Industry Insights: Operations management technology

Chuck Wright, senior project manager for Dude Solutions

Government Product News (GPN): How has your industry’s involvement with the public sector evolved over the past few years?

Chuck Wright (CW): Providing technology and solutions for operations management continues to evolve past isolated applications that are specific to a single task or department. The public sector continues to grow in their use of a technology and expects solutions to be part of an ever-growing connected ecosystem. So it’s no longer enough to provide a tool, we also need to make sure that it can take advantage of GIS data, provides Web APIs to connect to other systems and incorporates mobile technology for an ever-connected, 24/7 world.

GPN: What are some new innovations that have been integrated into your industry’s products recently?

CW: We are seeing mobile technology increasingly being utilized in the day-to-day operations of all aspects of the public sector. The advantages of having data at your fingertips is undeniable. Being able to know the precise location of assets, their work and inspection history, and what parts are available in your storeroom or truck enhance the ability of employees to serve their citizens in an efficient manner. This enhanced service directly impacts the quality of life in our communities.

GPN: What is the biggest misunderstanding/myth that you think public sector professionals may believe about doing business with your industry or using your industry’s products?

A: Many professionals in the public sector feel that the problems they are trying to solve in their communities are unique, and that this causes operations management solutions to be difficult to implement. The fact of the matter is that while there may be some nuanced differences between communities, the vast majority of their needs can be addressed by following best practices. By following those practices, getting solutions off the ground and running can be a quick and relatively easy process.

GPN: What should local government professionals consider most when buying and/or using products within your industry?

CW: Technology changes and moves so quickly that the single most important thing to consider is the amount of innovation that the supplier is bringing. It takes continued investment to not be left behind in a technology related field.

GPN: What future developments can governments expect to see from this industry?

CW: Enhanced connectivity. As more and more assets become “smart”, tools like machine learning will be required to sift through the data and provide actionable recommendations for maintenance and operations. This will be translated to just-in-time repairs using predictive maintenance, enhanced capital planning and the ability to have employees do the most impactful work of their lives.