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CAMA AND FULL VALUATION PROJECTS
The BRT’s CAMA Project (Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal) is a complex
technology project installed to modernize the Information Technology system
that is used to perform the BRT’s business operation of property assessment and
valuation. The new computer system that results from the CAMA project
completion will provide for greater accuracy and improved equity in the
property valuation process. The goal is to fully implement the new Oracle based
system that will replace the legacy VSAM system.
The Full Valuation Project is the BRT’s business initiative project that will
modify the valuation method for setting the market value of all real property
in the City of Philadelphia.
Both projects require the application and practice of proper project management
methodology that will ensure successful completion.
Primary and common methodology practices of both projects include: Quality
Assurance, thus our theme, “to get it right, before we get it fast” and
responsible Risk Management, proactive strategies to mitigate areas of risk.
CAMA Project Accomplishments
All of the CAMA project accomplishments are at various stages of completion.
They include: completion of gap analysis reports, business and technical
requirements definition, initial system design, initial testing plans,
prototype testing, conversion of BRT’s legacy data, identification of reports,
a training program aligned with BRT business needs, a developing plan for
re-organization of work force staff, business process re-engineering,
integration planning, testing and data quality assessment measurements.
CAMA Project Next Steps
Operational Readiness
Operational readiness coincides with the completion of all tasks required for
full system implementation. Operational readiness is dependent on the following
key deliverables:
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Successful quality assurance testing of the Integration project components
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Successful quality assurance testing of the Realware product
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Completion of BRT Business Rules, Workflows & Training Program.
The target date for operational readiness of the CAMA project is between
December 2007 and January 2008.
Business Readiness
Optimal business readiness will be achieved sometime after the implementation
of the new Realware system. Business readiness is dependent on the following:
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Achieving the highest (and continuous) level of data integrity
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Staff training transferred into the daily operational support
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The BRT organization evolving through the expected change management issues
such as:
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Staff’s learning curve with the new software
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Existing work force gaps
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The natural merging of institutional knowledge with the new technology
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Attrition (experienced by other jurisdictions)
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Other change management issues typically experienced by organizations that have
conducted similar projects.
The BRT will exercise full and complete quality assurance testing both prior to
and post implementation of the new technology system. Post implementation, a
continuous process of quality assurance will be exercised. We plan to confirm
data quality assessments, validate the converted data of the new system,
validate the accuracy of the integration interfaces to Department of Records
and Department of Revenue, validate the BRT operational results and
expectations, and develop a high level of expertise by the evaluation staff
utilizing the system. It is only after these objectives have been met, that we
will achieve business readiness. Full business readiness of the new CAMA system
is anticipated at approximately 6-12 months post implementation, between June
2008 and December 2008.
Full Valuation Project Update
Implementation of Full Value is dependent upon successful completion of both
the operational and business readiness goals as described above.
The Board message, as expressed to the many community groups with whom we met
over the last two years, is that the BRT has no intention of implementing Full
Value in the absence of tax relief protections for property owners in the city.
Real Property tax relief protections such as homestead exemptions and property
tax phase-ins are under consideration for legislative action by City Council
and the state legislature. We urge your serious consideration, debate, and
eventual passage of the necessary property tax relief measures. The BRT pledges
our full cooperation with our legislative leaders in these matters.
Full Valuation Project Next Steps
The BRT will develop a plan for the execution and communication of tasks such
as:
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Coordination with City Council and the Administration
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Mailing notices to all city property owners
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Preparedness training for the CSC unit
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Continued data quality assurance
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Continued testing of the valuation methodology.
Complete planning for full valuation implementation will require input, action
and participation from City Council and all other involved City departments.
This is a joint effort that requires teamwork and coordination. The BRT looks
forward to cooperating with all parties to achieve a successful project.
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