The move towards e-government is already underway, as local and state authorities work to mirror the advancements of their private sector counterparts. The move toward this digital transformation is not without difficulties for CIOs whose Top 10 NASCIO priorities include the daunting tasks of legacy equipment upgrades, cybersecurity and data protection, cloud services and expanding wireless connectivity. CIOs must also grapple with staff recruitment and retention, a skills shortage and working within tight budgets, which limit their ability to meet staff and constituent expectations. Also, managing a wide array of premises – from courthouses and law enforcement centers to waste removal, libraries and social services – can be overwhelming due to the range of services and needs involved.
However, there is a tried and tested formula that could prove invaluable to state and local CIOs and the challenges they face; the hospitality industry has successfully invested in technology to enhance guest experiences, offering solutions that are both cost-effective and easy to manage and use. By sticking to the hospitality formula, CIOs can efficiently deploy e-government initiatives, address key NASCIO concerns and provide a connected and secure service for all properties.
1. Cybersafety and Data Protection
Tied for Number One alongside digitization of government services, maintaining network security is an extremely high priority for S&L government CIOs. With most in the process of executing Year 2 of the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, now is the perfect time to replace cumbersome, legacy technology with modern infrastructure that includes built-in firewalls to fortify government networks. This same technology is the backbone of hotel Wi-Fi that supports ubiquitous access for users while safeguarding against unauthorized access, all while eliminating the lag time and performance issues common with separate security appliances. This ensures fast, reliable connectivity to support everything from public programs at the library to live streaming public meetings to online constituent services. And, because the firewall and security features are built in, it eliminates the need for separate appliances, which reduces cost and administrative burden.
2. Efficient Bandwidth Management
With the push toward deploying Generative AI and machine learning gaining traction, adequate bandwidth is a major hurdle for local government CIOs. With most operating on aging technology, it’s already hard enough to balance the bandwidth demands of library guest users, for example, alongside staff video calls. Hotels have the same problem: when too many people return to their rooms after a long day, the network crawls to a near stop under the weight of so much traffic. That’s why many have turned to bandwidth provisioning and dynamic bandwidth allocation solutions to help mitigate this drag and balance the traffic. By balancing the load, these tools ensure everyone gets equal or appropriate access to the bandwidth they need. Access points can be programmed to automatically shift more bandwidth to certain areas based on real-time demand. Or admins can identify “hot zones” where bandwidth needs are greater and reshape the network for high-demand areas or special occasions like a community movie night at the city park or a staff training at the courthouse or city hall.
3. Automatic Authentication
Hotel properties are often a mix of public spaces like conference centers alongside guest-only access areas like rooms, fitness centers and more. Guests and visitors don’t want to have to sign in to the Wi-Fi network every time they walk in the door. But admins also need to control access so unauthorized users can’t steal bandwidth away from guests or hack into the hotel’s admin systems. S&L governments often face the same challenge, providing free Wi-Fi in public parks, the department of motor vehicles, town squares, libraries and even courthouse facilities for those doing real estate or genealogy research. But they also have an obligation to protect against bandwidth hogs so that guest users don’t impede official business or suspicious characters and don’t use the public Wi-Fi for nefarious purposes.
Wi-Fi authentication platforms provide the perfect solution, offering seamless, secure network access in just one or two steps and very little manual configuration for authorized users. The technology is designed to re-authenticate devices automatically each time they’re within range and block access for anyone not previously authorized on the network. That means tax office staff don’t have to spend the first 15 minutes of every workday trying to get logged into the network, but CIOs don’t have to worry about someone hacking into the voter registration system.
4. Energy Efficient Buildings
Efficient operations aren’t only about fast, convenient internet access–it’s also about maximizing building operations and maintenance efficiency. And these days, the CIO has an important role to play through integration of smart building technology that can help state and local governments meet both their environmental and economic goals.
For example, hoteliers have come to rely on real-time monitoring and controls for lighting and HVAC systems that automatically shut off lights or adjust guest room temperature when unoccupied or alert maintenance staff when it’s time for a bulb or filter replacement. Government facilities could benefit substantially from this technology, considering that many are unoccupied for nearly 16 hours a day. With integrated controls, IT departments can apply this same technology to reduce lighting and HVAC utilization and cost. Not to mention, preventative maintenance on essential equipment like HVAC systems is much more economical than major repairs.
5. Safety First for Staff
Between building maintenance, janitorial staff and public service personnel such as those in health departments, sanitation and wastewater facilities, child services and courtrooms, the risk of safety incidents range from simple falls or on-the-job injuries to outside safety threats. Hotel housekeeping, front desk, and maintenance staff face similar risks, and many properties have begun deploying push-button smart badges that let employees request help instantly, like a medical alert device. Using low-energy Bluetooth, these devices also provide fall detection and geolocation data so first responders can go quickly and directly to where they’re needed. When staff are alone with behavioral health clients in a meeting room, or cleaning staff work alone at night, these provide added peace of mind with help available at the click of a button.
The hospitality industry uses technology to deliver customer-focused and innovative experiences to engage and satisfy their guests. Local and state CIOs can follow hospitality’s lead by offering cost-effective, resilient e-government solutions, to connect both people and communities.
Why not get in touch to learn more?
Speleos Dravillas is Chief Revenue Officer and responsible for Nomadix’s go-to-market strategy and revenue growth through the execution of technology integration partnerships, strong channel and customer relationships, and industry alliances. He also is responsible for global sales and channel growth strategies and their plan executions.
This article first appeared in Government Technology Insider