Code Enforcement Software: From Benefits to Limitations
Overview: As the demand for code enforcement grows, code enforcement software has become an indispensable tool for government agencies, cities, and municipalities. The software has streamlined and automated code enforcement processes, facilitating the handling of permits and code violations. In this article, we explore the benefits, features, and drawbacks of code enforcement software, as well as give five examples of relevant software products.
Who uses the software?
Government agencies, cities, and municipalities: Code enforcement software is specifically designed for use by government agencies, cities, and municipalities to help enforce building and zoning codes. City inspectors use the software to create and track code violation cases, maintain a record of all inspections made, and track individual progress.
Benefits of the Software
Time-Saving: Code enforcement software saves time by automating code enforcement processes such as generating notifications, scheduling inspections and tracking code violations. This allows code enforcement professionals to focus on more important tasks like identifying potential safety hazards.
Increased Efficiency: Code enforcement software improves efficiency by automating processes and eliminating redundancies. With the software doing routine, repetitive tasks, this saves time and enables employees to allocate their time to solving more complex issues.
Integration: Many code enforcement software comes with integration capabilities that enable it to integrate with other software applications, such as mapping and communication software. This feature enhances communication, saves time, and gives a comprehensive view of relevant data and information.
Features of the Software
Building Permit Management: The building permit management feature allows for the management and tracking of permits from start to completion. It includes features such as permit submittal and approvals’ tracking, review and inspection scheduling.
Code Violation Management: This features enables the creation, recording, and tracking of all code enforcement violations. It also includes tracking and management of partial or complete code compliance.
Mapping: The mapping feature enables users to pinpoint physical code enforcement violations. This feature provides full communication and visual representation in one platform, making it more manageable.
Mobile Accessibility: The mobile accessibility feature lets users access and update their codes on pcs, tablets, and smartphones when out of the office. This feature is particularly useful to employees that are constantly on the go.
5 Examples of Code Enforcement Software Products
Municity (www.municity.com): Municity includes a mapping feature that allows code inspectors to visually identify violations easily. It also comes with an extensive set of tools that allow users to manage inspections and permits.
CityForce (www.cityforce.com): CityForce is a cloud-based solution designed to enable users to leverage mobile technologies for time-tracking and managing case management tasks. With CityForce, users enjoy integration with other applications and systems.
Comcate (www.comcate.com): Comcate comes with an extensive list of services that provide communication, mapping, mobile accessibility, and code enforcement management features. Comcate is ideal for code enforcement professionals, government agencies, and municipal corporations.
OpenGov (www.opengov.com): OpenGov is an excellent tool for code enforcement professionals. Users can customize their dashboards, track code violations, and access data and analytics for better decision-making processes.
SAFEbuilt (www.safebuilt.com): SAFEbuilt is a cloud-based code enforcement software with a strong emphasis on reporting and analytics. Its reporting feature helps users identify trends easily and potentially dangerous conditions.
Drawbacks and Limitations of the Software
Cost: Code enforcement software can be expensive, and the initial setup and implementation can take a significant amount of time.
Learning curve: Code enforcement software can be complex, and users often require extensive training to maximize the software’s effectiveness.
Security threats: As with any cloud-based software, security threats are always present in the code enforcement software industry. Users need to be regularly updated on the latest security measures and best practices.
Conclusion:
There is no doubt that code enforcement software is an essential tool for government agencies, cities, and municipalities that play a role in code enforcement. However, it is essential to select the right software that best serves the user’s specific needs. By exploring the benefits, features, and drawbacks of code enforcement software, as well as examining the five relevant software products, users can make an informed decision about which software is right for them.