The Integrated Land Management System (ILMS) is the central database used by the City of Houston and operates in two (2) Hewlett Packard 3000 computers. Data is extracted through standard queries to create an ASCII file which is passed over a Wireless Wide Area Network & Virtual Private Network (WWAN -VPN) through a firewall, over the Internet to an Apache Linux server in Sivell's Data Center. Electronic worksheet and data are forwarded to Cingular's network where it is encrypted and sent through the Mobitex wireless network to wireless handheld devices.

Results:

After six months of use the City of Houston Planning Department determined improvements in overall operation of their building inspection program due to implementation of InterSpect©.  More

• Estimated reduction in excess of 1,000,000 vehicle miles driven and related expenses
  resulting in greater than $350,000 reduction in vehicle operational expenses.

  • Gasoline expenses

  • Vehicle maintenance

    • Oil changes  
      Tune-ups
      Vehicle repair/maintenance
      Self insured repair expenses
      Vehicle replacement expenses

• The average inspector gained a minimum of 60 minutes per day in productive time resulting in the reduction of overtime and an increase in the quality of inspections, a primary implementation goal.

• Office space, desktop/workstations, telephone, and network requirements at Planning Department office were significantly reduced because inspectors no longer come to office to enter reports.

• Total elimination of data entry staff budget requirement.

• Increase in accuracy and consistency of inspection reporting has resulted in better customer service and responsiveness.

• Paper/form budget requirement was eliminated because paper is no longer used in inspection.

• Quality of work and attitude of inspectors has improved because of stress reduction and
  professional view of job. Summary