Topic Index
Meeting The Challenge
Simplicity and Power
Database Platforms
Dynamic Inquiry/Update
Capability
Citation Data Entry
Payment/Remittance Processing
Owner Information Acquisition
Delinquent Notice Processing
Correspondence/Letters
Appeals/Hearings Management
Account
Setup/File Maintenance
Reports
ParkTech®, PermitTech®,
PalmTech® and MeterTech®, are Registered trademarks of NetTech Solutions L.L.C. 1999. Windows®, Microsoft Access® and
Microsoft SQL Server® are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation
1999.
Meeting The Challenge
Administrative personnel
perform many daily tasks including providing violator assistance on the
telephone, and at the front counter. To
maintain a high level of customer service, administrators need to
provide information and
conduct transactions - quickly and accurately. It is critical to have this ability
without the needless, difficult requirement to enter and exit
various windows to search for data and enter transactions.
ParkTech® provides new and innovative software to perform
multiple inquiries and transactions – all
from the same inquiry/update window.
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Simplicity and Power
ParkTech® was designed to be flexible, efficient
and cost-effective.
The system is easy to learn, simple to use, and comprehensive
in scope. ParkTech® is a complete system incorporating all aspects of parking
citation processing, tracking, and management with emphasis on customer service
and collections. Because ParkTech® utilizes the most current technologies
including database engines, database optimization
techniques, and true client server
platforms, the system is scalable - meeting initial and future
growth demands of small, medium, and large parking administration operations.
ParkTech® was developed by NetTech staff with an aggregate of over 125 years of experience. This high level
of proficiency enabled NetTech to design a superior product with the ability
for on-going functional enhancements. ParkTech® has proven to be extremely stable and operationally sound.
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Windows® Operating System Platform
ParkTech® was
specifically designed and
developed for use on
the preferred choice in the industry for client workstations to reside on
platforms running Windows® XP while the applications and database
servers reside on the Windows®
2000/2003/2008
platform. This platform was chosen
due to the increased demand in the market place for systems residing on the
familiar Microsoft platforms.
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The ParkTech® system is an interactive
system using a client/server platform in a networked environment. All activity
is immediately recorded to ParkTech®’s Access or Microsoft SQL Server
database.
ParkTech® uses industry
standard database programming techniques, linking all pertinent data elements
within the database. These data
elements include citations, vehicle license plates, and registered owner
data. Linking these critical data
elements ensures access to violator data
from
virtually any data element within the database. As citations are entered into the system, ParkTech® automatically links each related data element. The
license plate and citation number of a newly entered citation, are linked with the
license plate of the
owner
name on file, completing the linkage of all associated data
records.
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Dynamic Inquiry/Update Capability
ParkTech® software provides an inquiry/update window with file folder tabs for the following
inquiry choices;
-
Citation Number
-
Registered Owner Name
-
License Plate Number
-
Notice Number
-
Account
Number
-
VIN
Using these inquiry file
folder tabs, the user can initiate an inquiry and quickly find/view violator information
such as:
·
Owner
Name and address
·
Vehicle
information
·
Citation
history (paid and unpaid)
·
Citation
details
·
Violation
details
·
Late
notice and correspondence details
·
Boot/tow
activity
·
Hearing
schedule
·
Adjudication
activity
·
Comment
details
·
Transaction
history
Authorized users can also
perform the following activities -
without exiting the selected inquiry window:
·
Transact
a payment
·
Arrange/set
up a payment plan
·
Impose
adjustments (late fees, boot/tow fees, NSF fees, etc)
·
Record
an appeal
·
Place
processing hold (suspend)
·
Schedule
a hearing
·
Generate
hearing correspondence
·
Edit/enter
adjudication activity
·
Add
or change a violator name and address
·
Enter
user comments
·
Edit/change
vehicle information
·
Edit/change
license plate number, expiration date, VIN, color, or state
Additional
inquiries, transactions, and updates can be performed –
all from the same window,
using these inquiry file folder tabs.
ParkTech® also provides inquiry capability for
multiple customers
from this same window.
This is accomplished using
standard window techniques such as “over-lay” windows, “file folders “, “drop down” windows, “radio buttons”, horizontal left/right
scrolling arrows, vertical up/down arrow scrolling, and highlight/click
selection techniques.
This
multiple inquiry/update capability, from the same window, precludes the
necessity to exit out of a window to
complete any activity pertinent to these data elements.
The indexing
features of ParkTech® allow for partial searches. Authorized users
can enter the first three letters a name and execute a successful name
search. Partial license plate lookups
are also permitted.
As transactions are conducted and
updates are entered, ParkTech® maintains a chronological history of each
entry that is made in the system, for each account. These entries are automatically date/time-stamped and recorded in ascending order so the user
will always view the latest entries first.
ParkTech®
provides command (radio) buttons to change the selection criteria when an
inquiry has been initiated. For
instance, if there are multiple citations for a license
plate, the software can display all citations, paid and unpaid. The user can
also alternately display only unpaid citations.
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Citation Data Entry
ParkTech® provides the capability to capture and update the database, including but
not limited to the following minimal information:
·
Batch number
·
Citation entry date
·
Citation number
·
Citation issue date/time
·
Agency designation
·
Court appearance date/time
·
Violation/statute code, description, location
·
Officer ID/badge number
·
Meter number
·
Officer ID/badge number
·
License plate number
·
License plate state
·
License plate expiration date
·
Vehicle make, body type, class, year, Color, year, VIN
(17+ characters)
·
Officer comments
ParkTech® provides controlled methods for citations to be entered into the database
via
electronic data entry and/or manual data entry.
The
software provides for electronic data
entry by importing citations from NetTech's PalmTech® Citation Issuance Software or any other citation import file that
might be included in the system.
ParkTech® provides two methods for
manual data entry:
·
Immediate, real time, update
·
Batch data entry
In both cases,
the software displays a “data entry” window arranged very closely to the
agency’s existing citation format. To reduce data entry time, the software
retains repetitious data, from the previously entered citation, that does not
need to be “re-entered” for each citation.
These fields are as follows:
·
Vehicle classification code
If
data is NOT entered in these text boxes, the software highlights the text box
in RED and displays an appropriate error message.
For real time
data entry, citations are entered singularly
(one at a time) with immediate
database update upon completion of entering each
citation. This is
particularly efficient when a violator is at the counter with a citation, but
citations have not yet been entered in the normal process for that day.
Batch data entry can be accomplished by
accumulating a number of citations
within a batch for subsequent batch posting to the
database. Citation data entry can be
controlled by batch numbers that can be included as a batch reference on
various reports for tracking and auditing purposes.
To minimize data input
errors, the software provides a Data Entry Control
module for input data editing and
batch posting/update to the database. This includes manually entered citations
and electronically imported citations.
This module has
the capability to match certain fields of the citation records to an edit table to identify input
errors. Any records with errors are
placed in an error correction batch,
for research and correction, and do NOT update the database. The software
displays an error message to alert the administrator of the error conditions,
as well as an Error Corrections Report, which lists corrections to entered
data.
After the update
has been completed, the software generates a printed report of the total
quantity and dollar amount of all citations that updated the database.
The Data
Entry Correction module displays the batch number with errors
and the number of citations that are in error.
The software then provides the capability to display the
batch and erroneous citation records highlighting the fields (text boxes)
which contain the error(s). After the
corrections have been entered, the batch posting/update is initiated through
the data entry control software.
The software
provides administrative/
supervisory citation corrections. All
corrections are password protected and immediately recorded in the history file
along with date, time and user ID that performed the correction.
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Payment/Remittance Processing
ParkTech® provides for the batch processing of
mail-in payments as well as
over-the-counter payments.
ParkTech® records
all payment information in a payment transaction history file, and can be accessed at any time with via the
citation inquiry file folder tab. The
software also provides a printed report.
Payment history includes but not limited to:
·
Payment entry date
·
Payment entry time
·
Transaction number
·
Disposition code
·
Disposition description
·
User ID
·
Method of payment
·
Amount paid
·
Check number (if not paid by cash)
·
Credit card bank number
In the batch processing mode,
the user can select a “mail-in payment” mode displaying a recurrent “payment” window
designed to minimize the amount of data entry for the user resulting in quick
and accurate entry of citation payments.
The payment window automatically displays the total balance and expected
payment as well as dialogue prompts and text boxes to capture:
·
Cash amount,
·
Check number and amount,
·
Credit card
number, expiration date and amount.
Payment
Batch Processing
ParkTech® provides
the capability for multiple transactions per tender, as well as single
transaction processing.
An overpayment can be applied to
the next citation in the customer account, applying the entire payment amount
to as many citations as available, and display partial balances due.
ParkTech® allows
for payment entry by
bar code reader devices. This can be
especially effective for high volumes of mail-in payments eliminating the need
for manual entry of the citation numbers.
The bar code reader is used to scan the citation numbers on the citations. The software automatically displays the
appropriate account and the “payment window”, providing faster access and
transaction completion.
ParkTech® provides for
over-the-counter
payments to accommodate “walk-in” payments. When a violator arrives at the front
counter, the user quickly access the database by customer name, citation number, license plate number, account number,
or notice number using file folder tab inquiries.
With this available
information, the
authorized users
can provide
answers to customer’s questions, verify customer name and address, etc, confirm
status of customer account, and make any changes that
might be appropriate.
As the software quickly
locates the citation record(s), authorized users can also view any
additional
outstanding citations for the customer, or other family members, and extend
the opportunity for full payment.
After
reviewing the citation(s) with the customer,
authorized user selects a “pay”
button wherein the software displays the overlay payment window with all
relevant data to quickly
transact a payment –
without exiting the original inquiry window.
Additionally,
authorized users can set up an
installment payment account, record an appeal, schedule a hearing, print
hearing correspondence letter, view and/or initiate boot/tow activity, enter user
comments, etc. – all from the same
inquiry window.
For high volume over-the-counter
transactions a cash drawer and receipt printer can provide added efficiencies.
With a (optional) receipt printer/validator a receipt can be printed
immediately and given to the violator and the citation can be validated as
paid. All
dollar transactions and end
of shift totals can also be printed from the same printer.
ParkTech® utilizes
an Epson TM-U375 receipt/
journal/validation printer. This
printer was chosen due to its reliability and combination feature (receipt,
journal and validator in one). ParkTech® stores data from the actual receipt data in the
citation
transaction file. Depressing the print screen command button can then reproduce
the actual receipt data.
Additional Payment Capabilities
Since the software
edit parameters will not allow erroneous
payment data to be entered, ParkTech® provides for
immediate, real time payment update.
ParkTech®
provides the capability to
allow for
late deposit postings. An authorized user can change the
deposit date from what was recorded in the normal payment transactions, but
will actually NOT be deposited until
after the recorded date. After the
actual deposit date is entered, the software will automatically change the
recorded deposit dates and rolls back the penalty imposed, depending on the
entry date. A report is generated that reflects and accounts for the date
changes.
The software
provides supervisory adjustments for
payment corrections. All corrections
are password protected and immediately recorded in the history file along with
date, time and user ID that performed the correction. These adjustments include the following:
·
Administrative
Adjustment to increase or decrease an
account
·
Cash Adjustment
to accomplish a payment transfer from
one citation to another within the same account
·
Cash Adjustment
to accomplish cash adjustments from one
citation to another to correct errors
ParkTech®
provides
automatic penalty escalation levels based on specific customer
requirements. When a citation has exceeded the (pre-determined) time limit(s),
the system automatically applies the appropriate penalty (also for multiple
escalation levels). This process is automatic and occurs during payments,
inquiries, and notice generation.
The software
provides the capability to process
NSF check entries by providing the
user the ability to click on a bad check command button.
When the bad check command is
depressed, the correspondence module generates a “request immediate payment”
letter and the software automatically reinstates original fines and penalties,
and NSF fees are assessed as required.
NSF activities/updates are also recorded in the citation history
file. The software monitors the
accounts and alerts the cashier for
previous bad check incidents when payment transactions are being conducted.
Software
provides the capability to accommodate a
bankruptcy action by allowing the
authorized user to place an administrative hold on the citations applying a
“bankruptcy” reason code. This hold
allows Parking Services to suspend unnecessary noticing to the violator, the
ability to discharge debts with a bankruptcy code, and generate a report of
citations with bankruptcy codes.
The
software provides the capability to enter “Skeletal” payments for citations not
yet on file. When the citation is
entered through one of the citation entry routines, the software will
automatically match the citation with the skeletal payment entry.
The
software provides the capability to
set up
time payment (installment) accounts. After account setup, the software records and tracks payments and
issues delinquency notices when payments are not received on time. Penalties
are to be automatically applied to any time payment account if the customers
are delinquent in making their payments.
ParkTech® provides
the ability to place a specific hold code
on citations that have gone to a
collection agency. The hold code
will immediately identify the citations in collection (agency) status and the
report module will allow for the immediate printing of related collection
reports.
ParkTech® retains sufficient
information for all payments contained in the payment history tables. Specific information stored in the payment
history includes but is not limited to:
·
Payment entry date
·
Payment entry time
·
Transaction number
·
Disposition code
·
Disposition description
·
User ID
·
Method of payment
·
Amount paid
·
Check number (if not paid by cash)
·
Credit card bank number
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Owner Information Acquisition
ParkTech® provides the capability to obtain vehicle
owner information. Since these functions are not part of the
day-to-day customer interaction, it is preferable to conduct these background
activities as system administrative functions.
The
software has the capability to
export specific owner information
requests on magnetic tape, diskette, or
electronic transfer to the
Department
of Motor Vehicles and/or the Campus computer system.
Conversely, the software has the capability
to import
requested owner information using same media and/or electronic transfer.
To
avoid redundant name and address
imports/exports, the software utilizes the database relational feature to
associate and assign current and/or past owners (on file), with the license
plates on newly entered citations, precluding the need to conduct an owner
information request. If there is no registered owner on file, an owner
information request will be initiated.
ParkTech® generates DMV vehicle
and/or campus
administrative
diploma holds for unpaid citations. When payment is received
from the violator, the hold indicator is removed, a "hold release"
record is generated, and the citation disposed accordingly. The
hold release
records are generated and forwarded to DMV and/or campus administration in the
subsequent import/export activity.
ParkTech® provides the capability to handle
undeliverable mail. When a notice has been mailed and is
returned as undeliverable mail, the
user can reset the name and address status to an
incorrect status. The citation(s) is placed on hold/suspense status
and included in the next owner information request export. When the new owner address information is
obtained, the database is updated, and the citation record(s) will be included
in the subsequent late notice generation activity.
The
software provides the capability to handle
sold vehicles. When a notice has been mailed and is
returned as incorrect address
“vehicle sold”, the software
provides a feature to reset the name and address status to an
incorrect status. The citation(s) is
then placed on hold/suspense status and included in the subsequent owner
information request export.
When the new owner information is obtained,
the database is updated, and the citation record(s) will be included in the
subsequent late notice generation activity.
ParkTech® software
provides for management of owner information for
leased/rental
vehicles. When a mailed notice is returned from a rental or leasing
company with the address of the lessee/renter, the record is updated
accordingly, a notice is generated for the lessee/renter, and the citation(s) is placed on hold (suspense status),
for a prefixed period of time. If the
citation is not paid, within the time frame, the "original" name and
address is reapplied and the company owner is notified that the citation is
still outstanding.
ParkTech® software
provides the capability to record
all vehicles owned by one person. A print function is available for producing
printouts of queries that include all requested information, in addition to
displaying the information on the screen.
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Delinquent Notice Processing
ParkTech® software
provides for the generation and printing of courtesy/
delinquent notices.
An
unlimited number of notices to the violator can be generated from
ParkTech®. The content of each notice may be varied according to customer
specifications and statutes. The implementations of form, content, sequence and
timing of the notice issuance are all components of the setup process for each
customer individually. Authorized users will always have the ability to
determine the criteria and number eligible for noticing before commanding the
system to issue notices.
When
a “notice cycle” has been initiated, the software generates the actual
notices. The software also generates a
"notice register", listing all citations associated with each notice
which can be printed on a selective basis.
The
software also has the capability of consolidating multiple citations and/or
plates onto a single notice/letter in the correspondence subsystem. For each notice produced by the software, a
detailed notice record is generated and stored within the database. All
notice records are easily accessed via the Inquiry file folder tabs.
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Correspondence/Letters
ParkTech®
provides flexible methods for accommodating client correspondence. NetTech personnel coordinates with the
client to establish letter template requirements. The software provides the
capability to set up unlimited number
of customized correspondence templates with multiple formats (including warning
letters) for simple letter selection.
After
the templates have been set up, the user simply selects a particular letter (or
code) and the system automatically inserts the selected name and address
information of the violator.
ParkTech® correspondence subsystem is capable of
consolidating multiple citations and/or license plates onto a single
letter. Correspondence can be generated
and printed immediately or “queued” for later batch printing.
ParkTech® maintains separate fields to identify
generated letters and all correspondence activity is recorded in a history file
indicating the date and type of correspondence.
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Appeals/Hearings Management
With
ParkTech® authorized users have the capability to initiate, enter, track,
and report all violator appeals for
all disputed violations, and generate letters/ correspondence for all
appeals. The software provides the
capability to enter user defined appeal codes.
When
an appeal has been entered, the software provides the ability for the
administrator to place a processing hold
suspending
the processing, noticing, and escalations for the contested citation(s). The
hold status is recorded with a dispute reason
code and the administrator can set the period of time to suspend
action.
ParkTech®
automatically removes the
processing hold when the user makes an entry that the appeal is denied. The
software will automatically resume noticing action.
The
administrator also has an option to set up a
predetermined time interval wherein the
software
automatically
resumes noticing action after a lapsed (predetermined) time interval.
If the violator fails to appear, and fails
to pay the assessment, the software will automatically reactivate the
citation(s) processing activities after
the scheduled hearing date has passed.
ParkTech® includes a
hearing scheduling module
that allows for present and future scheduling of administrative reviews, formal
hearings, and/or court hearings/appearances. When a hearing request is entered,
the software will automatically schedule the date, time, and location of the
hearing based on a pre-determined hearing schedule. A hearing correspondence
letter can be generated immediately or queued for batch printing later. The software provides the capability for the
administrator to change/revise
hearing dates and the hearing schedule can also be printed.
An
adjudication function provides the
ability to enter/record all review results to include
not guilty and dismissal findings, and generate hearing decision
letters. An “imposed adjustment”
feature allows an authorized user to enter a reduction of
fines/penalties as a result of hearing. All adjudication results including
dismissals and reductions, are recorded in a history file for access and future
audit. The software also provides for substantial
comments to be entered into the citation record.
All hearing updates/transactions are
conducted from one citation inquiry update window.
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Account Setup/File Maintenance
·
Statute/violation table/file with valid statutes/violations and fine amounts issued in the jurisdiction
·
Correspondence forms table/file for all selectable
correspondence/form letters
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Reports
ParkTech® generates a variety of standard reports for display to a window and/or
send to a printer for a hard copy printed report.
Authorized
users can generate reports from a reports menu, based on a user
selectable date range.
The
software is also capable of printing graphical
reports on a laser printer.
Additionally,
ParkTech® is compatible with Seagate crystal report writer.
In addition to the standard reports, NetTech Solutions' technical
staff can provide custom modifications to existing reports and/or
design/implementation of any additional reports the agency might find
necessary.
STANDARD
REPORTS
Master Files/Tables
Revenue/Collections
·
Cash book by disposition date, summary to date
·
Cash book by disposition date, user ID
·
Collected revenue by state
·
Monthly payment distribution
·
Handheld issued citations
·
Citation issued count by officer, by day
·
Citation issued count by officer, by time of day
·
Citation issued detail by entry date, batch number
·
Citation issued detail by entry date, citation number
·
Citation issued detail by issue date, agency, officer
Hearings/Dispositions/Notices
·
Scheduled hearings calendar
·
Disposition summary by type
·
Payment transactions by user ID, disposition date,
payment detail
·
User transactions by entry date, user ID
·
Data correction log by date, user
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