Future-proof WOO solution
By Twan Meijerink, Business Development Manager at Shift2
In an era in which transparency and accessibility of government information are becoming increasingly important, local authorities face the challenging task of complying with the Open Government Act (WOO) . The WOO requires government information to be actively disclosed, a task that requires considerable effort using traditional means. At Shift2, we have recognized this challenge and offer a solution that not only meets current needs but is also future-proof.
The challenges of the WOO
The Open Government Act (WOO) aims to increase transparency within the government and make public information more accessible to everyone. However, its implementation poses considerable challenges for municipalities, water boards, and provinces. From the discontinued central initiative 'de PLOOI' to fragmented information provision, local authorities are looking for efficient ways to present their publications online while improving accessibility and findability.
The need for a new approach
The need for an integrated solution became clear when the Noorderkwartier Water Board approached us with a request for an efficient way to comply with the WOO. It was no longer sufficient to simply have information available; it also had to be easy to find, accessible, and structured. The challenge lay not only in publishing information, but also in managing and updating it in a way that was both time- and cost-efficient.
The solution
At Shift2, we tackled this challenge by developing two complementary solutions: a basic website solution and an advanced, automated solution in collaboration with Conduction's OpenWoo.app.
WOO basic website
An accessible website built with SIMsite Drupal where governments can publish their publications. This website offers a clear structure with different categories for government publications. It enables local governments to easily meet the basic requirements of the WOO.
Advanced automated solution
This solution automates the publication process, reduces the workload for employees, and ensures that information is always up-to-date and accessible.
For the automated solution, we have expanded our basic solution with a gateway that automatically collects data from various systems, such as case management systems and council information systems. This is made possible by the OpenWOO.app, developed in collaboration with Conduction.
Future-proof and flexible
Our WOO proposition not only responds to current needs but is also future-proof. It supports the principle of Common Ground, whereby we strive for flexible, modular architecture that can be adapted to changing needs and technologies. This allows governments to easily integrate new information sources and continue to meet the increasing demands for transparency and accessibility.
Conclusion
The Open Government Act ( )brings major changes to the way government information is shared and made accessible. We understand these challenges and have therefore sought a solution that not only addresses today's burdens, but is also ready for the future. In this way, we support local governments in achieving more transparent, accessible, and efficient information provision for all citizens.
