4 Things to Consider Before Switching Your Public Sector Software

It’s a situation nearly every public sector agency will encounter if it hasn’t already occurred. Either the contract for their current public sector software is about to expire, or that software is no longer up to the task of managing the organization. Either way, most agencies will at some point be faced with a choice of switching software or staying with their current vendor.

The process of switching your existing software can be daunting, with many factors to consider. Here are just a few:

1. Ease of Use and Deployment

Not having access to your software for even just a few hours can cause turmoil in your organization, and that turmoil is multiplied if it takes an extended period for staff to get up to speed on a new system. Imagine the dissatisfaction that will occur if payroll is delayed because of complications with the new system, or if citizen concerns can’t be addressed because systems are down during the switchover. Any new system needs to be deployed as quickly as possible, and staff needs to be comfortable using it on Day 1.

2. Functionality Based on Your Organization’s Needs

If you’re considering a switch, chances are your current software isn’t meeting your agency’s needs. Will the new software meet those needs and offer improved functionality? If not, there’s not much benefit to switching. Additionally, will that software be able to scale up as the community grows, and does it include the ability to incorporate new functionalities as they are developed?

3 Opportunity for Training & Support

Will there be training opportunities as your organization grows and adds new employees, or as new functionalities are incorporated? If current workers struggle to use new features, they’ll likely avoid using them, and if there aren’t training opportunities for new workers, they’ll end up being frustrated with the software. That will eventually lead to low morale, higher turnover, poor service delivery, and a dissatisfied community.

And what happens if a problem should occur? Is support accessible 24/7, or will you spend days waiting for a return call? Vendor support and the ability to address issues quickly are critical when it comes to considering a software switch.

4. Secure & Highly Accessible Systems

Nearly every week brings a news story about a data breach where sensitive information is released, or a public sector agency is held hostage by hackers demanding a ransom to relinquish control of an agency’s systems. Any software platform under consideration should be cloud-based rather than hosted on on-site servers.

Cloud-based systems are typically kept up-to-date with the latest advances in security, with multiple backups and constant monitoring. They also offer the ability to be accessed from anywhere. If there’s a disaster that affects a public sector agency’s offices, staffers can work remotely and still have uninterrupted access to critical systems.

Explore What CentralSquare Has to Offer Your Organization

CentralSquare is the leading public sector software company and trusted source for modern cloud solutions that enable public safety agencies to build safer, smarter, and more connected communities.

Our software is already being used by thousands of public sector agencies across North America. We transform how state and local agencies serve their communities by bringing the power of cloud solutions, automation, and data to drive decisions and create better citizen experiences. 

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