Energy managers get automated

The Energy Department has launched an integrated business management system aimed at cutting costs and improving efficiency.

The Integrated Management Navigation System, or I-Manage, will move the department from manual, paper-based to automated, Web-based administration. The system will consolidate existing programs for such tasks as travel, payroll, budget, procurement and human resources. Managers can customize data at their desktops, creating dashboard displays.

"Our vision for I-Manage is that each manager will have real-time information to make management decisions and manage problems," Deputy Secretary of Energy Kyle McSlarrow said during a kickoff meeting for the system Jan. 8. "Each manager will have access to all the data in their area of responsibility and turn to this Web-based system to get current information on their budgets, on people, procurement, projects, performance and spending."

The program will streamline the way Energy operates, McSlarrow said.

"Using technology to make DOE more efficient and effective is an important means to success in e-government," said Mark Forman, associate director for information technology and e-government at the Office of Management and Budget, who attended the meeting. "This is what I-Manage will do."