If you’re a public sector leader, you probably don’t need me to convince you: The public sector has a data problem. Organizing the mountains of data you’ve accumulated and mining it for useful insights might seem like a nearly impossible task—Especially in government agencies, where you’re always under pressure to do more with less. At the same time, you’re under an equal amount of pressure to make data-driven, evidence-based decisions. And the pandemic has amped up the pressure exponentially. This is not a sustainable situation… Something has to give.
Fortunately, there are ways to take the pressure off so you can start scaling your data mountain with confidence. Now is the time to look to emerging technologies for solutions that work with your current IT investments. Specifically, these four that can help you overcome your data challenges and put it work: artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), data analytics and quantum-inspired computing.
AI arms you with real-time information
The citizen service mission is what counts in the public sector. To deliver on that mission, you need to inform your decisions with all available data. But with so many demands on your team, and so much data to mine, you have to make choices about how to use their time and skills.
AI and machine learning can help by automating the time-consuming work of processing volumes of data, freeing your staff for the higher-value activity of using that data to solve problems. We’re seeing municipalities use AI to monitor crowds to ensure safety and improve experiences, for example. They use digital surveillance for real-time head counts to enforce social distancing and redirect crowd flow to reduce wait times, flag unauthorized access and suspicious behaviors, and even alert security of signs and signals of a potential attack.
IoT gives you visibility and control
Using a network of sensors with two-way communication, IoT gives you eyes into your community from a central location, allowing you to direct your resources where and when they’re needed. For example, a municipal employee might follow a routine schedule to check fire hydrants, empty garbage cans and pick up leaves, whether or not the service is needed. But smart sensors will detect and alert you when something needs attention, so you only send personnel out when necessary.
Data analytics put your data to good use
Today’s networked technologies deliver a continuously growing and flowing stream of valuable data. But too little transparency, too many silos, restricted access, and issues with security and data governance make it nearly impossible to mine the data for insights. The need for a robust data analytics strategy is urgent—because analytics filter and organize the data, making it easy to glean actionable insights to guide your strategic decisions.
For example, throughout the pandemic, health departments have relied on dashboards to monitor, measure and track COVID-19 symptoms, positivity rates, and hospital and ICU bed availability. These analytics help the experts predict and prepare guidelines and actions for emergency, hospital, school, community and business leaders to keep everyone safe.
Quantum-inspired computing makes quick work of complex optimization
The public sector needs to be ambitious. Every decision should account for near-infinite volumes of ever-changing data. By harnessing the power of quantum-inspired computing, we can realize that ambition, optimizing the way government works to deliver tangible benefits to citizens, now.
Because quantum-inspired technology offers the mind-boggling ability to sift through a quintillion combinations of options and variables—far beyond the capability of current computers. Through technologies like the Fujitsu Digital Annealer, municipalities use this power to determine the optimal solutions for large-scale, complex problems.
For example, quantum-inspired computing is improving traffic flow and emergency response with real-time traffic-light synchronization in some cities. Even more relevant today, with its ability to continually calculate and optimize massive volumes of rapidly changing variables, quantum-inspired computing is helping streamline COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
Emerging technologies empower your people and citizens
The use cases for emerging technologies in the public sector are infinite—and infinitely exciting. Yet all the wildly different possible applications share the same objectives: using real-time data and insights to make the best use of your resources and create constantly improving experiences for your citizens.
