We could not have accomplished this with another case management system
Sanford, FL (PRWEB) November 21, 2014
With online access and transactions now commonplace, Courts across the country are challenged to find new and better ways to serve the public while at the same time reducing expenses.
In Flagler County, Florida, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Gail Wadsworth has successfully met this challenge head on. As a result of her efforts, the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners issued a proclamation on October 6th recognizing Clerk and Comptroller Wadsworth as the first Court in the 7th Judicial Circuit to implement a paper-on-demand court filing system in all ten Court Divisions. The proclamation was initially approved, subject to several performance conditions, by Chief Judge Terence R. Perkins.
“Online, not in line, represents our vision for public service” said Clerk and Comptroller Wadsworth. “Increasing efficiencies throughout the process helps everyone. For example, signed orders previously required 24 to 48 hours to process. Now, our judges utilize the judicial viewer and have immediate access to see docketing, historical case information, and all case status in real time. In addition, the cost savings of paper on demand are significant. As just one example, file folders alone cost nearly three dollars apiece, and a single family case file can use a ream of paper. Those savings are exponential when applied across the entire process.”
The Benchmark case management system from Pioneer Technology Group provided the foundation for Flagler’s transition to paper on demand. The system is a unique, comprehensive platform that allows Courts to eliminate paper files and process all case types electronically in real-time. The Benchmark system also integrates with other county departments and provides secure online access to case participants such as attorneys, public defenders, and the judiciary.
“We’re thrilled for Clerk and Comptroller Wadsworth and her team in achieving paperless status and for receiving this proclamation” said Steve Rumsey, President of Pioneer. “In addition to Benchmark, the County utilizes our Landmark official records system, and Gail and her team take full advantage of the efficiencies of both systems. In the past three years, Pioneer has installed live systems in fifteen states. Our expertise in ease of use, integration, installation, and support is gaining recognition from Courts, Counties, and Register of Deeds offices throughout the country and is driving our rapid national expansion.”
Clerk and Comptroller Wadsworth gives credit to her staff for leading the charge and embracing the transition to a paperless environment. “Our people spent hours moving paper from place to place” said Carlos Garcia, Information Technology Director for the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. “Going paperless has empowered our entire staff to elevate their roles and truly become business analysts. By leveraging the Benchmark system in partnership with Pioneer, we've extended functionality throughout the entire process. We now have inter-agency case management sharing, consolidated calendars, and we’re on the verge of implementing e-citations. Having everything docketed electronically in real time is a tremendous advantage. We could not have accomplished this with other case management systems.”
“We continuously evaluate ways to leverage technology and maximize our limited resources to benefit to the public” said Tom Bexley, Chief Deputy to the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. “The credit goes to Gail, Carlos, and their teams for taking leadership roles and helping everyone see the benefits of moving forward. The efficiencies of eliminating paper with the Benchmark system are exponential, and having a true partnership with the team at Pioneer Technology Group enabled the entire staff to understand the advantages, embrace the changes, and made the transition successful for everyone across the board.”
About Pioneer Technology Group
Pioneer Technology Group (PTG) is a leading developer of software solutions and services to Governments and the private sector. The company, headquartered in Sanford, Florida, develops and supports the Benchmark court case management system, the Landmark official records system, the YourDox title document system, and tax processing systems for counties and municipalities. PTG also provides content management systems and a scanning services bureau for transitioning paper to digital images through its subsidiary, Pioneer Records Management. For more information about the company, please contact Ryan Crowley at rcrowley(at)ptghome(dot)com or visit PTG’s website at http://www.ptghome.com