In an exclusive interview with TimesTech, Praveen Tomar, Head of Process Digitisation (Data and AI) at Ofgem, discusses how low-code automation can revolutionize the UK public sector, addressing challenges and enhancing efficiency through innovative solutions.
Read the full interview here:
TimesTech: What is low-code automation, and how can it benefit organisations?
Praveen: Low-code automation is revolutionizing the way businesses develop and deploy applications. By providing a user-friendly and efficient approach to application development, low-code platforms enable organisations to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver exceptional customer experiences.
TimesTech: What are the key challenges faced by the UK public sectors?
Praveen: The UK public sector faces several challenges in adopting automation, including budget constraints, outdated IT systems (we are still using IBM lotus notes and old Oracle HCM, SharePoint 2013 and many custom build legacy systems etc.), and data security concerns. Workforce resistance, complex procurement processes, and interdepartmental silos further complicate implementation. Additionally, meeting citizen expectations, ensuring policy compliance, and maintaining scalability are critical.
Promoting innovation and modernisation within the public sector is essential to overcoming these hurdles and achieving efficient, user-friendly services. Addressing these issues requires strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
TimesTech: How can low-code technologies help overcome or address these challenges?
Praveen: Low-code technologies like Microsoft Power Platform, UI Path, Blueprism and Mendix (many more) help the UK public sector overcome challenges by reducing development costs and simplifying integration with legacy systems. These platforms offer built-in security features and compliance tools, ensuring data protection and regulatory adherence. By empowering non-technical staff to develop solutions, low-code platforms reduce workforce resistance and training needs. They accelerate procurement processes, foster interdepartmental collaboration, and enable rapid development of user-friendly applications, improving public satisfaction. These technologies provide tools to easily update applications in line with changing policies, ensure scalability and flexibility, and encourage innovation through quick prototyping and iteration, enhancing overall efficiency and service delivery.
TimesTech: What steps are involved in starting a low-code digitisation program?
Praveen: I would suggest a simple 4 stage approach:
4a. Set the Objective and Get Management Buy-In: Clearly define the goals and secure support from management.
4b. Build Proof of Concepts: Develop proofs of concept using different tools and technologies, then assess and select the best-suited one for the organisation.
4c. Set Up a Centre of Excellence (COE) and Scale it up: Conduct a top-down process portfolio assessment to identify low-code automation opportunities, create an opportunity heat map, and prioritize based on impact and development effort.
4d. Develop a Communication and Change Management Plan: Create a plan for show-and-tell sessions with wider teams to showcase success stories and demonstrate value. Establish proper change management processes to address employee fear and anxiety.
TimesTech: What lessons have I learned from my previous experience in low-code technologies/automation, and what pitfalls should be avoided?
Praveen: From previous experiences with low-code technologies and automation, key lessons include starting with small projects, engaging stakeholders early, investing in continuous training (skill gap), adopting an iterative approach, and setting clear objectives. Pitfalls to avoid are underestimating integration complexity, neglecting governance, lacking clear communication, insufficient testing, and ignoring change management. By applying these lessons and avoiding common mistakes, organisations can effectively implement low-code solutions and maximize their benefits
