Government agencies rely on software to deliver critical services, but many systems are outdated and difficult to maintain. Aging technology slows down operations, increases security risks, and makes it harder to meet the needs of citizens and employees.
As demands grow and regulations evolve, agencies must modernize to stay efficient and responsive. This article outlines five strategies to help government organizations update their software, improve service delivery, and build systems that can adapt to the future.
Decades of experience working with government agencies have demonstrated that process is the foundation of government operations. From managing public benefits to issuing permits and licenses to procuring goods and services, process is where the work happens and value is created. To maximize the impact of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation, agencies should consider these five strategies for successful modernization:
Embedding AI and automation in processes to streamline operations
With many agencies experiencing resource constraints, AI and automation technologies can take on much of the manual work once done by people. But many agencies have tried AI and not seen the transformational impact they expected.
The issue is not AI itself — it’s how AI is used. AI needs a structured environment to deliver tangible value. Without an orchestrated process, AI is just an intelligent assistant, not the active contributor to mission outcomes agencies need.
The key to unlocking AI’s full potential is embedding it inside an enterprise process. When AI operates within structured workflows, it gains purpose, governance and accountability — all essential for ensuring AI not only enhances productivity but also operates safely and ethically.
Consolidate acquisition systems in a modern solution
Agencies have too many outdated acquisition systems. They really only need one.
Modern acquisition solutions connect to existing systems and bring all procurement data into a dashboard view. They let you search across multiple websites in seconds and automatically comb results to show you only what’s most valuable. And with generative AI, you can instantly create procurement documents and find answers to your questions with AI copilots and chatbots.
Automated acquisition software helps agencies with everything from requirements management to market research to contract writing. And it makes sure your processes are always compliant with current regulations.
With everything today’s technology offers government acquisition teams, there’s no reason agencies should be running on slow, disconnected procurement systems.
Reuse low-code applications across agencies
Efficiency and agility go hand in hand. Low-code software platforms make government IT teams more agile by enabling object and code reuse. These platforms allow agencies to build applications faster by reusing prebuilt components.
With this modular development approach, agencies can build government off-the-shelf applications. GOTS solutions are easily shared with other agencies and can be customized to meet their needs. They save costs by letting agencies across the government take advantage of individual development investments.
And agile software development practices complement the speed of low-code. Agencies still using rigid traditional approaches should shift to agile methodologies to take advantage of new technology.
Connect legacy ERPs to new technology infrastructure with an agility layer
Enterprise resource planning systems are at the center of government operations. But over time, costly customizations make upgrades difficult.
An agility layer solves this by acting as a flexible bridge between ERPs and modern applications. It enables new capabilities — like automation and AI — without altering the core system. This keeps ERPs clean, making modernization much easier.
With an agility layer, agencies can quickly adapt to changing needs and integrate real-time data without relying on outdated customizations.
Use process intelligence for continuous improvement
Process intelligence is a better way of thinking about software improvement. Unlike the traditional build and maintain model, process intelligence continuously monitors, analyzes and improves application performance in real time.
Process intelligence proactively detects inefficiencies and recommends actions to improve them. It ensures applications remain aligned with mission objectives without requiring extensive rework or disruptive overhauls.
Process defines the future of government
These five strategies provide a structured framework for modernizing government software and technology. By embedding AI in workflows, consolidating acquisition systems, leveraging low-code development, integrating ERP systems with an agility layer and adopting process intelligence, agencies can drive meaningful modernization.
As digital transformation efforts continue, a process-first approach will be essential in delivering sustainable improvements that enhance public service delivery and operational resilience. Agencies that focus on process efficiency will be better positioned to meet future challenges and deliver greater value to the public.
Jason Adolf is the vice president of Global Public Sector Vertical, Appian
