A Revolution in Digitalization of Public Services
In an era where digitalization is advancing in all areas of life, public administration also faces the challenge of modernizing its processes and becoming more efficient. Low-code platforms offer a promising solution to this challenge. These innovative systems enable employees without extensive programming knowledge to develop and customize applications, marking a decisive step towards digital transformation.
What is Low Code?
Low-code development is an approach to software creation that minimizes the need for hand-written code. Instead, low-code platforms use visual development environments where applications can be created by dragging and dropping pre-fabricated components – simply put: a building block system. This enables faster application development, easy automation of workflows, and reduces dependency on specialized developers. By eliminating complex codes, new solutions can be developed without the need to bring in third-party vendors. This not only brings cost savings but also offers a new level of flexibility.
AI Assistants Support Employees
An essential advantage of using low-code platforms is the integration of artificial intelligence into existing work processes. AI assistants, such as those offered by low-code platforms like UNOY, support with their capabilities in workflows, contribute to cost and effort reduction, and thus increase efficiency. They are not meant to replace employees. The use of AI assistants is much more about saving valuable resources to be able to use them purposefully elsewhere. While AI assistants are primarily used for handling quantitative processes, employees can focus on improving quality.
Advantages of Low Code in Administration
- Uncomplicated Digitalization: Low-code platforms enable authorities to digitize processes faster and respond flexibly to changing requirements.
- Cost Savings: By reducing the need for specialized developers and shortening development times, significant costs can be saved. The automation of work processes through the use of AI assistants also saves not only time but also money in the long run.
- Process Optimization: The main focus when using AI assistants is on optimizing administrative processes, taking over repetitive tasks, or creating documents based on collected data. These and other processes can be easily digitized and optimized thanks to low code, leading to a significant increase in efficiency and time savings.
- Citizen-Friendliness: By using low-code solutions, authorities can develop citizen-friendly applications faster. AI assistants support, for example, in rapid data collection, creation of online forms, or function as chatbots to answer repetitive questions.
Challenges and Solution Approaches
Despite the many advantages, there are also challenges in using low-code systems in administration:
- Data Protection and Security: Authorities sometimes work with sensitive, often personal data. Careful protection of this data is essential. Users of low-code platforms must ensure that the developed applications comply with strict data protection guidelines. At this point, the selection of low-code platforms with integrated security features already helps. Digitalization brings progress but also offers new attack surfaces for cybercrime. A sophisticated system for defense against hacker attacks, as well as regular training of employees, contribute significantly to data protection and security.
- Integration into Existing Systems: Low-code applications and AI assistants should represent a meaningful addition to existing systems and be integrated into existing work processes as uncomplicated as possible. To ensure a smooth transition, a step-by-step introduction is recommended. In addition, when selecting the appropriate low-code solution, attention should be paid to low-threshold integration possibilities.
- Employee Training: The introduction of low-code solutions must absolutely involve active employee engagement. Since the work of IT experts is not necessarily required, the expertise about low-code systems must be transferred to existing employees. Investment in comprehensive training programs and continuous education of the own team are of central importance. Successful digital transformation requires a rethinking of the entire company and must be supported by every individual.
Successful Examples from Practice
- Chatbots for Citizen Services: Several Austrian cities have introduced AI-supported chatbots to answer citizen inquiries quickly and efficiently.
- Predictive Maintenance: AI systems are used in infrastructure management to identify potential problems early and optimize maintenance work.
- Automated Document Processing: AI algorithms help in analyzing and categorizing administrative documents, significantly reducing processing times.
Conclusion and Outlook
Low-code systems offer public administration a promising opportunity to advance digitalization and optimize processes. By combining user-friendliness, flexibility, and efficiency, authorities can improve their services while reducing costs. It is expected that the use of low code in administration will continue to increase in the coming years, leading to a more modern and citizen-friendly public administration.
To successfully shape this change, it is important that authorities develop a clear strategy for the use of low code, invest in training their employees, and select the right platforms that meet both the security requirements and the specific needs of public administration.
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