The Story of a Visionary CEO
Dr. Michael Chegini, PhD, PE, SE, A.AIA, the CEO and Founder of e-PlanSoft™, has many inspiring stories of innovation and problem-solving, one of them is how his innovation had the capability of saving the City of Irvine millions of dollars. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and a keen eye for identifying inefficiencies, Chegini, also an architect and engineer, was asked to consult on a badly needed parking structure to solve their parking issues at City Hall which also host Community Development Department including Planning/Building and Safety Department. However, Chegini recognized an opportunity to introduce an efficient digital cloud solution to ease the parking issue.
An Unexpected Opportunity
The need for a parking structure came to Chegini's attention when a city council member voiced concerns about the lack of parking at City Hall. The council members knew that Chegini's other company designed parking structures and wanted to know the cost of a 750-1000 space structure. Chegini estimated the cost at around $12 million but suggested an alternative solution to eliminating the need for additional parking - taking city community services, including permit and plan reviews, online with cloud base software solution.
Soon enough, the community service director joined in on this meeting, and then soon an RFP was issued by the City and after stiff competition, ePlanSoft was selected in 2018.
The timing was perfect for the city, because almost a year after the implementation of ePlanSoft, the pandemic started and agencies across the globe closed their doors to their citizens. However, the City of Irvine was able to serve its citizens through their website access and issue permits and conduct inspection and hence the building design and construction almost never stopped in the city. Because of using cloud technology, the city won many “Digital City Awards" including Best Digital City award by OCBJ and ICMA.
e-PlanSoft™: A Digital Solution
e-PlanSoft™ is a company focused on improving efficiency and effectiveness in plan reviews through digital solutions. The company offers cutting-edge, user-centric products for both the public and private sectors. By enabling permit reviews to be conducted online, e-PlanSoft™ eliminates the need for in-person submissions, reducing physical footfall and associated infrastructure needs.
Overcoming Initial Challenges
When Chegini proposed this digital solution, the city officials had their concerns. They had been considering online services but were hesitant about the change management and cybersecurity implications associated with adopting cloud-based software. Chegini acknowledged these concerns, assuring them that embracing new technology was essential for future growth and sustainability.
The Impact of e-PlanSoft™'s Solutions
Upon implementing e-PlanSoft™'s solutions, the City of Irvine reported significant satisfaction. Even during the pandemic, the building department was able to remain fully functional thanks to the use of online services. This successful adaptation even earned them an award, showcasing the benefits of embracing digital solutions.
The Road Ahead
With the success of Irvine as a case study, e-PlanSoft™ has attracted the attention of other cities and municipalities interested in modernizing their permit review processes. As for the future, Chegini emphasizes the need for continuous evolution and staying ahead of the curve to provide robust technology.
The Reward of Innovation
Working with the City of Irvine on this project was a rewarding experience for Chegini. He recalls the testimony of "Wild River Park," one of the city's largest applicants, who expressed their satisfaction with the software, citing the reduction in city trips and printing costs.
Success in Irvine has profound implications for the future of permitting processes. It demonstrates that digital solutions not only offer cost and efficiency benefits but also provide resilience in the face of disruptions like a pandemic. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect further innovations in this space. Chegini and his team at e-PlanSoft™ are committed to staying ahead of the curve and continuing to enhance their technology.
A Lesson for Innovators
Chegini's story offers valuable lessons for innovators and entrepreneurs. His ability to spot an opportunity, propose a disruptive solution, and navigate through initial resistance is a testament to his visionary leadership. His advice to others looking to disrupt traditional industries is simple yet powerful: "Stay in your dream and never quit." This message, along with his successful transformation of Irvine's permit review process, inspires all those seeking to drive change through innovation.
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