Public sector workflows are becoming a much-needed part of local government, where streamlined services are required. With systems like Unit4, issues of finances, procurement, and HR can be streamlined for a citizen service that enhances the efficiency of governance. Here, we will examine how well Unit4 does with these kinds of workflows and whether it can deliver on the promises made for public sector services across various sizes and needs.
A Little About Unit 4
Public services and local governments are complex by their very nature. Today, these kinds of services struggle to meet the demands and needs of the people due to ineffective management. However, tools like Unit4 offer people-focused features for delivering workflows for efficiency rather than generic off-the-shelf products. In the public sector, Unit4 is in a unique position of being one of the most adaptable workflow tools that supposedly works straight out of the box.
The Pros of Unit4 Workflow Services
When you need high-quality workflows that enhance your services, they must be reliable and relevant to what the service requires. Fortunately, Unit4 delivers on many fronts to include most of the features local and public sectors require. Here are some of the best pros of the tool.
Built-in domain relevance
The whole point of the tool is to make things easier, and this is evident with domain relevance built in. From budgeting grants to procurement compliance and workforce planning constraints, it is easier to develop the workflows needed, even from a blank slate within the feature set.
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Integration of functions
The features of the tool make it a smoother choice over some competitors. Through integrated functions, you can tie usually separate workflows together, such as finance, procurement, and HR. This results in fewer silos and easier hand-offs between government departments.
Easy scaling features
Like most required tools today, Unit4 is built on the SaaS cloud model. While this is a novel approach for some, it offers many advantages. For instance, scaling becomes much simpler, whether up or down, and allows for easy updates and integration across multiple regions.
Adaptable and agile services
Public sector organizations are always evolving and changing, and making changes to IT systems can be a nightmare. However, a tool like Unit4 with cloud systems departmental resizing, reorganization, and policy shifting is much smoother when managing changes.
Strong UX support
Unlike some similar services, Unit4 places an emphasis on user experience. This includes usability, role-based interface, and adoption support. What this means for public sector services is a much smoother transition when developing workflows, especially in larger organizations.
Some Cons of Unit4
In the UK alone, local governments lose up to £7.3 billion per year to fraud and waste, according to the Local Government Association. With team productivity tools and bespoke public sector workflows, local services can be streamlined, but there are some cons to consider.
It can be hard to learn
While Unit4 aims to be as user-friendly as possible, there is a learning curve. The domain-based nature of the tool means that specific onboarding can take some time. This is especially evident within public domain bodies not accustomed to the ins and outs of enterprise resource planning.
Requires configuration
There isn’t really a one-size-fits-all approach to governmental and public sector tools. Of course, Unit4 requires configuration in order to adapt workflows to specific local policies and rules. This can take some time and expertise, with the possibility of taking away required consultancy time.
Can be costly
While tools like Unit4 are cost-effective for larger services, small localities might find the costs higher than they are willing to pay or even afford based on their budgets. Licensing, implementation, configuration, and maintenance costs can be more than some alternative tools.
Possible dependency risk
While the tool is highly adaptable, workflows can become baked into Unit4 templates. What this means for consumers is that the system can become dependent on the tool for various features. For example, you can become reliant on Unit4 for updates, internal changes, and extensions.
Legacy integration issues
As a modern tool using many 21st-century systems, there is the chance of overlap with legacy systems. For example, many public institutions rely on older and outdated systems. These can pose an integration challenge with modern cloud-based toolsets and features such as Unit4.
Unit4 Public Sector Workflows Features
So, that’s a quick rundown of Unit4 and what it can offer for local government and public sector workflows across the board. As a quick recap, here are some of the best thematics that Unit4 offers, so you can consider whether it is the right tool for meeting your public service needs:
- Excellent workflows for budgeting and grants within public sector services.
- Unit4 offers a well-rounded service that includes excellent procurement features.
- The software makes it easy to plan organizational change and workforce planning.
- Built-in tools for performance reporting, analytics, and planning across dashboards.
- Workflows can be structured around service delivery and how it impacts citizens.
FAQs About Unit4
Unit4 is a complex tool with many moving parts. Naturally, there are questions that potential customers have about the system, especially given the extent of the impact it can make. So, here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the tools and features of Unit4.
How purpose-built are Unit4 workflows?
While not every nuance of a specific public body is present with Unit4, the tool allows for highly customisable workflows for services such as budgeting, policies, and procurement.
Can workflows adapt to policy changes?
If there’s one thing that makes Unit4 worth it, it’s adaptability. All workflows are highly configurable, allowing public institutions to make changes with minimal overall disruption.
What organizations is Unit4 best for?
While small councils will benefit from Unit4, it is best recommended for medium to large public bodies, as the cost can become higher, but easily manageable for bodies with the resources.
Summary
With built-in domain relevance for public sector workflows, Unit4 offers a complete solution that medium to large public bodies can easily integrate into existing HR, procurement, and reporting systems. However, small public institutions might struggle with certain features and requirements. This includes installation, maintenance, and the onboarding and training of users.
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