Having to make decisions on such minutiae, the project directors were losing sight of the big picture. But OMIS, having trained its staff in the methodology, was committed to it. The two parties compromised by agreeing to a modification with only eight to 10 concrete deliverables. Though many state workers were consulted throughout the project, they had no decision-making authority, and they were not considered the system's owners. The users were just too close to the old processes to envision and execute the radical changes required .
Users confirm that they remain two steps removed from the system.
Besides maximizing revenue collection, it has allowed users to query and report the data for the first time, improving service to citizens who phone the department with billing questions. BARS' legacy continues to mushroom. The Weld administration has recognized technology as a tool for reinventing government-and since William Weld is widely believed to have presidential aspirations, BARS' repercussions may someday be broader still.