e-Permit System is a secure XML and Internet-based system that provides a simplified online permit application process that is faster, easier to use, and more secure. It greatly streamlines the permitting process for both the issuing agency (State and municipal) and the regulated public.

The e-Permit system:

• Acts as a one-stop source for individuals or businesses seeking licenses or permits.
• Allows users to easily and quickly determine permit and licensing requirements and build customized permit assistance kits.
• Enables monitoring of permit and licensing status by applicants from beginning to the end of the application process.

Decision Tree:
A key concern when implementing an online permitting system is to ensure that prospective permit applicants can determine and find which permits they are required to submit. A state will typically have users from a broad range of experience and familiarity with different kinds of permits. The e-Permit system includes a decision tree which guides the users from all levels of experience to find their required permits. Decision Tree allows users to browse by Category, Keyword Search, as well as Permit Name.

Account Management:
The e-Permit System is highly flexible for account creation. It accounts for the following scenarios:

• Self Registration
• Special Options for Consultants

  (1)	Consultant finishes application and sends to owner for final submission
  (2)	Consultant uploads signed authorization letter from facility owner
  (3)	Owner creates an account and delegates submission rights to the consultant

Work Collaboration:
The true value of an online permit system is its ability to shorten the time between permit application and its issuance. States typically find that the single largest contributor to delayed permit issuance is the time lost to inefficiencies in coordination of permit application among applicant and various state staff. Some complex permits require administrative review and sign off by multiple departments. The e-Permit system greatly enhances state's ability to collaborate among applicants and staff thereby reducing the overall permit application process. Each permit flow in e-Permit is configured so that applicants and staff are notified via Email as soon as their review is required. In addition, permit flows can be configured to allow management to be notified if a required administrative review step has lapsed.

Integration with Program Database:
A state-wide or department-wide online permit system must be flexible to integrate with a wide variety of program area databases. This system should also take advantage of the latest data integration technologies such as XML, Web services, Enterprise Information Integration (EII), etc. The e-permit system accomplishes all of these by supporting the following data integration scenarios:

• Program already has permit application processing system
• Program has data management system, but no permit application management system
• Program relies exclusively on e-Permit for permit application management

Management Reporting:
e-Permit System assists management and executives to query e-Permitting statistics in order to monitor and gauge the effectiveness of the e-Permit process.

• Track key milestones for the entire permitting process
• View submissions totals and statistics by permit flow
• View accounting summaries based on e-Pay statistics

Built on Data Standards:
The data model on which the e-Permit system is built was developed using the Core Reference Model (CRM) and XML schema design guidelines. This has resulted in a system that can be easily integrated with State databases and National exchange network. Use of the CRM, which identifies common reusable XML schema components, ensures that applicants only need to fill in the same information (such as contact or facility info) once. The e-Permit system can also be integrated with the State's Enterprise Information System if available.

Permit Application Fee Management:
The e-Permit system provides all of the fee payment capabilities required of an online permit application system. This includes:

• Electronic Payment (credit card, e-checking)
• Check/Money Order payment
• Ability to pay additional fees after the application is submitted
• Payment refunds
• Payment dispute handling
• Interfacing with State's Account Receivable System

The e-Permit system has been certified to integrate with the GovConnect credit card payment system commonly used by government agencies.