Title: Bavarian Government Struggles to Implement Online Access Act, Hindering Digital Transformation
Date: June 23, 2023
In January of this year, Bavarian citizens were met with closed official doors, not due to a strike, but because of the Online Access Act (OZG). The act aimed to enable users to carry out administrative services electronically. However, the implementation of online access has been incomplete, missing its target.
While it is important to acknowledge the efforts made by the public sector to address this issue, it remains unclear whether all ideas are truly promoting digital transformation. Merely providing forms accessible on the internet, which users have to print, sign, scan, and send electronically, does not constitute a true digital transformation, even if artificial intelligence is used to read the forms.
The goal of digital transformation should be to develop processes that leverage new technological possibilities, rather than adapting technology to outdated processes. This includes direct exchange of data generated by machines between machines.
The digital transformation is not just a technological trend, but a prerequisite for efficient data management. Without digitization, initiatives such as the electricity turnaround, heat turnaround, mobility turnaround, or circular economy will fail. Moreover, digital transformation is a response to the shortage of skilled workers, as better data leads to more informed decision-making.
Implementing digital processes securely and error-free requires significant effort. It is crucial to let go of outdated practices and embrace the transition to digital. The OZG had planned a five-year transition period after its publication, but it becomes problematic when each local authority pursues its own path in the long term.
While it may be forgivable for local citizens if services are offered on different portals or with different access methods in various communities, it becomes a significant challenge for companies. Having to deliver documents in different formats or channels to each local authority makes the digital world more complicated than the analog one. The simplicity of the traditional paper, pen, and mailbox system is lost.
In the construction industry, it is essential for the public sector, acting as the client or approval authority, to integrate itself into nationwide uniform digital processes. This includes planning, approval, tendering, billing, and documentation. Consistent digital data processing is the foundation for Building Information Modeling (BIM), which visualizes data for people. While it is commendable that the public sector aims to implement BIM projects, demanding media breaks during implementation, such as handwritten corrections on BIM models, hinders progress and increases costs for planning and executing companies.
For successful digital transformation, not only consistent data processing but also data availability is crucial. Open data, which allows free access while respecting data protection and intellectual property, is key to driving economic impulses through digitization.
Recognizing the interdependence between digital and ecological transformation, the construction industry has initiated Sustainable Bavaria in collaboration with the Bavarian Chamber of Engineers for Construction.
It is imperative for the Bavarian government to address the challenges hindering the implementation of the Online Access Act and prioritize a comprehensive digital transformation. Only then can the benefits of digitization be fully realized, leading to more efficient and informed decision-making processes, economic growth, and a sustainable future.
How can a unified and comprehensive approach to implementing the Online Access Act help Bavaria fully embrace digital transformation and realize its benefits
Article Title: The Bavarian Government’s Struggle to Implement the Online Access Act Hinders Digital Transformation Efforts
Date: June 23, 2023
In January of this year, Bavarian citizens faced inconvenience as the implementation of the Online Access Act (OZG) fell short of its goal in enabling users to carry out administrative services electronically. The incomplete implementation of online access has hindered the much-needed digital transformation in the region.
While the public sector’s efforts to address this issue deserve recognition, it is crucial to evaluate whether these initiatives truly promote digital transformation. Simply providing accessible forms on the internet that require users to print, sign, scan, and send electronically does not lead to a genuine digital transformation, even if artificial intelligence is involved in processing these forms.
Instead, the focus should be on developing processes that leverage new technological possibilities and facilitate the direct exchange of data between machines. True digital transformation goes beyond being a technological trend; it is a vital prerequisite for efficient data management. Without digitization, crucial initiatives like the electricity turnaround, heat turnaround, mobility turnaround, or circular economy will fall short. Furthermore, digital transformation is key to addressing the shortage of skilled workers, as better data enables more informed decision-making.
Implementing secure and error-free digital processes requires significant effort. It is imperative to let go of outdated practices and embrace the transition to digital systems. While the OZG had planned for a five-year transition period after its publication, challenges arise when each local authority adopts its own long-term approach.
In order to fully embrace digital transformation and realize its benefits, a unified and comprehensive approach to implementing the Online Access Act is essential. Only then can Bavaria truly harness the power of technology and foster a digital-ready society.
Great article highlighting the importance of fully implementing the Online Access Act. The challenges discussed provide valuable insights into the potential roadblocks faced in achieving digital transformation. However, the article also emphasizes the opportunities that lie ahead for enhancing online accessibility. A must-read for those interested in driving inclusive digital revolution.