Finding means to enhance productivity is important task that departments have to face under the EPP. Many have succeeded in achieving savings and at the same time enhancing efficiency by exploiting the use of information technology (IT).

We would like to share with colleagues the following cases:

Computerised Social Security System of the Social Welfare Department (SWD)

The system enables the 1,500 staff in 38 Social Security Field Units of SWD to attend to more customers at any time. Sophisticated on-line functions have allowed the collation and processing of applications and claims in one single visit and greatly reduced the waiting time. The system also enables speedier payment processing and supports more caring home visit operations. To SWD and the Health and Welfare Bureau, the comprehensive management information provided by the system has become an effective tool in monitoring the operation of the social security system.

Electronic Tendering System of the Government Supplies Department (GSD)

The system enables the GSD to post tender notices on its website on the Internet to attract more suppliers both local and overseas. Round-the-clock service allows subscribing suppliers to download tender documents and submit tender offers electronically, thus saving time and money for both parties.

Selective Placement System of the Labour Department (LD)

The system is designed to enhancing the job matching service for disabled job seekers. It facilitates the sharing of information among the various branch offices of the Selective Placement Division and the Employment Services Division of the LD by maintaining a centralised database of vacancies and disabled job seekers. Whenever a vacancy arises or a job seeker turns up for assistance, the system will enable the placement officer to conduct comprehensive automated job matching so that referrals could be made to the prospective employers or the job seekers in a timely manner.

Integrated Information System for Community Relations Department of Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)

The system links up five headquarters units and eight regional offices with a central database to enhance information sharing and enable better coordination of various programme areas. It will also reduce the manpower for inputting as well as processing data and, at the same time, facilitate the management to efficiently monitor the performance of all preventive education activities.

Workflow Management System of the Environment Protection Department (EPD)

With a total of 10 offices and over 500 staff, EPD has maximised the use of the government standard mail system, Lotus Notes, to streamline its workflow in more than 40 areas such as training applications, vehicle bookings, library management, and the dissemination and retrieval of reference materials. Since the live operation of the system in August 2000, the department has improved considerably its overall efficiency.

Mobile Computing for Bailiffs in the Judiciary

Bailiffs will use mobile computing devices to access their job assignments and to record the service results while they are on outdoor duties. The provision of handheld Personal Data Assistants will improve the productivity of the Bailiffs and enable the Judiciary to have more effective human resources management.

These are just some of the examples of how departments are exploiting the use of IT to enhance productivity and improve quality in the provision of service both within the government and to members of the public.

We note that the use of IT may not produce immediate savings in some cases as there is a need to acquire hardware and software. As IT is an effective tool to assist us in changing the conventional approach of service delivery, streamlining operational procedures and facilitating the provision of more customer-oriented service, it can help save money in the long term.

Information Technology Services Department
January 2001