CLERKS OFFICE

Saving time and collecting data by digitizing record requests

Customer
Prospect Park, NJ
Population
6,245
System replaced
Email & Paper, Jotforms

Borough Clerk and staff have been able to respond to requests quicker and plan their workload rather than reacting to the constant interruptions of emails and walk-ins.  Their time has been freed up for their other responsibilities.

Return on Investment

"We've seen a significant reduction in paper-based processes, as well as a 70% time reduction in getting things done. It's just a matter of a click of a button and things are able to move to the next step. And you're able to respond to resident inquiries quicker in terms of forms and requests online."

70% Reduction

Of staff time spent on paper based processes and managing applications.

Increase in Efficiency

The city improved its response times and accountability by having all citizen requests and interactions logged in one place.

Centralized Knowledge Base

Polimorphic created a comprehensive database of citizen interactions, enabling staff to access historical data and ensure continuity in service.

Accountability and Tracking

Staff and constituents both have ability to track the progress of a request, and ensure it gets followed up on.

Challenge

Before digitizing OPRA (Open Public Records Act), request forms through Polimorphic Prospect Park’s municipal processes relied heavily on a paper-based system and emails.  Forms were filled out either online or in person, and attached in emails that then the Clerk had to forward, copy, and physically move between departments. A large portion of the staff’s time was spent time manually handling, filing, and tracking paper forms. There was no system in place to track cases and measure the progress.

Solution

Implementing Polimorphic's digital forms and CRM platform provided several benefits. It streamlined the entire process by going above and beyond online forms to provide applicants visibility on case status, automate workflows for staff, record cases in a centralized database, and track progress. This significantly reduced paper use and physical handling of forms. Staff no longer had to spend time on tasks like copying, filing, forwarding emails, since all relevant information was recorded in a centralized knowledge base.  Passing cases between departments is streamlined through assigning tasks.  Notifications on email and the case dashboard automatically alert when it’s an assignee’s turn to take action, and ensures requests don’t slip through the cracks. This improved accountability by providing the status and location of each request. It also reduced turnaround times significantly, leading to improved customer service and satisfaction.

The data collected enabled the municipality to track the number of processed requests, identify areas for improvement, and make more informed decisions. This allowed them to pinpoint inefficiencies in the process and use data from the over 200 annual requests to determine where departments needed more support. As a result, they were able to provide the necessary assistance to improve request processing.

The Borough Clerk and staff have seen a significant reduction of 70% less time spent on paper based processes, and this has been a benefit to them and how they serve the community.  Staff are able to spend less time on menial tasks that the processes and software can automate, and more time with people who need help in person or on their other rewarding responsibilities, such as planning community events.

"Before the process relied heavily on email and maybe the clerk had to make a copy and carry a piece of paper downstairs to the Police Department and get them to sign for a roll off dumpster."

Want a copy of this case study?

We'll email you a PDF you can save or share.

Read more stories like this

View All

CRM & Workflows

Gaston County, NC, Department of Social Services

Gaston County, NC’s Department of Social Services Improves Internal Efficiency and Doubles Foster Inquiry Applications with New Workflows

The Gaston County DSS strives to protect, care for, and empower children and adults who are temporarily or permanently unable to care for themselves. In this vital work, the hard-working team faced challenges across three key processes: handling day sheet audits, managing adoption specialty referrals, and processing foster interest notifications and applications.

Gaston County, NC, Department of Social Services
Read Case Study

COURT / FRONT DESK

Passaic County, NJ Surrogate’s Court

Improving Accessibility and Efficiency with AI and Multilingual Integration

The Passaic County Surrogate's Court, led by the Honorable Zoila Cassanova, has integrated AI technology to provide seamless and multilingual services to residents.

Passaic County, NJ Surrogate’s Court
Read Case Study
cta

POLIMORPHIC IN ACTION

Are you ready to become a Service-First Government?

Request Demo