Lean and information technology (IT) are two important ways that environmental agencies are transforming how they protect human health and the environment. New IT approaches can help agencies streamline, modernize, and expand the services they provide to customers. In December 2015, an ECOS/EPA E-Enterprise workgroup released the Lean and Information Technology Toolkit, which explores how Lean and IT can be used to:

• Efficiently design new products and services to better meet customer needs (Lean startup),
• Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of existing processes (Lean process improvement), and
• Reduce the costs and risks of developing new IT products (Agile development).

The Toolkit provides how-to guidance, resources, and tips for making improvements in product conceptualization, process improvement, and IT product development; and describes how agencies can collaborate effectively on improvement projects.  It is available at http://e-enterprisefortheenvironment.net/.  Stay tuned for news of potential upcoming webinars highlighting the Toolkit’s content.

Sue Battle-McDonald, Co-Chair
Maryland Department of the Environment
P: 410.537.4111
E: sue.battle-mcdonald [at] maryland.gov

Scott Bowles, Co-Chair
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
P: 202.566.2208
E: bowles.scott [at] epa.gov