South Coast Air Quality Management District

Strategic Plan for Information Management

SYNOPSIS: 

Information Management is responsible for data systems management services in support of all AQMD operations. As a planning tool, Information Management maintains a Strategic Plan that defines information system goals, reviews current information systems status, and identifies key strategic initiatives for information technology for the agency. Periodically, Information Management updates this Plan to incorporate new technologies applicable to AQMD operations and to address new or modified policies. This action is to receive and file the recently updated Strategic Plan for Information Management.

COMMITTEE: 

Administrative, December 14, 2001, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and file.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

Information Management (IM) provides a wide range of information systems and services in support of all AQMD operations. IM’s primary goal is to provide automated tools and systems to implement Governing Board-approved rules and regulations and to improve internal efficiencies. A strategic plan that lays out a roadmap for addressing information needs and issues at AQMD is essential for successful achievement of this goal. This roadmap requires periodic updating as new technology becomes available (and more affordable) and as new Board initiatives and changes in AQMD policies are adopted. The most recent version of the Strategic Plan for Information Management was released September 11, 1998. Staff has prepared an update to the 1998 plan that provides a status report on previous strategic initiatives and outlines goals and strategies for the next three years.

Summary of Report

The 2001 update of the Strategic Plan for Information Management reviews and presents IM’s current strategic goals. These goals have grown out of policies and directions identified by the Governing Board, needs of the individual divisions served by IM, and needs of the agency as a whole. The plan presents IM strategies for five key areas: Computing Infrastructure, Business Process Automation, Data Management, Virtual Workplace, and Internet/Intranet.

Computing Infrastructure includes the desktop environment, data and voice networks, and the central application servers – the tools for entering, processing, or communicating information at AQMD. Strategies for Computing Infrastructure focus on maintaining or improving system performance, establishing standards and baseline configurations, and cost containment.

Business Process Automation encompasses the development and maintenance of software to meet business information needs at AQMD – from permitting and compliance to accounting and human resources. Strategies for Business Process Automation address resource management issues, promote streamlining and productivity enhancements, and ensure interoperability and data sharing.

Data Management refers to the activities and tools used to maintain and secure data resources at AQMD. For the most part, IM’s strategic plan addresses primarily mission-critical enterprise data stored in centralized relational databases. Strategies for Data Management focus on management standards and improving user access to data for querying and analysis.

Virtual Workplace involves the extension of the workplace through off-site access to AQMD information resources, both systems and data. Strategies for Virtual Workplace outline the first steps needed to extend off-site access to more systems and data.

Internet/Intranet describes AQMD’s web-based resources, both external (AQMD Home Page) and internal (AIRNet). Strategies for Internet/Intranet include exploring E-government (providing AQMD services over the Internet), expanding AIRNet use, and setting standards for web-based systems.

Attachment

Strategic Plan for Information Management (December 21, 2001)

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