FAQ

Are Permit Manager and Parcel Map easy to use?: YES! Both applications are designed with the end user in mind. The input forms, search functions and report generator screens flow naturally and guide the user effortlessly.

Do Permit Manager and Parcel Map require special training?: No! Permit Manager's interface is designed to be similar to other Office applications. Any individual familiar with the Windows operating system will find that Permit Manager and Parcel Map are very easy to master. All the current users have found it to be extremely intuitive and that no special training was required. The applications also contain indexed Help files, hit the "F1" key and the help file opens to the appropriate instructions.

Will Permit Manager work on a Network?: YES! Permit Manager is a File Server database application which is designed to function on a LAN network. Permit Manager will also function on a single PC without a network.

Does the Network Version have Additional Costs?: NO! Permit Manager may be installed on up to (15) PCs on a Local Area Network with the Data file installed on a File Server.

Does Permit Manager require that property data be input prior to use: NO! Permit Manager is ready to begin working for you straight out of the box. You can create property records individually as needed when you input a permit or violation records. You can also optionally choose to have CS-Graphx input your existing Property & Owner digital records into the application's Property & Contact tables. Send CS-Graphx a copy of your records and we will be glad to provide a quote for that service.

Does Permit Manager Print Permits?: YES! Permit Manager will produce a printed copy of all the standard permit types in the application. Any number of footer messages may be created and added to the printed permit.

Can Letters & Notifications be created in Permit Manager?: YES! Permit Manager has integrated Letter & Notification capabilities built into the application. The user may create and save an unlimited number of Letter and Notification templates to use. When a Property, Permit or Violation Record is open and the user selects the "Send Associated Letter" command from the menu, a screen opens where the user may select from any of the saved templates with the recipients being those Contacts associated with the particular property, permit or violation. The property, contact and particular permit information is automatically added to the letter / notice and the selected template may be edited. Copies are generated and addressed to each associated Contact. Parcel Map also has time saving automated letter creating functions.

Must we re-type our current form letters?: NO! Permit Manager supports the standard window key board shortcuts of "Ctrl + C" for coping highlighted text and "Ctrl + V" for pasting copied text. If you currently have Word documents as standard letters you can copy them into a template in Permit Manager. Remember that Permit Manager automatically inputs the appropriate property and permit information into a letter so it is recommended to begin a letter with "In reference to the above mentioned property" or "In reference to the above mentioned permit".

Does Permit Manager Print Labels?: YES! Permit Manager will prompt you to print address labels after generating a Letter or Notice. The user may also select any number of contacts for address labels. The label printing functions can also use partial sheets by prompting you to input the number of labels to skip. Parcel Map will also automatically print labels for selected properties.

Does Permit Manager Manage Digital Images?: YES! Permit Manager will allow you to associate any number of digital images, including CAD files with a permit, violation or property record. Open a permit record and immediately a list of images associated with that record is available to be viewed, printed or copied to a document.

Does Permit Manager Manage Document Files?: YES! Permit Manager will allow you to associate any number of MS Word documents with a permit, violation or property record. Open a violation record and immediately a list of documents associated with that record is available to be viewed or printed.

What about Data Backup?: All database applications require a reliable file backup routine to regularly create backup copies of the compiled data tables in the event of a hard disk failure or other unforeseen data corruption or loss. Permit Manager includes a backup utility to create space-saving, compressed backup copies. If backups are performed daily, Permit Manager's data can be recovered immediately.

Does Permit Manager Support a PDA?: YES! Permit Manager's Palm Pilot support automatically creates a mobile version of current Inspections to be carried in the field. Schedule your inspections and input them to your Palm Date Book automatically. Input the Inspection results on your Handheld and the Permit Manager data is updated automatically through the Palm HotSync cradle.

What type of Reports are included?: 50+! In addition to several tickle reports which prompt the user about expiring Permits and Contractor insurance, Scheduled Inspections and Outstanding Violations, Permit Manager contains a report generator that creates reports of all Permitting, Construction Cost, Inspection, Violation, and Fee activity. These reports may be created based on permit status and for any specified time period.

Can Custom Reports be created?: Yes! If the numerous included reports aren't enough the user may link to the Data file with any ODBC compliant report generating software to create their own custom reports. CS-Graphx will be glad to discuss with you and give a quote on creating any custom report you may require.

How "Integrated" is the Parcel Map GIS module with Permit Manager?: Very! When a Property or Permit record is open in Permit Manager, select the menu command "GIS Map". Parcel map will open and automatically zoom to the property. When a property is selected in Parcel Map the menu command "Permit Mgr" will automatically open the property record in Permit Manager.

We currently have a GIS application. Should we also get Parcel Map?: YES! Parcel Map greatly simplifies GIS Map access. If a property owner applies for a Zoning variance and all neighbors within a specific radius must be notified Parcel Map can save you considerable time. In Permit Manager you would open the specific property record or the actual permit record, select the "GIS Map" command. Parcel Map will open and zoom to and highlight the property. Select the "Search by Distance" command. A window opens prompting you to input the search distance. Almost instantly all the properties within the specified distance are added to a list. Select the "Send to Word" command, choose from the included label or Letter templates and MSWord will open with a Mail Merge of the listed properties and owners. With Parcel Map a several hour job can be completed in 1 or 2 minutes.

Can Permit Manager be customized?: YES! CS-Graphx will be glad to discuss and quote modifications for any specific needs your Municipality may require.