and cleaning. These activities require valuable labor hours that could otherwise be allocated to other important tasks.

Financial costs aside, there are other factors that come into play with bad data. Missing information can lead to ineffective customer service. This will negatively impact the trust that resident’s have of the staff and their municipality. Reporting becomes more difficult, or even impossible, if the data is not easily retrievable.

How to Fix the Problem

API

AccessE11 is a modern citizen issue and citizen relationship management platform designed specifically for small to medium municipalities. It is a software created to assist with the issues discussed above by providing a single, consolidated platform which can span the entire municipality. Utilizing an open API, AccessE11 is capable of seamlessly integrating with many other asset management and workflow products, such as Cartegraph and Brightly. Thus ensuring that staff and citizens alike need to only enter data one time and have that data reflected across all platforms and departments. Additionally, these integrations improve reporting functionality by enabling staff members to access all records at the same time. This provides assurance that the data they are accessing is complete and accurate. Visit our website today and schedule a demo with one of our reps.

As a Town Manager, it is important to consider the benefits of offering a centralized software solution for your municipality that can help reduce the potential for issues caused by data redundancy and bad data creation. AccessE11 will help you to better serve your citizens and ultimately improve the overall performance of your municipality.

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Canadian Construction Procurement

WORKSHOP DATES:

February 22 – 10:00AM – 2:00PM EST
February 23 – 10:00AM – 2:00PM EST

LOCATION:

Zoom Virtual Platform

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

This one-day course will provide an overview of the project and procurement models used in construction, the procurement processes, an evaluation of the contracting options and trends emerging for the future for construction in Canada.

The course is designed for those both new to Construction Procurement and for those wanting to learn best practices in order stay ahead of the curve in this complex area of procurement.

PRICE:

Early Bird Registration until January 22, 2023

  • Members: $535.50 + Tax
  • Insider: $670.50 + Tax
  • Non-Members: $805.50 + Tax

Regular Registration

  • Member: $595.00 + Tax
  • Insider: $745.00 + Tax
  • Non-Member: $895.00 + Tax

Corporate Price: 20% off for a team of 4 and customized pricing for a team of 5 or above. Please contact Alisha Seguin at [email protected]

 

Click here to register for the event.

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About Municipal Strategic Planning

bullseye and arrow

When candidates run for municipal Council, they do so not only because they have a passion for helping their communities, but they also often have ideas and goals for the community.   

From my experience, the most successful municipalities are those where Council and staff work as a team to achieve identified goals. That’s why it’s imperative to undertake a strategic planning process early in a new Council term.  The process serves important learning and teamwork objectives for both Council members and staff and really starts to get the team pulling in the same direction.

Many great articles have been written by various municipal scholars and organizations on strategic planning, so I’m not going to start reinventing the wheel here, but there is merit in taking a look at a few great examples that will remind us all of what Municipal Strategic Planning is, the value of Strategic Planning for communities and how a municipality goes about undertaking a strategic planning process.

What is Strategic Planning?

#1 – Source: MMAH Municipal Councillors Guide

Strategic planning is a process by which an organization defines its strategy or direction, and makes decisions about allocating its resources – both financial and staff resources needed to pursue this strategy. Through the strategic planning process, a municipal council can develop strategies, goals, objectives and action plans to achieve the future it desires. Once a strategic plan is adopted, a municipality may wish to measure its success over time and review the plan periodically to ensure that it still aligns with current issues, challenges and realities.

Why is it important for Municipalities?

#2 – Source: Bill Winegard, Municipal Strategic Planning Associates

Undertaking a strategic planning process at the beginning of each Council term is critically important to successful municipal governance by:

  • identifying where consensus lies among members of Council
  • establishing priorities for the term and indicators of success
  • enunciating at a meaningful level the commitment of the Council and Corporation to the community and the results that the community should expect
  • aligning the efforts of staff with the direction of Council
  • motivating Council members, staff, and other partners to work purposefully, and to monitor and take pride in their accomplishments
  • sketching out a council term action plan sequence that keeps the most important things top of mind
  • balancing a promising vision with feasible resources

How Do We Undertake a Strategic Planning Process?

#3 – Source: AMCTO – Continually Improving Municipalities to Achieve Strategic Success

A strategic plan is not static, but should be a guiding document which sets out the vision and priorities of the municipality. In this way, it establishes a framework that the municipality’s operations can align with. Strategic success is often seen as being able to achieve the initiatives in the plan.

However, equally important but often overlooked, is the need to ensure service delivery yields value for money for taxpayers. This can be accomplished by linking daily operations with the strategic goals of the organization and developing mechanisms to ensure a continual improvement of organizational performance.

#4 – Source: ICMA Blog Post on Strategic Planning, by Sara McGuffin, Town Manager, Amherst, Virginia 

Through this (strategic planning) process, small communities can remember what makes them unique, focus their efforts on what unites them, and move toward a better future, and do so in a way that pulls the community closer, rather than drives it apart.

Strategic planning that involves the community, incorporates the unique vision and goals of the community, is agreed to by the elected body, and tied firmly to our budgets, will keep residents, staff, and elected representatives focused on the business, as well as the vision, of government and how to make the community a better place.

Are there any Tools to help Small Municipalities with Strategic Planning?

#5 – Source: ICMA Strategic Planning in Small Communities – A Manager’s Manual, by Sara McGuffin, Town manager, Amherst, Virginia 

The Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) recently circulated this tool from the International City/County Managers Association (ICMA).  

This resource will help local government leaders remember what they know and find additional tools to do their budgeting and strategic planning better. You can also download the introduction to the manual by Sara McGuffin here.

Summary:

When developed with the insights of Council, staff and the public, a strategic plan represents a shared view of the municipality’s future, encourages public commitment and supports the ability for the municipality to move towards achieving the identified, mutual goals.

By, Susan Shannon, AMCT

CEO, muniSERV.ca

 

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Change takes time. The Future is approaching.

So, our first piece of advice is to start thinking about it now. And yes, you can ease into the future; it does not have to happen tomorrow.

When organizations are planning out their new, or enhanced physical security needs we are often asked what are the trends that are likely to shape physical security in the future?

The same question is usually followed up with… “If we do this, or if we buy this, will this sustain us in the future?”

Which also can be interpreted to… “So, we don’t have to buy something else, and that this will last us a long time, right?”

Good questions, but always a challenge to answer. Many factors play out as resistance or even catalysts to these questions and their subsequent decisions. Risk exposure, budgets, actual realized events, change in the organization’s focus, change in the organization’s leadership, campaign promises, or even change in some environments, regulation or legislation “forcing” a change, all impact the ‘future’ question.

What are those future trends shaping physical security? Some trends outlined in the list below may be a surprise, some may appear too futuristic.

  1. Increased use of biometric security measures: Biometric security measures, such as fingerprint scanners and facial recognition technology, are becoming more popular as they offer a high level of accuracy and are difficult to bypass.
  2. Rise of smart security systems: Smart security systems are becoming more common, and these systems often use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to analyze video footage and detect potential threats.
  3. Greater emphasis on cybersecurity: As more security systems become connected to the internet, cybersecurity is becoming an increasingly important consideration. Companies are investing in measures to protect against cyber-attacks that could compromise their security systems.
  4. Increased use of drones: Drones or Remotely Piloted Aircraft System(s) (RPAS) are being used more frequently for security purposes, such as patrolling large areas, inspecting high-risk locations or even in response to incidents in providing real-time surveillance.
  5. Greater use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in training: VR and AR are being used to train security personnel in simulated environments, allowing them to practice their skills and respond to potential threats in a safe and controlled setting.
  6. Integration of physical and cybersecurity: As threats evolve and become more sophisticated, it is increasingly important for physical security and cybersecurity to work together to provide comprehensive protection. This integration may involve integrating cybersecurity measures into physical security systems, such as installing firewall protection on security cameras.

Biometrics, smart security systems, cybersecurity emphasis and the integration of physical and cybersecurity have been on our radar for several years now and have been introduced into our past and current projects with great adoption by our client base.

The trend not mentioned here but remains a constant for us, is the due diligence required to ensure the “paperwork” is complete, up to date, used and enforced. Your policies, and procedures, training programs, guidance documents and standards are the backbones for all these physical security tools to work in the manner they were intended for your organization.

Of course, great planning and the execution of that plan is essential. Planning is a cyclical process that can start, stop, and reset when required. The future is changing. Be prepared.

Plan the Work. Work the Plan.

Reach out. We can help.

Should your Municipality need assistance, contact Michael White Group International today, and we will be happy to answer your questions. Visit michaelwhitegroup.com/contact/

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Leading succession and employee development with talent optimization at the City of Ottawa

Ottawa, Canada’s capital and fourth largest city, is home to more than 1 million people and houses some of Canada’s most famous tourist attractions. It is the role of the City of Ottawa to “provide day-to-day services that enhance citizen’s quality of life”.

The City of Ottawa as an employer is committed to its employees. This commitment is demonstrated by the recognition of the City of Ottawa as a National Capital Region’s Top Employer 10 times. City Manager, Steve Kanellakos states, “It is the people who work here who make the lives of our residents better, safer and healthier. We strive to meet the needs of our residents through a commitment to a diverse workforce that is reflective of the population we serve.”

See the City of Ottawa Case Study and learn how the introduction of the Predictive Index Behavioural Assessment, from Predictive Success has made a difference in the City of Ottawa

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Free Webinar – Learn From Municipalities Using Service Request Management Software

 

Join us for a free webinar

Hosted by AccessE11 and OMLI, discover how these municipalities have utilized powerful service request management software to bring major improvements to their municipality.

Tuesday, September 27, 2022 – 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Learn how Hastings Highlands, St. Thomas and Meaford, Ontario, benefited from service request management software to meet the needs of their citizens. 

Register Here

Presented in partnership with 

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Procurement Through the Lens of Cyber Security

DESCRIPTION

Join our discussion as we explore how current increased cyber risks have demanded increased awareness, and consideration in everyday procurement processes.  Learn how to mitigate those risks from peers in the MUSH sector and cyber security experts. 

Choose to join us online in ZOOM, or in-person at the Living Arts Center in Mississauga.  The last half hour of the event will be for networking and for those at the live location, hot hor d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served during the networking.

This ticket is non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by Supply Chain Canada Ontario Institute. In-person ticket includes hot hors d’oeuvres and refreshments during the networking, following the panel discussion.

AGENDA

5:00 pm – Panel
5:45 pm – Q&A
6:00 pm – Networking

SPEAKERS
BOBBY MAHAL, CSCMP
PROCUREMENT CATEGORY SPECIALISTCITY OF VAUGHAN

Panelist

DEBBY SHAPERO PROPP, LL.B., CSCMP

LAWYER AND SCMAO INSTRUCTORDEBBY SHAPERO PROPP, LAW OFFICE

Panelist

MITCH KELSEY
CYBER SECURITY ADVISORCDW

Panelist

JOHN MACDONALD
MANAGER, LOSS MANAGEMENT AND INSURANCE SERVICESREGION OF PEEL

Panelist

ROBIN GALLO, CSCMP
SUPERVISOR OF PURCHASINGTOWN OF INNISFIL

Moderator

 Register Today!

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Public Sector Leadership Series

 

Date: June 23, 2022
Registration Deadline: June 21, 2022

Public Sector has experienced more changes than ever in the past two years. And supply chain in the public sector has been evolving ever since. We have been leading public sector focused initiatives since the beginning of 2020 and this 1-Day event amplifies some of the pertinent issues that are impacting public sector decisions today such as procurement’s influence on organization effectiveness, move towards digital procurement, sustainable procurement, , the importance of supplier diversity, and more.

Speakers from last year include organizations such as City of Toronto, Metrolinx, City of Vancouver, NIGP, UHN, York Region Police, OECM, City of Ottawa, Treasury Board Secretariat of Canada, GTAA, HP Canada, Ministry of Transportation Ontario, Transport Canada and more. Frank Rochon, CEO of Supply Ontario also delivered his keynote speech, which you can watch here.

Some of the topics covered included:

  • Procurement’s Influence on Organizational Effectiveness
  • How have Government Agencies Dealt and Learnt from COVID: Improving Citizen Experience
  • Sustainable Procurement
  • Sustainable Goods Movement
  • Impact of Trade Agreements/Trade Agreements in a COVID world

TOPICS TO BE ADDRESSED AT THE UPCOMING EVENT INCLUDES: Digital Procurement I Data-driven Transformation I Supplier Diversity Sustainability & ESG I Indigenous Procurement

Here’s the agenda and speakers for Leadership Series 3.0: Public Sector. Join us: https://lnkd.in/e4Th4C38

We are delighted to have Clinton Lawrence-Whyte, Director General, Procurement Assistance Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada | Services publics et Approvisionnement Canada and Nick Xenos, Executive Director, Centre for Greening Government, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat | Secrétariat du Conseil du Trésor du Canada as our first set of confirmed speakers.

The agenda for the day includes:

  • Leadership Panel: Reshaping Public Sector Supply Chain and Procurement by Balancing People, Processes & Technology
  • Ethical & Social Procurement: Leading on Social Value to Foster Economic, Social, and Environmental Well-Being
  • Circularity and Net Zero: Making Circular Economy a Reality
  • Vendor Performance Management: Drive Better Value, Better Performance and Lower Costs 
  • Indigenous Procurement: Best Practices and Lessons Learned

Sign up for more information on this event.

For registration enquiries: Katie Cheshire at [email protected]
For sponsorship enquiries: Kim Sforza at [email protected]

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You’re Invited: Everything DiSC Showcase!

Today, organizational culture cannot be an afterthought. It must be focused on—intentionally and continually—to ensure recovery and results. That’s where Everything DiSC® on Catalyst™ comes in. Sign up for the Everything DiSC on Catalyst Showcase to learn about how DiSC can benefit your business.

In this 60-minute interactive, virtual event, participants will:

  • Discover the value of strong organizational culture and its connection to success
  • Explore the Everything DiSC on Catalyst learning experience
  • View a live demo of the Catalyst platform
  • Participate in a live Q&A with the showcase presenters

 

Everything DiSC on Catalyst helps people:

  • Better understand themselves
  • Appreciate and value difference in perspective and approach
  • Readily and consistently adapt to the unique needs of each person or situation they encounter

 

The Everything DiSC showcase will be on June 7th, 2022 at noon EST. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/jv3uK3E3nzCRdZECA

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Canadian Construction Procurement

This one-day course will provide an overview of the project and procurement models used in construction, the procurement processes, an evaluation of the contracting options and trends emerging for the future for construction in Canada.

The course is designed for those both new to Construction Procurement and for those wanting to learn best practices in order stay ahead of the curve in this complex area of procurement.

Date & Time: May 31 & June 1, 2022 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM EDT

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
  • Procurement/Sourcing Managers with or without procurement construction experience
  • Owners, Project Managers/Property Managers and who want to learn about how improve procurement for your construction projects

Individual Member Price: Early Bird (until April 25, 2022) – $536 + HST | Regular: $595 + HST

Individual Non-member Price: Early Bird (until April 25, 2022) – $806 + HST | Regular: $895 + HST

Group Price (for a team of 4 or more): 20% off regular price for members and non-members. (Cannot be bundled with other offers)

CPD: 5 CPD Points

REGISTER HERE

If you are thinking of a corporate training session (for a team of 10 or more) with the above topic or any other topic that is relevant for your organization, please review this Supply Chain Canada Training Brochure – Public Sector.

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