The advantages of front-end digitisation in the public sector
With countless digital transformation efforts in the public sector well underway, the rise in mobile application and eForm use is hard to ignore – but what exactly are the benefits? This edition of Tech Bytes focusses on the advantages of revolutionary front-end systems within NHS and healthcare, local government, housing, policing and education sectors.
Uplifting existing processes
As many soon discover, completely redefining a legacy process isn’t always the most feasible (or even beneficial) approach to take. Luckily, with the use of digitisation tools such as eForms and mobile apps, an existing process can be completely revolutionised without wholesale changes to the back office. Avoiding the removal of legacy systems and existing processes, we can enable a modern and user-friendly method of collecting and sharing information.
Removing restrictions
Many public sector organisations implement mobile applications and eForms for their teams on the frontlines, often across remote working environments. For example, as council officers working out in the community, or nurses collecting information from patients across wards. Both mobile apps and eForms remove paper-based recording risks and limitations – mobile apps can be used anywhere, and eForms can be accessible through any secure browser.
Unlocking new possibilities
Digital working can unlock a whole host of new opportunities – whether that be extended methods of data capture, or the ability to futureproof essential correspondence from the general public. With mobile apps, we can easily upload rich new formats – such as videos, photos and even GPS coordinates. Similarly with eForms, we can greatly expand our reach, allowing recipients to provide information from anywhere with internet access.
Improving data practices
Both mobile app and eForm interfaces can be specifically designed to ensure clean and congruent data is captured across the board. Features such as formatted and mandatory fields, drop down options and checkboxes all restrict the user’s ability to input incorrect information. In turn, this automatically promotes improved data accuracy. Data security is also bolstered by these technologies – with the whole NDL Digital Transformation Suite subject to specialist encryption – and the reduction of data loss and GDPR risks, especially when replacing a paper-based process.
Increasing engagement
While mobile apps and eForms might be a new introduction to your public sector organisation, it’s safe to say the general population is already well versed in these technologies commercially. Outside of public services, front-end digitisation is essentially the norm – the familiarity and convenience of these practices often results in a more engaged end-user, be that the general population or your own teams.
Optimising time and resources
Frontline digitisation can improve the organisation of resources in a number of ways – from the ability to provide better reporting statistics, to the streamlining of steps required in a single process. Especially when replacing a previously paper-based task, it’s exceptionally common to see significant reductions in overall completion time. Relieving some of the administrative demands from those working hard on the frontlines, digitisation can certainly make room for the tasks that really matter.
Flexibility and adaptable working
Especially when created within NDL’s own platforms, mobile apps and eForms can be extremely easy to adapt, change and replicate whenever required. During uncertain circumstances – such as the pandemic – it’s a great advantage to remain agile within your working processes.
To find out how front-end digitisation could benefit your organisation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of the team. To see mobile apps and eForms in action, take a look at the case studies below – or find even more inspiration over on the Success Stories page.
