The citizens of Warwick have seen a revolution in public services thanks to a range of geographic information services using software from GGP Systems.  At the heart of the Council's strategy is a vast database of geographic data that is matched to a central property database, document scanning and back office management systems.  This powerful online resource gives Warwick's call centre staff and website visitors all sorts of information literally at their fingertips.

Warwick District Council embraced e-Government early on realising that big gains and efficiency could be made by using new technology to deliver better services.  Underpinning Warwick's geographic information is GGP's GIS and eGGP, the web mapping solution that delivers online maps.  It is all part of an integrated corporate system that incorporates Northgate CRM, Meridio document management, with Flare and Plantech as the main back office systems.

"Citizens now get an immediate answer to many of their day to day questions; either via the call centre or online.  And our professional officers no longer have to handle many of the standard phone calls.  That is an enormous benefit and by using geographic information in this way, we are saving up to £200,000 per year; money that has been re-invested to continually improve services to the community". Says Mark Barnes, Warwick's Corporate GIS Manager.

Warwick's call centre staff use the LLPG to reference calls made on behalf of the council's main services, including planning, waste, environmental health and housing.  The central property database provides a consistent and NLPG-standardised address format for use council wide.  This allows correct identification and geo-referencing for instantaneous viewing on GGP's GIS and eGGP.

"GGP's geographic information systems bring data to life allowing staff and citizens to search and view information quickly and easily - in a familiar way using maps.  The automation afforded by the systems all adds up to a powerful corporate solution that leads to huge savings in time and resources.  And GGP delivers real value for the Council providing an excellent return on investment".  Says Mark Barnes.

For further editorial information and photographs, call Robert Peel on tel. 01666 823306