PACTCS™ Performance Assessment and Collection Tool	Download PDF
A decision support tool developed by Cambridge Systematics that links agency goals, objectives, performance measurement data, and implementation strategies in a strategic management framework.

Background | Benefits | Case Studies | About Us | Technical Specifications | Contact Information

Background

As citizens, system managers, and legislators nationwide demand enhanced levels of accountability, many transportation agencies have turned to performance measurement to improve the planning, programming, and delivery of transportation projects and services.  Performance monitoring demonstrates that successive decisions can lead to the identification, selection, and funding of the most effective projects and services.  In some cases, performance information is even used to justify the need for additional funding. The combination of performance-based program development, project delivery, and system monitoring creates an effective, efficient, and accountable transportation management structure.

A strategic management approach requires more than just compiling performance data – it relies on the establishment of and commitment to specified goals and objectives.  The progress towards these goals and objectives then can be demonstrated by performance measures and implementation strategies.  A well-designed performance tracking tool can support this strategic management approach by establishing a stable framework under which agencies can collaborate, develop goals and objectives, collect data, and produce reports.

PACTCS™ enables partner agencies to collaboratively identify, document, manage, and report on its goals, objectives, and performance measures.
Using PACTCS, agencies can:

• Define and articulate agency goals and objectives;

• Define the specific performance measures to be used to track progress towards goals and objectives;

• Collect performance information;

• Link strategies to performance measures;

• Prepare for data audits;

• Eliminate redundant performance assessment efforts;

• Minimize data errors; and

• Produce customized reports.

PACT supports a strategic management approach from the first goal to the final report.

top of page

Benefits

Click image to view larger version.
Browse your performance measures, and give your users only the rights and priviledges they need.

• Generate Reports Anywhere – PACTCS allows authorized users to view, edit, and store data for goals, objectives, performance measures and strategies – as easily as accessing the Internet.
• A Guided Process – Performance assessment involves more than just writing reports – the structured approach of PACTCS supports each step of a strategic management approach.
• Focus on Accuracy – A performance report is only useful if its information is accurate.  PACTCS emphasizes the data collection process – storing details, tagging sources, and leaving an auditable trail of documentation.
• Promote Consistency – PACTCS engages agencies and their partners in a commitment to guide future programs by past performance.  This commitment is strengthened by the array of assessment tools provided by PACTCS, encouraging consistency between agencies, individuals, and projects.
• Track Historical Data – Through the course of its use, PACTCS’s database continues to accumulate carefully referenced, indexed, and comprehensive data. Over time, this repository becomes an invaluable reference for historical data.
• Customizable – Every agency is different – its relationships with other agencies, reporting requirements, and long-term goals are unique.  The coordination of each PACTCS implementation is planned and managed by the Cambridge Systematics consulting team to ensure a carefully customized product that fully satisfies the client’s needs.

top of page

Case Studies

Click image to view larger version.
Define your performance measures and clearly articulate the information to your staff, colleagues, and governing authorities.

In 2007, Cambridge Systematics worked hand-in-hand with members of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), its five Modal Administrations, and the Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA) to develop the Maryland Performance Assessment and Collection Tool (M-PACT), a new and efficient framework for performance reporting in Maryland.

M-PACT is a web-based management system that enables agencies to develop, collect, and track performance measurement information as well as automate performance reporting.  The Cambridge Systematics team developed M-PACT to support MDOT, its five Modal Administrations and MdTA with two performance reports:  Managing for Results (MFR) and the Annual Attainment Report on Transportation System Performance (AR).  Together the MFR and AR contain comprehensive information for more than 170 performance measures. Prior to M-PACT, these agencies used e‑mail, telephone, paper, and a variety of off-the-shelf software packages to collect data for these legislatively-required performance reports. Serving as a central data entry and reporting tool, M-PACT improved consistency across MDOT and the partner agencies, minimized data errors, improved data reliability, and has eased the reporting burden for Maryland’s transportation agencies. In addition, the information collected using M-PACT (data definitions, location, ownership, method of calculation, and control procedures) has prepared MDOT for performance audits and ensured continuity when future staff changes occur.

top of page

Cambridge Systematics – The Authority on Performance Measurement

Cambridge Systematics is a national leader in performance-based strategies, decision-making, and resource allocation. Cambridge Systematics has worked with dozens of agencies in developing practical approaches to track performance, evaluate projects and programs, improve resource allocation decisions, and increase accountability. The firm’s projects have focused on the technical, managerial, and organizational issues that must be addressed together to measure and improve performance.  This transportation industry expertise is incorporated in every PACTCS implementation.  More than just delivering a piece of software, Cambridge Systematics supports agencies in their commitment to goal setting, performance measurement, and increased efficiency.

top of page

Click image to view larger version.
Eliminate redundant efforts and instantly create reports.

PACTCS™ Technical Specifications

• Designed for IE 6
• Microsoft ASP.NET 2.0 application, developed in C#
• Oracle Database backed
• Microsoft Word & Excel Document Report Generation
• E‑mail notifications on status changes
• Integrated and user configurable spell checker

top of page

Contact Information

Joe Guerre, Principal, Cambridge Systematics, Inc.; 617-354-0167; jguerre@camsys.com

top of page