Technology
Food sampling on the go A more efficient system for food sampling is being rolled-out to Victorian councils.
M
AV Technology has developed an app in partnership with the Department of Health to streamline the processes of collating food sample data. Forty councils participated in the pilot and testing process of the app’s development, after initial testing was completed by Boroondara, Maroondah, Whittlesea, Corangamite, Maribyrnong, Melbourne, Bass Coast, Surf Coast and Geelong. From September, the app will be offered to all Victorian councils at no cost and with five years of maintenance support. Councils are required under the Food Act 1984 to take a statutory number of food samples to ensure restaurants, cafés and other outlets are dishing out food that is safe for human consumption. Project coordinator Steven Welsh from Corangamite Shire said the app would make life easier for council officers responsible for food safety in their municipality. “This app removes the need for handwritten, paper-based forms, offering time and money efficiencies for councils and increased accuracy in their reporting,” he said. The app, developed by leading software and mobile solutions
provider Acresta, runs on IOS, Android and Windows devices. It features default text options for repeat information like council name and officer. This function, along with combo and selection boxes, reduces the amount of data to be keyed in. Mandatory fields are enforced to enhance accuracy, and photos can be uploaded. A pre-printed barcode provides a unique reference ID for each food sample. The report can be exported to a PDF file in a similar format to the original paper form. A file that gives councils the data in a format that can be imported into their own corporate systems is also available. “This very streamlined approach to food sampling is attracting great interest from Victorian councils that are embracing mobile technology, which helps them do their job more efficiently,” Mr Welsh said.
New name, re-newed focus MAV Technology is the former Local Government Information and Communications Technology Group (LGICT), which was established in 2004. This change occurred in March and while the group has a new snappy name and professional looking re-brand, MAV Technology is also a stamp on progression. The inclusion of MAV in its name, allows the group to capitalise on, and contribute to, the brand strength of Victorian local government’s peak body. While the name has changed, MAV Technology will continue to be governed by an executive committee, elected from its membership annually. MAV Technology currently has
members representing 78 out of 79 councils, made up mostly of IT managers and officers committed to delivering council and community services more efficiently and effectively. As an independently funded group, MAV Technology develops, supports and funds IT projects that help deliver business outcomes for councils and their communities. It also provides communication channels and events for members to share ideas, resources and experiences, and is a valuable platform to engage and cooperate with other levels of government. For more information visit www.mav.technology or email Lisa Bennetto at lbennetto@mav.asn.au
P: (03) 9667 5509 A: L12, 60 Collins Street, Melbourne, 3000 E: lbennetto@mav.asn.au W: www.mav.technology c i vi c
15