Accela Data Export Automation: API Alternative for Government Case Management

Introduction

Accela is a comprehensive government case management platform used by municipalities and government agencies to manage land development, building permits, licensing, code enforcement, inspections, and citizen services. While Accela provides web-based case management tools, the platform has limited or restricted API access for most government users. Browser automation provides a reliable solution to automate land management and licensing workflows, sync code enforcement data with GIS systems, automate inspection scheduling, and export case data directly through the Accela web interface, enabling streamlined government operations and data management.

Why Use Browser Automation for Accela Data Export?

• Limited API Access: Accela has restricted or no API access for most government users and agencies
• Land Management: Automate land development workflows, parcel management, and zoning applications
• Licensing Workflows: Automate license application processing, renewals, and status tracking
• Code Enforcement: Sync code enforcement data with GIS systems and export violation records
• Inspection Scheduling: Automate inspection scheduling, rescheduling, and status updates
• Building Permits: Export building permit data, plan reviews, and approval workflows
• GIS Integration: Collect and sync data with external GIS systems for mapping and analysis
• Reporting and Analytics: Generate custom reports and export analytics data not available through standard exports
• Multi-Department Sync: Collect data across multiple departments and sync with external systems

Setting Up Accela Data Export Automation

Here's how to automate Accela data collection using browser automation:

import { chromium } from 'playwright';

const response = await fetch("https://api.anchorbrowser.io/api/sessions", {
  method: "POST",
  headers: {
    "anchor-api-key": "YOUR_API_KEY",
    "Content-Type": "application/json",
  },
  body: JSON.stringify({
    'headless': false,
    'proxy': {
      'type': 'residential',
      'country': 'US'
    }
  }),
});

const { id } = await response.json();
const connectionString = `wss://connect.anchorbrowser.io?apiKey=YOUR_API_KEY&sessionId=${id}`;

const browser = await chromium.connectOverCDP(connectionString);
const context = browser.contexts()[0];
const ai = context.serviceWorkers()[0];
const page = context.pages()[0];

// Navigate to Accela
await page.goto("https://yourcity.accela.com/");

// Login with AI agent
await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
  prompt: 'Log in to Accela using the provided credentials. Complete any security verification steps and wait for the dashboard to fully load.'
}));

Processing Land Management Applications

Automate land development application processing:

const processLandManagementApplications = async (page, ai, dateRange) => {
  // Navigate to land management section
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: 'Navigate to the Land Management or Development Services section in Accela'
  }));
  
  // Filter by date range
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: `Filter applications from ${dateRange.start} to ${dateRange.end}`
  }));
  
  // Export pending applications
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: 'Export all pending land management applications including: application number, applicant name, parcel number, application type, submission date, status, and required documents. Select CSV format.'
  }));
  
  const download = await page.waitForEvent('download');
  const path = await download.path();
  
  return path;
};

Processing License Applications

Automate license application processing:

const processLicenseApplications = async (page, ai, licenseType) => {
  // Navigate to licensing section
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: 'Navigate to the Licensing section in Accela'
  }));
  
  // Filter by license type
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: `Filter licenses by type: ${licenseType}`
  }));
  
  // Export license applications
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: 'Export license applications including: license number, applicant name, license type, application date, status, expiration date, and fees. Export as CSV.'
  }));
  
  const download = await page.waitForEvent('download');
  return await download.path();
};

Exporting Code Enforcement Data

Export code enforcement case data:

const exportCodeEnforcementData = async (page, ai, dateRange) => {
  // Navigate to code enforcement section
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: 'Navigate to the Code Enforcement section in Accela'
  }));
  
  // Filter by date range
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: `Filter code enforcement cases from ${dateRange.start} to ${dateRange.end}`
  }));
  
  // Export code enforcement data
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: 'Export code enforcement cases including: case number, property address, parcel number, violation type, inspection date, compliance status, fines, resolution date, and geographic coordinates (latitude/longitude). Export as CSV.'
  }));
  
  const download = await page.waitForEvent('download');
  return await download.path();
};

Syncing with GIS Systems

Sync code enforcement data with GIS systems:

const syncToGIS = async (page, ai, codeEnforcementData) => {
  // Export data in GIS-compatible format
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: 'Export code enforcement data in a format compatible with GIS systems. Include: case number, address, coordinates, violation type, status, and dates. Export as GeoJSON or CSV with coordinates.'
  }));
  
  const download = await page.waitForEvent('download');
  const gisData = await download.path();
  
  // Process and sync with GIS system
  const gisRecords = await parseGISData(gisData);
  
  for (const record of gisRecords) {
    // Sync with GIS system via API or file import
    await syncToGISSystem(record);
  }
  
  return gisRecords;
};

Exporting Parcel Data

Export parcel and property information:

const exportParcelData = async (page, ai, parcelNumbers) => {
  // Navigate to parcel search
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: 'Navigate to the Parcel Search or Property Information section'
  }));
  
  const parcelData = [];
  
  for (const parcelNumber of parcelNumbers) {
    // Search for parcel
    await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
      prompt: `Search for parcel number ${parcelNumber}`
    }));
    
    // Extract parcel information
    await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
      prompt: 'Extract parcel information including: parcel number, address, owner, zoning, land use, acreage, and geographic coordinates. Save this information.'
    }));
    
    // Extract data from page
    const parcelInfo = await page.evaluate(() => {
      // Extract parcel data from DOM
      return {
        parcelNumber: document.querySelector('.parcel-number')?.textContent,
        address: document.querySelector('.address')?.textContent,
        coordinates: {
          lat: document.querySelector('.latitude')?.textContent,
          lng: document.querySelector('.longitude')?.textContent
        }
      };
    });
    
    parcelData.push(parcelInfo);
    
    // Add delay between parcels
    await page.waitForTimeout(2000);
  }
  
  return parcelData;
};

Scheduling Inspections

Automate inspection scheduling:

const scheduleInspection = async (page, ai, inspectionData) => {
  // Navigate to inspections section
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: 'Navigate to the Inspections section in Accela'
  }));
  
  // Create new inspection
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: 'Click the Schedule New Inspection button'
  }));
  
  // Fill inspection details
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: `Schedule an inspection with the following details:
    - Permit/Application Number: ${inspectionData.applicationNumber}
    - Inspection Type: ${inspectionData.inspectionType}
    - Requested Date: ${inspectionData.requestedDate}
    - Inspector: ${inspectionData.inspectorName}
    - Contact Information: ${inspectionData.contactInfo}
    - Notes: ${inspectionData.notes || 'None'}
    
    Select the first available time slot on the requested date, or the next available date if the requested date is full.`
  }));
  
  // Confirm scheduling
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: 'Review the inspection details and click Confirm or Schedule to complete the scheduling'
  }));
  
  // Wait for confirmation
  await page.waitForSelector('.confirmation, .success-message', { timeout: 10000 });
  
  return true;
};

Rescheduling Inspections

Automate inspection rescheduling:

const rescheduleInspection = async (page, ai, inspectionNumber, newDate) => {
  // Navigate to inspection
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: `Search for and open inspection ${inspectionNumber}`
  }));
  
  // Reschedule
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: `Click Reschedule and select a new date: ${newDate}. Choose an available time slot and confirm the rescheduling.`
  }));
  
  return true;
};

Exporting Inspection Schedules

Export inspection schedule data:

const exportInspectionSchedule = async (page, ai, dateRange) => {
  // Navigate to inspections calendar
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: 'Navigate to the Inspections Calendar or Schedule view'
  }));
  
  // Set date range
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: `Set the calendar view to show inspections from ${dateRange.start} to ${dateRange.end}`
  }));
  
  // Export schedule
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: 'Export the inspection schedule including: inspection number, permit/application number, inspection type, scheduled date and time, inspector name, status, and location. Export as CSV or Excel.'
  }));
  
  const download = await page.waitForEvent('download');
  return await download.path();
};

Exporting Building Permits

Export building permit data:

const exportBuildingPermits = async (page, ai, dateRange) => {
  // Navigate to building permits
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: 'Navigate to the Building Permits section'
  }));
  
  // Filter by date range
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: `Filter building permits from ${dateRange.start} to ${dateRange.end}`
  }));
  
  // Export permit data
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: 'Export building permit data including: permit number, applicant name, property address, permit type, issue date, expiration date, status, valuation, and associated inspections. Export as CSV.'
  }));
  
  const download = await page.waitForEvent('download');
  return await download.path();
};

Exporting Plan Review Data

Export plan review information:

const exportPlanReviewData = async (page, ai, permitNumber) => {
  // Navigate to specific permit
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: `Search for and open building permit ${permitNumber}`
  }));
  
  // Navigate to plan review section
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: 'Navigate to the Plan Review section of the permit'
  }));
  
  // Export plan review data
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: 'Export plan review information including: review number, reviewer name, review type, submission date, review date, status, comments, and required corrections. Export as CSV or PDF.'
  }));
  
  const download = await page.waitForEvent('download');
  return await download.path();
};

Syncing with External Systems

Export data for integration with external systems:

const syncToExternalSystem = async (page, ai, caseData) => {
  // Export data for external system sync
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: 'Navigate to the Export or Integration section'
  }));
  
  // Export in format compatible with external system
  await ai.evaluate(JSON.stringify({
    prompt: 'Export case data in the format required for external system integration. Include all necessary fields for syncing with GIS, financial systems, or other government platforms.'
  }));
  
  const download = await page.waitForEvent('download');
  return await download.path();
};

Best Practices

• Security: Use secure credential storage and enable proper handling for multi-factor authentication and government security requirements
• Rate Limiting: Add appropriate delays between requests (5-10 seconds) to avoid triggering security flags or account restrictions
• Data Validation: Verify exported data completeness and accuracy before processing or syncing with external systems
• Error Handling: Implement comprehensive retry logic for transient failures, network issues, and temporary system unavailability
• Compliance: Ensure data handling meets government regulations, building codes, and platform terms of service
• GIS Integration: Validate geographic coordinates and ensure data format compatibility when syncing with GIS systems
• Audit Trail: Maintain detailed logs of all automated actions for compliance and accountability
• Session Management: Handle session timeouts gracefully and implement automatic re-authentication for long-running workflows
• Data Privacy: Follow proper data privacy protocols when handling citizen information and property records

Resources

• Anchor Browser Documentation - Complete API reference and guides
• Anchor Browser Playground - Try browser automation in your browser

Conclusion

Browser automation provides a flexible and reliable alternative to API access for Accela data export and workflow automation. By leveraging intelligent browser agents, you can automate comprehensive government case management workflows that aren't easily achievable through manual processes or limited API access. Whether you need to automate land management and licensing workflows, sync code enforcement data with GIS systems, automate inspection scheduling, or export building permit data, browser automation enables efficient operations for government agencies using Accela.

Start automating your Accela workflows today and streamline your government case management operations!