TECHNOLOGY PRINCIPLES

Catawba County's Technology principles represent an intergral part of the overall framework of the vision, strategy, mission and values that guide the selection, development and utilization of information technologies. In implementing the goals and objectives of the Strategic Plan, the Technology Department will adhere to the following principles:

• Focus is centered on ensuring quality customer services in a timely, convenient and efficient manner.
• Capture data once in order to avoid cost, duplication of effort and potential error. Systems should be automated to update in real time. Manual entry of data should be eliminated where possible.
• Manage information technology as an investment:
• Encourage partnership with the private sector and other regional agencies where appropriate;
• Allocate funds to cover depreciation to replace equipment and systems before the end of their life-cycle (retained earnings);
• Utilize technology to improve the effectiveness and productivity of County government, focus on maximizing return on investment
• Evaluate business processes for re-enineering opportunities prior to implementing technology solutions;
• Technology solution and training will be based on business needs to support county-wide strategic goals.
• Technology selection and implementation will be based on business needs of the organization. New technology should intergrate with existing technology architecture and be consistent with communications and information technology plans.
• Adhere to a standard set of technology components (operating system platforms, programming languages, desktop products) to maximize return on investment.
• Adhere to non-proprietary, open system standards to provide flexible, robust solutions that allow interoperability of use.
• Research commercial off the shelf software where possible
• Minimize in-house customization to speed up delivery of new business applications and reduce cost
• Concertrate on web based applications
• Implement innovative, but proven technologies and introduce new technologies using pilot projects where the technology, it benefits and costs can be evaluated prior to large-scale deployment.
• Manage the enterprise network as the fundamental infrastructure to provide user friendly, flexible, expandable and maintainable connectivity for both internal and external customers.
• Utilize both internal and external sources where financially feasible (consultants/contractors/vendors) to extend the knowledge base of technology solutions and external customers.
• Keep the workforce and public informed and create and environment of collaboration and trust to secure buy-in from the user community.
• Investments in technology will be managed from a full life-cycle perspective; multi-year planning and annual allocation funding strategies will be used to replace systems, equipment and infrastructure before life-cycle end.