By Crystal Warner
Doug Zimmer and Carol Clifford have been business partners for more than 28 years. They are proof positive that collaboration can be the very core of achievement. Doug and Carol’s Center for Information Management, Inc. (CIM), was established in Ann Arbor in 1980 and it has grown along with the power and the role of the personal computer. In the early days of their partnership, Doug and Carol worked diligently to create information systems to help social service agencies harness the power and potential of early pc’s. Today, Doug and Carol work for much of the same purpose; however, today’s technology is far more advanced so more is expected from the software developed by CIM.
Doug and Carol, each in their own ways, were seeking similar outcomes when their paths crossed. Together they have built a company, which has directly affected the lives of thousands of people in Michigan. They expect the CIM team will continue to deliver software programs and services, which improve the quality of their life for some of the most vulnerable members of society.
As Doug and Carol continue their work in software development, IT issues become more complex. Experts in their field, they lead CIM as members of a highly skilled and experienced team. Software developers, analysts and technicians work with Doug and Carol in their effort to refine and support effective and user-friendly programs. COMPASS, the product of a collaborative environment, is the most innovative software created by CIM. It’s function is to manage home and community based services (HCBS) programs. This software has been extremely effective in the organization of the immense amount of information HCBS programs need to maintain. COMPASS is currently being utilized statewide for Medicaid funded programs, which directly affect the livelihood of such people as the elderly and those with disabilities. Nurses utilize laptops powered by software developed by CIM to perform home visits and coordinate care for needy people.
The creation of the technology to operate such complex systems involves years of research and testing. For the agencies currently under contract with CIM, COMPASS has virtually eliminated the confusion of paper files and set in motion a system that agencies can rely upon for up-to-date and accurate information. In addition, COMPASS has the capability to manage enrollment in programs as well as to maintain financial information, such as availability of funds for people receiving government assistance. COMPASS ensures accuracy in scheduling and the ability to track service needs of HCBS programs. CIM recently added a web portal to their application suite called Vendor View. This web portal is designed to automate delivery of important information.
CIM provides a service that is not well known in the private sector. Doug says, “Most people have no idea that this type of business exists. Yet, the service and software created by CIM is essential to the agencies that it serves.” COMPASS software has yielded highly productive outcomes due to the years Doug and Carol have invested in it. The software designed by CIM is vital to the process by which decisions are made regarding the quality of life of thousands of individuals. Often, the availability and utilization of the COMPASS software can greatly improve the process of qualifying an individual for home services and prevent an undesirable stay in a nursing home. COMPASS has been crucial for area agencies on aging and others in their efforts to provide the highest quality care for program participants. Without COMPASS and the devotion of the CIM team, many disadvantaged people would be lost in an abyss of paperwork and bureaucracy.
If you found this story interesting, informative or inspiring, please let Doug and Carol know!
Center for Information Management, Inc.
Doug Zimmer and Carol Clifford
Email: doug@ciminc.com
Email: carol@ciminc.com