Township of Franklin, N.J.
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Justin Heyman, Director of Information Technology
GMIS member since 2003
Number of IT staff: 4
Population: 65,000
IT budget: $250,000-$400,000 depending on the capital improvements for the year
What has been a significant technology achievement for you or your organization?
This January will mark one year on our new website platform. Franklin Township suffered from a very antiquated web presence prior to our redesign; there was limited emergency functionality, data was inconsistent across the site and poorly managed, and residents often complained that they couldn’t find what they needed. The IT Department, after selecting a new vendor to host the site, has taken full ownership of the site and works closely with departments to make sure information is useful and up-to-date. We have seen a 60 percent increase in our traffic with nearly 100 percent positive feedback on the new site. Residents are finding the information they need quicker and easier. It is something that the IT Department was able to directly impact the citizens with and something my entire department is proud of. A video case study of our site can be found here.
What future initiatives are you hoping to accomplish in the next year?
The next year will be spent enhancing automation in many departments by strategically mobilizing parts of our workforce. We are looking to leverage existing investments in existing software to allow inspectors to stay in the field longer and public works to work more effectively by having asset data in the field with them via iPads. Also, GIS will be transitioned back into the IT Department over the next year.
Best advice you could offer your fellow members is ...
Don’t be afraid to ask! So often I get asked by my colleagues, "How did you manage to pull that off?" or they say, "I wish I was able to do that project." Usually my response is, "Did you ask?" I think it’s important to remember that while in government we often assume the answer is no (especially when an increase in funding is concerned), sometimes the answer may be yes! Put together a good case and request strategically and more often than not the answer may surprise you.
We all know GMIS membership is worth its weight in gold, but what do you feel is the best benefit you get out of GMIS?
The interactions with my peers are the biggest resources I can gain out of GMIS. There is a wealth of knowledge and innovation in this group, and knowing that in minutes I can tap into that collective knowledge base is a huge help for me each and every time I need it.
