It can be a challenge for public agencies to find the right solution for their needs. The challenge increases as the criteria increases and such are the case for smaller agencies and jurisdictions.
Through ongoing innovation and a mission to improve processes for public agencies and the AEC industry, e-PlanSoft™ continually positions itself as a leading developer and provider of plan review solutions. It’s no wonder that e-PlanSoft is uniquely qualified to provide agencies of every size and with any set of requirements with the right combination of solutions that will help maximize their efficiency. The company’s flagship product, e-PlanREVIEW® (EPR) offers unrivaled flexibility to operate as a standalone solution or with a full array of permitting solutions, to meet every need for any agency.
e-PlanSoft continues to expand its partner network and has added Bitco Software to its growing list of permitting companies that can connect with e-PlanREVIEW. Bitco Software’s PermitTrax and e-PlanSoft’s e-PlanREVIEW can seamlessly integrate without the need for third-party connectors to equip agencies with maximized efficiency in their permitting and plan review process.
The PermitTrax-to-e-PlanREVIEW integration is an ideal option for smaller municipalities, as the combined solution offers all the functionality and benefits needed, without unnecessary extraneous features to muddle operations. The solutions operate in conjunction with each other to provide complementary functionality and real-time information exchange between the solutions. Operating without the disparity that some solutions experience allows for the smooth transfer of information and eliminates any delay between stages. It also eliminates redundant data entry and the need to constantly check two separate platforms for status updates and upcoming tasks, saving time and mitigating the opportunity for human error. Further enhancing the efficiency of the integrated powerhouse is the ability to centralize all associated documents, so supporting information for all activities is easily accessible. When integrated, users can log in once with the single sign-on capability and can configure the solution to open to each user’s preferred landing page within the solutions. The status of permitting applications and plan reviews can be easily tracked from a single point of entry.
Streamline every step
Starting with intake, applicants submit permitting applications and plan reviews directly into the Citizens Connect Portal. Leveraging e-PlanSoft’s PDF Scout™ Inspector Tool, the portal analyzes all incoming documents to ensure all criteria are met, and the documents are safe and suitable for review and processing. Citizens Connect Portal then vets and routes tasks and documents to the appropriate solution and notifies the project participant that there is a task in the queue. Permitting and plan reviews can be performed concurrently as appropriate and follow the most expedient path for each stage. Because PermitTrax and e-PlanREVIEW cohesively complement each other’s functionality, applicants can submit all documents in a single portal, from anywhere at any time – there is no need to go to the permitting office, which saves significant time for both applicants and permitting staff.
Processes that were formerly performed manually are automated, allowing for streamlined workflows that save significant time and cost for both the agency and the applicant. Project participants benefit from the configurable notifications and alerts. Users are apprised of project status at every milestone and stage. There is no need for any participant to interrupt their workday to constantly check on a project – notifications are automatically generated, freeing up time and keeping reviewers and applicants on track. Ultimately, applicants not only have greater visibility into their permit and plan review status, but they also receive approvals significantly faster.
The right integration equals the greatest efficiency
Are you noticing a theme to this? While some solutions can be manipulated to work together, there still exists a disparity between the two. It’s somewhat better than entirely manual processes but leaves room for improvement. However, integrating two solutions that operate in sync, such as PermitTrax and e-PlanREVIEW, maximizes efficiency. The amount of time and effort to approve plans and issue permits is drastically reduced, while applicant satisfaction and staff productivity improve accordingly. PermitTrax and e-PlanREVIEW run seamlessly together via the easy-to-connect APIs that allow for real-time transfer of information and a fully transparent process.
The proof is in the performance
A growing number of agencies have recognized the benefit of adopting the PermitTrax -to- e-PlanREVIEW integrated solutions. In the state of Washington, the Cities of Des Moines, Enumclaw, and Longview, have selected Bitco Software and e-PlanSoft to improve their permitting and plan review processes and better serve their constituents using the PermitTrax and e-PlanREVIEW integration. If you’d like to take the first step to experience the same, book a demo today with one of our experts. We look forward to working with you to improve your permitting and plan review processes.