DMV Snafus join long list of computer ills

Editorial by Rocky Mount Telegram, March 5, 2014.

It’s enough to make you want to reboot state government – literally.

Employees in North Carolina government departments have faced an avalanche of computer issues during the past year, and the hits just keep on coming.

Software issues with NC FAST and NC Tracks have been widely publicized. Computer glitches related to those programs have caused multiple delays in the delivery of food stamps benefits and Medicaid reimbursements to health care providers, respectively. The state also has had problems with student records in public schools. And though it’s a federal issue, North Carolinians faced umpteen headaches early on trying to sign up online for health insurance under the new Affordable Care Act.

Now comes the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles and its system for vehicle license renewal.

Not so long ago, we could order new stickers for our tags each year simply by clicking the mouse a couple of times after having our vehicles inspected. But new software has thrown a wrench in that process, too.

For the past year, DMV’s computers have had problems keeping track of vehicle inspection reports. Issues with the process have increased from 3,000 problems a year to 35,000, according to The (Raleigh) News & Observer.

As a result, DMV workers and motorists have to sort through the problem cases using paper inspection reports – yet another time-consuming process.

The state’s technology infrastructure has come under scrutiny before. And computers are great ... when they work properly.

Barely a year into his first term, Gov. Pat McCrory might be ready to throw his through the window.

http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/opinion/our-views/dmv-snafus-join-long-list-computer-ills-2413023