"We exist to support all business initiatives for the betterment of the city"
The Technology Services (TS) Department provides internal technical support to city departments so they may serve the residents of Southfield in the most efficient and cost effective manner. The TS Department is responsible for maintaining the telecommunication and data infrastructure for the entire city. The department supports and maintains computer applications for vital city business functions including financial accounting, payroll, property tax and assessments, police and fire systems, water billing, voter registration, and related subsystems. The department is also responsible for telephone and cellular support, firewall/network security, technical training, and deployment of personal computers, as well as Internet access/monitoring for all city departments.
The department relies on a fiber-optic backbone that is distributed throughout the municipal campus to fully utilize Voice over IP (VoIP) technology. VoIP is used internally to operate the city’s PBX, data and voice communications. This technology allows the city to maximize its efficiencies for data collaboration, video surveillance, including internal telephone costs and network redundancy.
In 2008, the department will continue to take on technology hurdles. The TS Department will launch several portals for on-line payment and inquiry. These on-line services will include Water Bill Payments (inquiry only will be launched first), Vendor Accounts Payable access, Parks & Recreation registration including an employee services portal. Other key projects this fiscal year include launching the city’s new website, replacing technology for public safety vehicles, improving wireless capability in the Pavilion, and webcasting "live" City Council meetings to improve public relations and business processes. Technology projects are evaluated and prioritized based on funding, need and resource availability.
This department understands that technology cannot be effectively used unless people are properly trained. As a result, decisions are made so that technology fits the business and not force the business to use technology. One of the most important goals of the department is to work with end-users to identify areas where technology can improve results, reduce costs, and reduce inefficiencies to help the organization meet its business goals and provide quality city services.