HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017 08-01 New DMV computer software still behind long delays KARE 11New DMV computer software still behind long delays
Kent Erdahl, KARE !l: 02 PM CDT August 01, 2017
(Photo: KARE 11)
A new software system that promised to improve efficiency
and security at Minnesota DVS licensing centers is falling
far short in its first two weeks.
Several license branches in Hennepin, Ramsey and
Washington Counties tell KARE 11 they continue to have
wait times that are twice the normal length, or longer.
"I waited about a good hour and 45 minutes, went and got some coffee, came back and
my number still hasn't been called," said Ola Betiku, who waited nearly two hours at the
Ridgedale branch on Tuesday.
The Department of Public Safety just installed new software that promised something
different.
"It's gotten slower?" said Mari Verbeten, who waited about an hour and 15 minutes to
renew her license at the Ridgedale branch. "That seems backwards."
Registrars and other administrators who spoke to KARE 11 say some of the slowdown is
due to employees still getting comfortable with the new software, but they also say there is
a bigger issue they are all trying to work through.
"The computerized process is a little bit more cumbersome," said Ellie Paulseth, Finance
Director in Maplewood. "There's a lot of screens you have to move through for each
transaction, so the processing takes a little bit longer... but we're also experiencing a lot of
error codes and glitches."
Paulseth says wait times have generally gone from less than 10 minutes to well over 30.
Though the branch has traditionally taken customers all the way until closing time, the
added delays and overtime in the last week caused her office to cut off lines an hour
earlier.
"It was kind of a last resort," Paulseth said. "IYs starting to take its toll."
The Department of Public Safety issued a statement to KARE 11 about the software
delays:
"DVS is working with deputy registrars regarding any questions or concerns they have.
DVS is also holding daily phone ca//s with deputy registrars to keep them informed. "
The registrars that spoke to KARE 11 say the times seem to have improved slightly this
week, but that there is a long way to go before reaching the goal of improved efficiency.
OO 2017 KARE-N
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