While Harris County's previous budgeting operations relied on intensive spreadsheet management, the organization recognized an opportunity for improvement by proactively streamlining the process and tackling data inconsistencies.
Acknowledging the need for timely data updates and comprehensive reporting capabilities, Harris County embraced a strategic shift towards outcomes-based budgeting. This forward-thinking transition opened doors for new capabilities and robust data access, enabling effective performance tracking and fostering continuous improvement within the process.
Collaborating to streamline budgeting
Recognizing the need to be agile and adapt as operations evolve throughout this process, Harris County partnered with CGI to help execute an extensive modernization plan that included four key pillars:
- Unify budgeting processes into a single solution
- Seamlessly integrate with financial management and other external databases
- Develop outcomes-based budgeting processes built on best practices
- Adopt a configurable solution with modern user interface and user experience
Utilizing the potential of CGI Advantage Performance Budgeting, Harris County adopted this comprehensive solution for its holistic budget management, performance measurement, and tracking capabilities. The team set out to streamline data entry through automation, enabling transparency throughout the budgeting process. With an emphasis on regulatory compliance and the ability to track outcome-focused performance metrics, the team could quickly identify and analyze budget drivers while monitoring overall progress with greater efficiency.
Improved visibility to deliver valuable real-time insights
A significant advancement was enabling specific end users to change performance measure objects directly, streamlining the process and eliminating the need for workarounds or manual data entry after the fact. This capability, enabled by CGI Advantage Performance Budgeting, created a seamless workflow across the budgeting process. Users could automatically advance to the next step without manual intervention. This improved visibility into the process delivered valuable real-time insights.
“The system’s configurability and workflow capabilities make life much easier for us,” said Berina Cologlu, Manager, Performance and Data for Harris County. “We have different approval requirements at each of the County’s organizations. (CGI Advantage) Performance Budgeting ties them all together in one place, so we don’t have to send files back and forth.”
As part of its standard operations, the County tracks one-time and recurring expenses. The solution categorizes these expenses, making the process seamless for the current year and from one fiscal year to the next.
Harris County also leverages CGI Advantage Insights, empowering users to combine data from various sources and develop and share advanced analytics and reports.
CGI has provided valuable support through our transition to outcomes-based budgeting. With Performance Budgeting, Harris County has gained the ability to build an end-to-end budgeting process that fits our specific needs.
Deputy Director, Expenditures, Harris County Office of Administration
Creating a holistic process for the future
Cologlu is a member of CGI Advantage’s steering committee. She noted that the software is constantly improving and said, “We’re very satisfied with our partnership because CGI is receptive to our feedback. The ability to contribute to product direction is invaluable.
“We also appreciate the ability to connect with the rest of the user community, share our experiences and even demonstrate our products to each other,” she continued. “Being able to see different approaches to challenges is helpful.”
Utilizing the solution to its fullest extent, Harris County and CGI will work together to deliver a holistic picture of their entire budgeting process. The team is set to begin work to initiate the process for the County’s capital improvement projects (CIP), grant programs and salary and benefits forecasting.
Harris County, TX unified its budget process from end to end
- Streamlined budgeting to improve operational performance and critical decision-making
- Delivered a single source of information for improved analysis, funding decisions, and performance measurement
- Standardized reporting across the County
- Supported unique requirements around budget forms, reports, personnel cost models, and performance measures
