Digital transformation is reshaping industries, and municipalities are no exception. Managing engineering drawing submissions with outdated, manual processes often results in inefficiencies, delays, and challenges in meeting jurisdictional standards. Recognizing this, the City of Barrie partnered with SolidCAD to implement a cutting-edge, automated digital submission process, enhancing the way data is validated and integrated. 

The Challenge: Manual Submission Processes 

Before adopting automation, the City of Barrie faced significant hurdles: 

• Inconsistent Standards: Submission formats varied, causing delays and miscommunications. 
• Inefficient Processes: Manual validations and data entry were labor-intensive, often taking weeks. 
  
• Limited Data Integration: Incorporating submission data into GIS and asset management systems required extensive effort, hampering project timelines. 

These challenges underscored the need for a comprehensive solution to streamline operations and foster better collaboration with external stakeholders. 

The Solution: Automated Digital Submissions with SolidCAD 

SolidCAD delivered a transformative solution, leveraging industry expertise and innovative technology to address these challenges. The implementation focused on: 

1. Automated Validation: Submissions are checked against predefined standards, ensuring compliance and providing immediate feedback to submitters. 
2. Data Integration: Once validated, data flows seamlessly into GIS and other corporate systems, reducing manual intervention and errors. 
3. User-Friendly Portal: The digital submission portal enables stakeholders to upload files, receive instant feedback, and track submission statuses. 

The Results: Efficiency and Accuracy Redefined 

The results of the City of Barrie’s digital transformation speak for themselves: 

• Faster Turnaround: Submission processing times decreased from weeks to days. 
• Improved Collaboration: Immediate feedback and standardization foster better communication with consultants and contractors. 
• Operational Savings: Reduced manual effort allows city staff to focus on higher-value tasks, enhancing productivity.

Lessons Learned and Future Goals 

Throughout the project, key lessons emerged: 

• Stakeholder Engagement is Crucial: Early involvement of internal teams and external consultants ensured the solution addressed all needs effectively. 
• Continuous Improvement: Feedback-driven enhancements, such as drop-down menus for data entry, minimized user errors and streamlined adoption. 
• Governance Matters: Establishing a Digital Information Standards (DIS) committee provided oversight and ensured ongoing alignment with evolving needs. 

The City of Barrie has already expanded their integration capabilities, automating GIS data input directly from validated submissions. 

Curious to hear it straight from the source?  

We recently hosted a webinar with the City of Barrie, where they shared their success story and gave a firsthand look at the impact of these changes. Want to see how it all came together and what it could mean for your municipality? Catch the recording below