2022 Winter Newsletter

BEST PRACTICES CONTINUED

This automatically fills in the date (system date on tablet) and appraiser (based on tablet log on). If the appraiser discovers a new account, they hit the “New Acct” button. This brings up a template for the new account and automatically fills in situs, parcel number, and tax district. They complete other information and save. Back at the office, the appraiser uploads the data to our CAMA system. New accounts are automatically assigned the next available account number. The appraiser can now review the data in a holding table before it is committed to the database. The Tangible Field App is fully integrated with our CAMA and GIS systems. Integration with the GIS system allows the appraiser to canvass an area without concern for the order of inspection or entering the correct situs, parcel or legal information. Integration with the CAMA system allows them access to existing data while in the field and eliminates the need for any dual entry. Develop- ing it in house allowed us to add new accounts in the field. Most field data apps for real property allow the appraiser to add a building. The GIS department, not the appraiser, would add a parcel. The Tangible Field App has also assisted us to become a more paperless office, although we do have Excel and paper back up in case of any hardware issues. Using tablets for canvassing has greatly reduced errors and saved time. It has relieved the appraisers from continually looking up parcel numbers and other legal information. Currently our IT Department maintains the app, and will make changes and enhancements as needed. We highly recommend the use of technology for this important part of the discovery process.

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Winter 2022 Newsletter of the FCIAAO