Overview
To support the provincial economy, the government uses technology to make operations more efficient, increase compliance with regulatory requirements, and improve services to residents and businesses. Nearly 20 years ago, the Nova Scotia government began to implement a shared services approach across all provincial departments and started using the govService Amanda platform to manage business licensing. Since 2012, Nova Scotia has used Amanda as an enterprise PCL platform to manage new business programs that require a permit or license – this has driven their efforts to be more resident-centric.
SITUATION
The need for improved economic competitiveness
The Nova Scotia government faced the challenge of improving the province’s economic competitiveness, especially in a rapidly changing business environment. By the late 1990s, the government recognized that inefficiencies in business operations were hindering growth and compliance. This led to the creation of the Nova Scotia Business Registry (NSBR), built on the Amanda platform, to provide a unified, province-wide system for managing business data.
The role of the Amanda platform
The Amanda platform was chosen for its ability to manage various business licensing and permit processes through a single, scalable solution. Before Amanda, business operators had to provide redundant information to different departments when applying for licenses or permits. The platform’s centralized system eliminates this duplication by giving businesses a unique Business Number. This number serves as a key identifier across all departments, ensuring seamless communication and reducing administrative burdens for both businesses and government agencies.
SOLUTION
Centralized data for streamlined services
Since 2012, the Amanda platform has become a cornerstone for managing a wide range of provincial government programs. From business licensing to compliance inspections, the platform enables government employees to efficiently manage processes such as collections, certificate issuance, and even alcohol, gaming, and tobacco regulation.
By integrating over 25 external systems with Amanda, Nova Scotia has achieved a high level of operational efficiency. The province estimates that using a single platform rather than multiple point solutions has saved C$5.5 million annually in maintenance and integration costs.
Scalability and flexibility for future growth
Amanda’s scalability allows the government to easily expand its use across new departments and functions. As business licensing and permitting needs evolve, the platform is continuously adapted to manage new programs. This adaptability ensures that the platform will remain a critical tool for managing business operations well into the future.
IMPACT
Financial savings and operational efficiency
The decision to use Amanda instead of separate standalone systems has resulted in substantial cost savings. The initial integration of the platform with more than 25 systems cost the province approximately C$1 million over 15 years. In contrast, implementing multiple independent solutions would have cost over C$10 million. The annual maintenance costs for standalone tools would have been around C$8 million, while Amanda’s maintenance cost is about C$2.5 million annually.
These financial savings are not just numbers on a balance sheet – they allow Nova Scotia to reinvest resources in other essential areas, creating a more streamlined and effective government.
Improved data exchange and analytics
With Amanda in use, departments now have a more integrated and detailed view of business operations across the province. The ability to exchange data between departments enhances decision-making, as officials can analyze business activity trends to identify opportunities and emerging needs. This insight is critical for maintaining economic competitiveness and ensuring the needs of residents and businesses are met in a timely manner.
Resident-centric services
By using a centralized platform like Amanda, Nova Scotia has positioned itself to be more resident-centric, focusing on improving the service experience for citizens and businesses. With a 360-degree view of business data, the provincial government can respond more efficiently to requests, spot emerging trends, and predict future demands.
This data-driven approach also enables quicker implementation of new programs and policies, helping the province stay competitive in an evolving market.
Employee benefits and operational efficiency
The Amanda platform is not just beneficial for government departments—it also enhances the experience for the 1,400 Amanda users within the provincial government. These users, trained in the platform, can easily transition between departments, providing flexibility for government operations and improving efficiency across multiple programs.
MOVING FORWARD
A digital-first future for Nova Scotia
Moving towards online portal technology
As Nova Scotia continues to prioritize innovation, the provincial government is investigating ways to enhance the delivery of Amanda-managed services online. This move towards digital-first services promises to increase accessibility and improve the user experience for residents and businesses alike.
Future expansion and use of Amanda
In addition to online services, there are more than 30 case-management solutions that could eventually be integrated into Amanda. Expanding the platform’s capabilities to manage even more case types will further enhance its role in streamlining provincial operations and improving public sector efficiency.
A model for resident-centric governance
Nova Scotia’s long-term commitment to using the Amanda platform as a central hub for government operations demonstrates how technology can drive efficiency, save costs, and improve services. By adopting a resident-centric approach and ensuring that government processes are as streamlined and data-driven as possible, the province has positioned itself as a leader in digital governance. As other governments recognize the importance of flexibility and scalability in their own operations, Nova Scotia’s success offers a valuable model for fostering economic growth and meeting the needs of residents in a rapidly changing world.
Key takeaways
- Cost efficiency: By using Amanda, Nova Scotia has saved millions annually in integration and maintenance costs.
- Data-driven decision making: The platform provides deep insights into business activity, helping to identify trends and emerging needs.
- Resident-centric focus: The provincial government’s use of Amanda supports improved services and accessibility for businesses and residents.
- Scalable and flexible: The platform’s ability to adapt to new departments and case types ensures it remains a critical tool for the future.
