In our fast-paced, customer-centric world, the public has grown accustomed to having their needs met on their own terms and on their own time \u2013 whenever, wherever, or however that may be.<\/p>\n
Online shopping and banking have changed the game when it comes to customer experiences. Users can transfer funds, track their shipment, or even chat with customer service representatives in real time, whether from the comfort of their home or while on-the-go. When it comes to customer engagement, the private sector has set the bar high and citizens want the same experience with their government. Government organizations are struggling to keep pace.<\/p>\n
Agencies are feeling increasing pressure to innovate and improve the experience of local citizens through optimized resource allocation. But focusing on innovation is difficult in today\u2019s rapidly-evolving, technological landscape\u2014especially when you\u2019re required to overcome significant internal limitations.<\/p>\n
Day-to-day challenges are tough \u2013 finding time to innovate is even tougher.<\/strong><\/p>\n Today, most government organizations aren\u2019t equipped to provide the responsive services, mobile platforms, and user friendly experiences citizens have grown to expect in service-based interactions. However much they may want to modernize, these organizations find themselves held back by legacy systems, siloed technologies, limited resources, and tight budgets.<\/p>\n This often sparks confusion and frustration among the public and a loss of confidence in the government\u2019s ability to respond to their needs.<\/p>\n In order to improve services and gain an edge in today\u2019s digital world, public agencies should prioritize technologies that enable new digital service models and more effectively engage the public. Technology trends such as cloud, mobile, social media, and the Internet of Things present opportunities for innovation that will help bridge the gap between the organization\u2019s mission and the public\u2019s needs. Innovative governments are striving to digitally transform and offer openness and transparency to their citizens.<\/p>\n The AvePoint Citizen Services solution, built on Microsoft cloud technology, modernizes the service experience and enables agencies to optimize responses today, while better planning for tomorrow.<\/strong><\/p>\n AvePoint Citizen Services leverages Microsoft technology investments like Azure and Dynamics CRM to give cities the ability to provide information and deliver optimal service to citizens through multiple access channels, including mobile and social platforms. Agencies can layer in technologies over time, improving services with capabilities that are compatible with both new and existing infrastructures.<\/p>\n AvePoint Citizen Services provides a centralized portal where the public can easily submit service requests from anywhere, at any time, and on any device. Alternative solutions can be cumbersome and complex, but AvePoint Citizen Services has a familiar, easy-to-use interface that simplifies adoption.<\/p>\n By minimizing manual processes that drain time and resources, AvePoint Citizen Services improves service quality and public satisfaction. It provides a single pane of glass for managing isolated systems, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of human error.<\/p>\n Perhaps most critically, the insights gained from the advanced reporting capabilities of AvePoint Citizen Services enable rapid and precise identification of inefficiencies, so that agencies can reduce operating costs, streamline processes, and promote accountability between departments.<\/p>\n![\"Citizen_Services_Logo_275x130\"](\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/industry\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Citizen_Services_Logo_275x130.png\"){kind=logo}
\nNew technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning create opportunities for proactive government organizations.\u00a0 Sensors on city infrastructure can automatically alert repair crews to issues before they are apparent. Systems will learn to recognize patterns of potential problems before they become emergencies.<\/p>\n