Lake County's Technology Committee made significant strides in enhancing digital equity and streamlining operations during its meeting on August 1, 2025. A key highlight was the successful implementation of digital skills training at the Warren Newport Public Library, which has empowered community members to utilize technology for essential tasks such as accessing healthcare and online education. This initiative is part of the broader Lake County Digital Equity Coalition, which recently convened 27 participants from 13 organizations to discuss ongoing programs and share success stories.

The committee also provided an update on the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, Workday. The project is currently in the end-to-end testing phase, where over 90% of Lake County's data is being utilized to ensure the system meets operational needs. This testing phase is crucial for identifying and resolving any issues before the system goes live, with a focus on improving efficiency in processes like invoice handling.

The committee emphasized the importance of ongoing training and communication as they transition to the new system. Change management efforts are underway to prepare staff for the new workflows and functionalities that Workday will introduce. The committee expressed gratitude for the hard work of all involved in the project, highlighting the collaborative effort required to ensure a smooth transition.

Looking ahead, the next coalition meeting is scheduled for August 26, 2025, via Zoom, with an in-person meeting planned for September at the Lakeshore Campus. These gatherings will continue to foster collaboration among organizations working towards digital equity in Lake County. The committee remains committed to enhancing community access to technology and improving operational efficiencies through innovative solutions.