UK Local Authorities can now do live searches for council records on smartphones and tablets following a new mobile app from GGP Systems. Designed to make it quicker and easier for councils to access records held in different local authority departments, the application provides access to records via a central address database and can be used on iPads, iPhones and Android devices. The mobile application follows the development of GGP’s web based gazetteer management system, GGP eNGz, which returns search results within two seconds of posting a query even when accessing a national dataset comprising of millions of complex address records.

This mobile application is set to revolutionise the way local authorities work by allowing much more work to be done remotely. Staff such as inspectors, engineers and planners need not return to the office to access the records they need and as more and more Council functions are centralised, a mobile worker can undertake a greater diversity of duties away from the office. For example, a Housing Officer making a house call to sort out benefits or allowances can also access records relating to Council Tax, property maintenance and social services. A Planning Officer inspecting a new build can look up Street Naming and Numbering records, report a faulty street light and even provide permission for tree work.

“Frontline workers in Local Authorities can now access the information they need, when they need it,” commented Tim Maxwell, Managing Director of GGP Systems. “GGP eNGz is fast, reliable and most importantly proven and will help boost service delivery and operating efficiencies allowing staff in the field or working from home to access essential address information at the touch of button. GGP eNGz can also facilitate joined up working and shared services; giving the same access to back office resources, to all parties, regardless of location.”

GGP eNGz is a next generation web based gazetteer search engine. It is easy to use with advanced search options including intelligent single line searching, customisable dictionaries of abbreviations and aliases, and drop down boxes of search matches. GGP eNGz is also capable of informing results through adjacent property searches allowing users to query by ‘what can you see?’ and ‘what are you next to?’ for example. Query results are returned as markers on a map and GGP eNGz allows users to feedback corrections and or additions to the gazetteer data.

CONTACTS: GGP Systems: Karen Barcoo at GGP tel. +44 (0)20 8686 9887, e-mail: Karen@ggpsystems.co.uk, www.ggpsystems.co.uk