AG 1995 01 17 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

However, LAN's and the software which can be developed for use in them offer enormously more functionality, and user-friendliness than do mainframe systems. Far greater efficiency of operation and cost savings can be achieved through the use of LAN-based systems. LAN-based systems are unquestionably the systems of the future. It is crucial someone experiment now with doing the single application in a LAN environment. 3) It is important counties have alternatives and flexibility. Many counties have developed data base, case management, administrative, and other sofc~vare in a variety of computer systems from AS400 systems, to County mainframes, to LAN's, in order to help them limit county costs associated with performing work under federal and state mandates. It is of great importance counties not be forced to use the State system exclusively. This would be costly to counties both in lost efficiency (as described above), and in rendering some substantial county automation investments worthless. 4) It is possible the State project may not succeed or experience delays. In the absence of the Cabarrus project, there would then be no alternative available to counties in desperate need of the relief automation can provide. 5) The North Carolina Client Access Network will almost certainly require a LAN environment. Again, development of a single application process in a LAN such as the one at Cabarrus would further the NC.CAN effort. PROPOSAL The Department proposes the following: 1) To request authorization from the Cabarms County Board of Commissioners to utilize up to $50,000 in savings identified in the Depmhaent's budget to match an equal amount from the Cannon Foundation up to $50,000 for use in pumhasing services of a computer programmer who will develop software for the Cabarrus public assistance single application. The programming will utilize object-oriented software to create a facsimile of the application which can be completed on line. This program will "navigate" the worker to appropriate fields (in relation to the specific programs for which application is being made by the client), have the capacity to transmit data to a data base system within the Cabarrus LAN as well as to the State eligibility systems, provide for storage of files in "document" or data format as appropriate, be capable of switching into the existing State systems as necessary (e.g., to complete on-line verifications), and be capable of transmitting files to other users within the LAN. These progranuner services will be secured under contract and through a selection process which complies with State la,v/regulation and County policy. The program would be documented to the extent appropriate as negotiated with the contractor. 2) To seek pilot project status from the State for the Cabarrus project. While not necessary to the success of the project, pilot project status would be advantageous in helping to facilitate arrangements for communication between the Cabarrus system and the State mainframe system. It would also enhance the possibility of securing federal financial participation for statewide implementation and for future system enhancements. 3) To continue to work with other counties including Mecklenburg in testing the single application in its paper and automated forms. 4) To continue to work on the State ASAP and N.C.CAN projects to assure maximum possible coordination and mutual benefit. 5) To complete the project described and demonstrate the automated single application by August 1995. 6) To develop the capacity to perform maintenance on the software internally (e.g., for changes in federal or state policy).