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(02/11/2002) Calling the Department of State’s new branch office computer system vital to meeting the demands of the 21^st century, Secretary of State Candice S. Miller today demonstrated the new system and announced that the ongoing statewide installation of the equipment is on track.

"E-commerce is creating more and more opportunities for government, and if the Department of State is to continue providing the highest quality service, we must stay on top of the technological curve," said Secretary Miller. "This new computer system gives us the power to do just that. One of its many benefits is its flexibility to adapt to new technologies as they emerge."

The state-of-the-art computer represents years of research and development to restructure and enhance branch office technology. The system is extremely adaptable, which positions the department to meet the challenges of the future.

Installation of the new system in all 173 branch offices is expected to be completed by mid-May. Thirty branch offices had the equipment installed in January, with thirty more scheduled for February. Installation will occur in only a few branch offices at a time to minimize disruption of customer service. Designated branches close for one day to provide time for installation and training of branch office staff. Staff responses to the new system have been very positive.

Unlike the old computer system, which was DOS-based and had 10-inch monitors, the new system is Windows-based with easier to read 15-inch screens. In addition to navigating by the keyboard, users can use a mouse. The new computers feature built-in transaction codes and a cash management system, which shortens the time it takes to train employees and streamlines the processing of transactions.

Funding for the new system was set aside between 1997 and 2001, and was not affected by the current budget environment.

While the new branch office computer is the latest branch office technological enhancement, Secretary Miller explained the department has always taken a progressive stance in using technology, which has led to a number of innovative customer service initiatives. The Secretary of State’s Office was the first state agency in Michigan to embrace the concepts of "e-commerce," allowing customers to do business electronically with state government.

Some of the innovative customer initiatives launched by the department include the organ donor registration, Qualified Voter File, on-line forms for filing automotive consumer complaints, on-line filing and review of Campaign Finance Act reports, and the Citizen’s Guide to Voting Systems.

Secretary Miller added that two of the most common customer transactions, renewing watercraft and vehicle registrations, no longer require a visit to a branch office. Customers can also renew by mail, fax, touch-tone telephone or the Internet, with the added benefit of being able to pay by credit card. Easy to follow instructions are enclosed with the renewal notice.

"I’d encourage anyone renewing their registration to take advantage of one of these four alternate methods and save themselves a trip to the branch office," said Secretary Miller.