Is it conceivable to automate a 100% paper-based process in less than three months, even for a complex State environmental program? The answer is yes! This week, one of our clients at the State Water Resources Control Board (Water Board) delivered a presentation that recounted how their team did just that.
The Water Board’s 401 Water Quality Certification and Wetlands Program team began with the Stage 1 Business Analysis (S1BA) effort, as required for any new State technology initiative. They selected Highlands Consulting to help with Stages 1 and 2, based upon our experience with the State’s Project Approval Lifecycle (PAL). We documented existing processes, developed improved processes, defined mid-level solution requirements, completed a market analysis, evaluated alternatives, and identified a viable solution. Given the size and scope of the solution, we recommended the State’s “SIMM 22” process. This enables acquisition of Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) software licenses and configuration services that are pre-approved by the California Software Licensing Program (SLP).
The new system is in the final stages of testing and will be released soon. We have thoroughly enjoyed contributing to the project’s success. Congratulations to the Water Board and the 401 Certification team!