Agenda - 10-08-2013 - 5 - Laserfiche WebLink

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0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Orange County's Strategic Information Technology Plan is offered as a framework for sustainable, effective and efficient technology investments, coupled with an unwavering focus and commitment to providing better County services through a more accessible, transparent and accountable government. Technology is a tool used to improve customer service but the administration, policies, and procedures surrounding a given function or process must be revised and fine -tuned in order to provide the highest quality of service. The Strategic IT Plan maps the vital infrastructure, applications, and initiatives that will enhance County services and their delivery in mission - critical areas. It also outlines the steps needed to achieve a County information technology enterprise with a focus on optimized performance, efficiency and effectiveness gains. Key Findings There are several key findings in the Orange County Strategic IT Plan, including areas of noted excellence as well as areas of improved investment: • The County is building on a strong technological foundation. The work and investments made by the government have substantially improved customer service and increased efficiency and effectiveness. • Currently, the County has roughly half of the IT staff found in similar -sized counties across North Carolina, while producing remarkable work efforts. Orange County should increase the number of IT staff in order to keep pace with the desired level of citizen interaction and engagement, as well as to offer increased transparency and accountability. • Orange County offers one of the highest numbers of online services of any county in the state. • The County website is a source of concern for Commissioners and departmental staff. Design and layout enhancements, content and information navigation /access, and user department updating of the website are areas of desired improvement. • High - quality communications are the hallmark of a high - performing IT Department. Orange County's IT Department needs to engage in more frequent communications with its end users and elected officials to facilitate needs assessment and service delivery. • Employee- focused technology investments will produce substantial efficiency and effectiveness results, thereby improving citizen service and tax dollar investments. • Although not included in the Strategic Information Technology Plan, public information and communication strategies were also paramount to the County. To this end, the County is examining the establishment of a Public Information Officer position. This plan does address the need to expand social media offerings from the County.