Page last updated on September 7, 2021 at 3:02 pm
For more information, please contact
Jo Strong, Neighborhood Compliance Officer, 812-349-3434, stongj@bloomington.in.gov
The Challenge
Housing and Neighborhood Development inspectors were accustomed to performing inspections in the field by taking written notes and creating a report later. This tedious and somewhat inefficient process posed limitations for inspectors trying to carry out their daily tasks. In order to find an address to a property, find directions, or look up owner information, complaints, and how many tickets (if any) a property had received, HAND inspectors needed to either call the office, haul around property files or print out (and then dispose of) paper copies of the information. These methods were not sustainable and prevented inspectors from performing inspections in a timely manner.
The Idea
HAND needed to innovate a way for inspectors to perform their duties in the field in real time. So, they purchased iPads! By providing inspectors with iPads, inspectors could now create their reports in the field. With access to department software at their fingertips, HAND inspectors could easily access GPS, complaint information, rental information and violation history. Through an effort led by HAND Director, Doris Sims, and Inspector (at the time) Matt Swinney, all inspectors were trained on how to utilize the iPads in 2-3 months, making their daily tasks easier and more efficient.
The Cost
The cost of this innovation was the cost of purchasing seven iPads for the HAND staff to use. Each inspector and the Program Manager has their own assigned iPad, ensuring accountability and care for the device. Maintenance should be minimal until the iPads are outdated and need to be replaced.
The Benefit
Adoption of iPads has made the HAND inspection process more accurate, paperless, and allowed in-the-field access to the County’s GIS system (for property look-ups when issuing Title VI violations, for example). Instead of hand-writing notes and creating reports later, or carrying around paper files in the field, inspectors can now dedicate their time and resources elsewhere. With the introduction of iPad technology, HAND staff can now begin to query data for inspection trends and opportunities related to service enhancements.
Metadata
City Department(s): Housing & Neighborhood Development, Economic & Sustainable Development, Information & Tech Services
City Point of Contact: Jo Stong (Neighborhood Compliance Officer)
Partner(s):
Partner(s) Point(s) of Contact: N/A
Type of Innovation: Technical/Software; Process Improvement
Date Implemented: January 2018