Reshaping employment services at a national level

This is how we helped a national placement center improve services for over a thousand people with Near Partner and OutSystems.

In every tech project, words like “agility” and “efficiency” get thrown around a lot. So much, it is easy to start calling people “users” and forget the end goal: actually making life easier and less menial. We were recently asked by the National Placement Centre of a northern European country to do just that: improve their internal application so their team could focus on actually helping more people, rather than spending countless hours on admin tasks. Here’s their story. 

Overview

Our client is dedicated to overseeing the labour market within the region. Their primary focus revolves around aiding unemployed individuals or those reliant on subsidies, along with supporting newly established businesses through governmental grants.  

The Challenge

The Placement Center faced a problem with their existing application: the old system, while functional, lacked the agility to keep pace with the department’s evolving needs. From managing grant applications to ensuring data privacy and security, the outdated application fell short on multiple fronts.  

Moreover, its dependency on third-party maintenance left the government without the autonomy to change and improve the system. With an impending contract expiration adding pressure, they turned to us for a solution that offered modernization and the in-house control they craved. 

The solution  

Our approach involved a new an internal application tailored to meet the department’s diverse needs, ranging from citizen support requests to employment project management and task coordination across teams. To do so, we used OutSystems, a leading low-code development platform which allowed us to ensure: 

• GDPR compliance, data deletion and accessibility. We ensured adherence to data privacy regulations, bolstering data security and consent management, and built automated data purge mechanisms in compliance with regulatory requirements. This guaranteed conformity to government accessibility standards. 

• Audit trail. We implemented a robust system for tracking data modifications and access, facilitating legal compliance. 

• Dashboard. Our team designed a centralized overview of pending tasks and progress, fostering efficiency. 

• Ad Hoc reports. We empowered users with a user-friendly tool for generating customized reports tailored to their needs. 

• Template manager. By standardizing the document creation process, we also enhanced efficiency and consistency. 

• Data migration. New secure ways of safeguarding historical data meant backups were readily available. 

• Internal team management. The project was innovative in introducing scheduling and interview features, fortified with data protection measures. 

• Integration with Gov Notify and address pointer. We automated letter issuance system for seamless communication with citizens and improved address management capabilities. 

From conceptualization to execution, our journey towards modernization spanned 1.5 years. The project was completed on time without compromising on quality or functionality.

Results

With these revamped support services powered by OutSystems, we successfully catered to the needs of 1400 people. By simplifying complex procedures and standardizing workflows, we were able to improve efficiency within the department. Tasks that once bogged down operations are now seamlessly executed, resulting in significant gains in productivity. 

Through uniform processes and enhanced security measures, we’ve instilled trust and confidence in the system, fostering stronger relationships between the government and its constituents. With the sensitive nature of citizen data at stake, security and scalability were non-negotiable. Our solution not only prioritized data security but also ensured scalability to accommodate future growth and demand, laying a robust foundation for years to come. 

Last but not the least, behind every successful project is a motivated team driving it forward. By simplifying processes and providing tools for streamlined collaboration, we’ve cultivated a culture of innovation and empowerment within the department.  

Near Partner, your partner for the future  

Whether you’re facing similar challenges or boarding on a unique journey of your own, we’re here to help. Our team, armed with the latest technology and a passion for innovation, is ready to turn your vision into reality. Don’t let outdated systems or complex processes hold you back. Reach out today!  

 

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