County clerk office improves efficiency

In an era when Cook County is often criticized for waste and inefficiency, I wanted to let you know about some recent management and technological advancements that garnered a national Microsoft award for the clerk's office.

By implementing a new accounting system that seamlessly integrates cashiering, inventory and document imaging, the clerk's office is now improving customer service, accountability and employee productivity.

Consider this before-and-after example. Retrieving a birth certificate had required several employees searching through hit-or-miss computer files and outdated microfilm rolls.

Wait times for customers could be lengthy. Now, all 26 million vital records dating back to the Great Chicago Fire have been digitized and can instantly be called up on a computer screen.

Already, the technology is making an impact. Customers comment that transactions are smoother, quicker and more professional. Document production for walk-in customers is up 50 percent in one division. The non-election staff is down 10 percent through attrition.

And the office anticipates an annual savings of about $1 million after the project pays for itself in three years.

I am a longtime advocate for change in Cook County government. These efforts are just a jumping-off point. A great deal more can be done through technology to improve services and fiscal accountability.

David Orr

Cook County Clerk

Chicago