Pictured (left to right): Charlotte Nichols, JJ Allen
In today’s world, technology and collaboration are driving forces for how we accomplish day-to-day tasks quicker and more efficiently than ever before.
I recently switched over to my very first iPhone from an Android. So, I’m little late to the game. But as with any new technology, I didn’t know all the features and benefits of the device until I either asked or saw someone do something “cool” on their own iPhone. By talking with friends and colleagues, I’m positive that I learned how to use my phone quicker and more efficiently than I would have in my own time. And even then, what’s the point in having a phone that doesn’t connect me to other phones, people, and resources?
Any technology requires upkeep
Similarly, almost every workplace has a set of collaboration tools and technologies geared at improving efficiency, communication, and overall performance. Whether it’s an employee or a technology that’s new to the organization, it generally requires some teamwork and focused collaboration to effectively use it.
However, even once it’s up and running, there always seem to be ongoing upgrades and enhancements to the system, which usually require additional costs. This often deters organizations from investing in upgrades or training, which can impact productivity, efficiency, and overall performance.
You don’t have to tackle system upgrades or enhancements on your own
When it comes to Odyssey, a common justice software program developed by Tyler Technologies, and the counties that use it, TechShare’s Common Integrated Justice System (CIJS) program takes a different approach. The CIJS team enables cooperation between Texas counties that allows them to share resources, best practices, and the total cost of enhancements or upgrades of the system.
One example of how the CJIS program fosters collaboration across county lines came out of Collin County, which used the advanced reporting tool in Odyssey to develop new jail management reports to better manage their jail population. Shortly after the reports were developed, Collin County offered them to the other counties participating in CJIS. Through this interactive technology network, Collin County assisted Cameron County in installing and implementing the advanced jail management reports for their own use.
Another great example for how this program has been beneficial to participating counties occurred most recently in Williamson County. When asked to help them with their current workflow between the Clerk’s Office and the Court, Charlotte Nichols, Odyssey Implementation Specialist, recommended implementing an e-file workflow mirrored after Galveston County. Once implemented, Williamson County no longer had to print documentation. Instead, the workflow became entirely electronic, saving time and enhancing visibility to users’ actions in the system. This built-in “audit trail” provides detailed information about whether or not a filing was received, altered, or even deleted.
And guess what? The e-filing functionality was built into Williamson County’s current Odyssey system with no additional cost. As a member of the CJIS program, the county has access to subject matter experts like Charlotte who leverage best practices from other counties and Tyler Technologies to solve problems and find solutions within their current system and budget. She describes this process as, “taking what you have and making it do what you need it to do without purchasing additional software.”
JJ Allen, CIJS Account Manager, adds, “We speak the same language as our participating counties. We know their business processes and we want to perpetually maximize the value of their systems by sharing knowledge across county lines. It’s that simple.”
So, this brings us to “What’s in it for me?”
“If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.” (Abraham Maslow)
Without additional tools in your toolbox, why would you ever think of a different way for solving a problem? Remember what our good friend Charlotte said? The system you’re using today can be configured to do what you need it to do; it just requires some thinking outside of the box and collaboration, two key elements of the CIJS program. With CIJS in your toolbox, you always have a resource you can call on.
“Imagination is more important than knowledge.” (Albert Einstein)
CIJS challenges its participating counties to think about what they want, not what they already have. Even better, this process works both ways. Why work in a silo when you can tap into a cross-county network of Odyssey users that just might have the solution you need?
“We don’t know who discovered water, but we’re certain it wasn’t a fish.” (John Culkin)
Sometimes it’s hard to identify a problem or even a solution when you’re buried in the day-to-day shuffle of your own environment. The CIJS program keeps counties in the loop when it comes to new and improved workflows or business processes in Odyssey.
“There’s no good idea that cannot be improved on.” (Michael Eisner)
You’ve heard it before, there’s always room for improvement. Need I say more?
Currently, TechShare’s CIJS program consists of 19 counties. The program is open to all county governments and local city governments regardless of population size.
______________________________
For more information about CIJS:
JJ Allen
TechShare, CIJS Account Manager
Charlotte Nichols
TechShare, Odyssey Implementation Specialist