23/2/2024
10 min read

Formbuilder.govt - The new way of working in NZ Govt saving up to 90%

Formbuilder.govt is a game changer in how government teams are enabled to rapidly deliver digital services to citizens and businesses.
Aaron Yee
Principal Consultant
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A refreshing new product has been created by a team within Government who has been focusing on the vision of:

Creating the Fastest way to build great Government services that Businesses love.

Traditional methods of service development have historically been slow and resource-intensive. This way of working is being now challenged by groundbreaking tools like Formbuilder.govt.

This platform is not just a cost-cutting measure; it's a complete shift in government service delivery.

Formbuilder.govt unique value proposition:

  • Rapid development and publication of services, reducing the timeline from months to mere hours.
  • An intuitive, drag-and-drop interface that enhances collaboration in workshops into visual protypes instead of lengthy word based requirement documents.
  • Empowering non-technical users such as Business Analysts and Service Designers to prototype, design, and publish web services without needing coding skills.
  • Facilitating a new way of working for government service teams, eliminating the need for extensive requirements documents, and allowing teams to dive directly into form building.
  • Simplifying user research by easily sharing forms with user groups for feedback.
  • Implementing guardrails to ensure the publication of high-quality government services.
  • Ensuring security through continuous testing and regular audits.

This blog post will delve into how Formbuilder.govt is setting a new standard for government service development, showcasing its impact through case studies, comparing it with the traditional way of delivering digital government services in Government, and offering a practical guide for implementation.

Traditional Govt service development costs

The traditional approach to service development in government is often characterised by lengthy timelines, complex bureaucracies, and substantial financial outlays. In this conventional model, the process from conception to deployment of a single service can span several months, if not years, often bogged down by a series of approvals, manual paperwork, and iterative adjustments.

Financially, traditional methods are costly. Government agencies frequently incur significant expenses in the requirements and development phase, the need for extensive consultation processes and the procurement of digital solutions. This financial burden is compounded by the indirect costs associated with delays, such as lost productivity and the opportunity cost of not delivering services promptly to the public.

Time costs are equally impactful. Traditional service development typically involves a multi-stage process, including requirement gathering, drafting lengthy requirement documents, developing prototypes, and multiple rounds of testing. This prolonged timeline not only delays the delivery of essential services to citizens but also hampers the government's ability to respond swiftly to changing needs or emergencies.

Moreover, these traditional processes often lead to a lack of agility in adapting to new technologies or methodologies, which can result in outdated or inefficient services by the time they are launched. The rigidity of such systems makes it challenging to incorporate feedback or make quick adjustments based on user experience.

In summary, the traditional approach to service development in government is marked by high costs, both financial and temporal, and a lack of flexibility. This model is increasingly seen as unsustainable in an era where efficiency, responsiveness, and fiscal responsibility are paramount.

Formbuilder.govt is Changing the Game!

Overview of Formbuilder.govt

Formbuilder.govt represents a significant leap forward in the digital transformation of government services. At its core, this innovative platform is designed to empower government teams to create and deploy web forms and services with unprecedented speed and ease.

Rapid Development and Deployment: The primary value proposition of Formbuilder.govt is its ability to dramatically reduce the time required to build and publish government services. What traditionally took months can now be accomplished in hours. This speed is a game-changer, allowing government agencies to respond quickly to new requirements and citizen needs.

Intuitive Design Interface: The platform's drag-and-drop interface is a key feature, enabling collaborative workshops where government services can be visually constructed. This approach fosters a cooperative and interactive development environment, breaking down the silos often encountered in government projects.

Empowering Non-Technical Users: Formbuilder.govt is designed with non-technical users in mind. Business Analysts, Service Designers, and other professionals without coding skills can easily prototype, design, and publish web services. This democratisation of service development accelerates the creation process and broadens the pool of potential contributors.

New Ways of Working: By eliminating the need for lengthy requirements documents, Formbuilder.govt encourages a more dynamic and agile workflow. Teams can immediately start building forms, allowing for a more iterative and responsive development process. This shift not only saves time but also enhances the adaptability of services to user feedback and changing requirements.

User Research and Feedback Integration: The platform simplifies user research by enabling easy sharing of forms with user groups for feedback. This feature ensures that services are user-centric and meet the actual needs of the public.

Quality and Compliance Guardrails: Formbuilder.govt includes built-in guardrails to assist users in publishing high-quality government services. These features ensure that services meet all necessary standards and regulations.

Continuous Security and Audits: Security is a paramount concern in government service development. Formbuilder.govt addresses this by undergoing continuous security testing and yearly audits, ensuring that the services developed are not only efficient but also secure.

In essence, Formbuilder.govt is not just a tool but a catalyst for transformation in government service development, offering a blend of speed, simplicity, and security. Its impact on the way government agencies approach service development is profound, marking a shift towards greater efficiency and effectiveness.

Different Use Cases of Formbuilder.govt

Formbuilder.govt offers a versatile range of use cases to cater to the diverse needs of government agencies. Each use case provides specific benefits, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery. Here are the three key use cases:

Form to Email:

  • Replaces front-end PDF documents with accessible digital forms.
  • Enables routing to shared email inboxes for efficient back-office processing.
  • Allows dynamic notifications to customers, enhancing communication.
  • Supports dynamic routing to multiple email addresses, facilitating cross-agency services.

Form to API:

  • Automates notifications to government agencies via web hook when forms are submitted.
  • Enables agencies to securely retrieve case data and uploaded documents through APIs.
  • Facilitates communication with customers, including requests for additional information.
  • Ensures consistency and security in data handling and document retrieval.

Form to Business Connect Case Processing Portal:

  • Provides a comprehensive portal for single and cross-agency service management.
  • Allows for efficient case routing and management between different queues.
  • Enables staff to review, approve, or decline cases, and initiate additional information requests.
  • Supports reporting and export functionalities for case data integration with content management systems or other back-office tools.

Each of these use cases represents a different aspect of Formbuilder.govt's functionality, demonstrating its adaptability to various operational needs within government agencies.

Case Studies: Success Stories from Formbuilder.govt

The versatility and impact of Formbuilder.govt are best illustrated through real-life use cases across different government sectors. These case studies demonstrate how the platform has streamlined processes, enhanced efficiency, and improved user experiences.

Active Investor Plus Application
  • Scenario: Businesses seeking investment from Active Investor Plus visa applicants need to confirm their investment is acceptable for the visa.
  • Implementation: A form for businesses to apply, ensuring compliance with visa requirements.
  • Outcome: Streamlined application process, making it easier for businesses to attract foreign investment.
eInvoicing Ready Software Listing
  • Scenario: Software products need to be listed as eInvoicing ready on the New Zealand Peppol Authority's website. 
  • Implementation: A form is developed using Formbuilder.govt for software providers to apply for listing.
  • Outcome: Simplified application process, promoting the adoption of eInvoicing across New Zealand businesses.
Fog Cannon Subsidy Scheme
  • Scenario: Retail outlets apply for a subsidy to install fog cannons for enhanced security.
  • Implementation: Formbuilder.govt is utilised to create an application form for the subsidy.
  • Outcome: Efficient processing of subsidy applications, supporting retail outlets in improving their security measures.
License to Trade in Public Places
  • Scenario: Individuals and entities like hawkers and mobile shops need licenses to trade in public spaces.
  • Implementation: A form is developed onFormbuilder.govt for these entities to apply for trading licenses.
  • Outcome: Easier and more efficient application process for traders, promoting small business operations in public areas.
Liquidated Statement of Affairs Submission
  • Scenario: Directors or authorised individuals must provide information about a company's affairs during liquidation.
  • Implementation: A form is created using Formbuilder.govt for submitting the required information.
  • Outcome: Streamlined submission process, ensuring compliance and transparency in corporate liquidations.

Unlocking a new era of government efficiency with Formbuilder.govt, and it's changing everything we thought we knew about developing public services!"

Comparing Formbuilder with International Countries

When comparing Formbuilder.govt with its international counterparts, it's essential to consider how similar digital solutions are being used in other countries and the standards they set. This comparison not only highlights Formbuilder.govt's unique features but also its alignment with global best practices in digital government services.

FormSG (Singapore)
  • Usage: FormSG ifs widely used across various Singapore government agencies for creating digital forms.
  • Features: It supports quick form creation, rich feature sets tailored for public sector needs, and includes end-to-end encryption for data security. 
  • Benefits: FormSG has significantly reduced administrative efforts and time spent on processing paper forms, showcasing its efficiency in public service delivery.
GOV.UK Forms (United Kingdom)
  • Usage: Used by UK government agencies to create accessible online forms for public services.
  • Features: GOV.UK Forms platform is designed to meet government cybersecurity standards, focusing on accessibility and error reduction.
  • Benefits: The platform ensures faster and more accurate form processing, enhancing both public and civil servant experiences.

Comparing these solutions with Formbuilder.govt, we can observe several similarities and unique attributes:

  • Speed and Ease of Use: Like its counterparts, Formbuilder.govt emphasises rapid development and deployment of services, comparable to FormSG's quick form creation.
  • Accessibility and Security: It aligns with GOV.UK Forms in focusing on accessible form designs and high security, ensuring compliance with cyber security standards.
  • Collaboration and Non-Technical User Engagement: Unique toFormbuilder.govt is its emphasis on collaborative, drag-and-drop interfaces that empower non-technical users, enhancing inclusivity in service development.
  • Customisation for Local Needs: While international solutions likeFormSG and GOV.UK Forms cater to their respective country's requirements, Formbuilder.govt is specifically tailored to meet the unique needs and regulations of New Zealand's public sector.

Implementing Formbuilder.govt

The best place to start is to reach out to the formbuilder.govt team at hello@businessconnect.govt.nz they can setup a time to chat or reach out to me directly.

Common Challenges

Adopting Formbuilder.govt may present internal challenges, such as:

  • Data Security and Privacy Concerns: Reach out to the FromBuilder team and they can provided you with a information pack including privacy and security documentation or setup a meeting connecting you with our cyber security team to assist with your internal assessment processes.

The Future of Digital Transformation in Government Services

Digital transformation in government services, driven by tools like Formbuilder.govt, is expected to evolve towards:

  • Increased Automation: Enhanced use of AI and machine learning for more automated and intelligent form building and processing.
  • Greater Personalisation: Tailoring services to individual needs based on data analytics.
  • Enhanced Interconnectivity: Improved integration with various government platforms for seamless service delivery.

Conclusion

As we delve into the world of digital transformation within government services, tools like Formbuilder.govt emerge not just as facilitators but as crucial catalysts of change. The journey towards digitalisation in government services is an ongoing one, marked by evolving challenges and the continuous need for innovation.

Formbuilder.govt stands as a testament to how technology can not only streamline processes but also fundamentally enhance the way governments interact with their citizens.

At the heart of Formbuilder.govt's appeal is its ability to simplify complex processes, making them more accessible and user-friendly. This transformation is critical in a world where public expectations of digital services are continually rising. The platform's intuitive design, rapid deployment capabilities, and inclusive approach for non-technical users are not just features but essential elements that redefine the engagement between governments and the public they serve.

By enabling a faster and more efficient way to develop and implement services, Formbuilder.govt helps bridge the gap between government capabilities and citizen expectations.

Moreover, the tool's potential goes beyond just operational efficiency. It opens doors to greater transparency and accountability in government operations, aligning with global trends towards open governance. By making government processes more transparent and accessible, Formbuilder.govt supports a more informed and engaged citizens, fostering a collaborative environment where public input becomes a cornerstone of service development.

The implications of adopting Formbuilder.govt extend to future readiness as well. As government services continue to evolve, driven by advancements in technology and changes in public needs, platforms like Formbuilder.govt ensure that government agencies remain agile and adaptable. The tool's flexibility and scalability mean that it can continuously evolve to meet future challenges, whether they stem from technological advancements, shifts in public policy, or changes in societal needs.

Formbuilder.govt is more than just a digital tool; it's a bridge towards a more efficient, responsive, and citizen-centric future in government service delivery. Its adoption represents a step forward in the journey of digital transformation, a journey that is essential for any government seeking to meet the challenges of the 21st century and beyond. As such, embracing Formbuilder.govt and similar digital solutions is not just beneficial but imperative for government agencies aiming to stay relevant, responsive, and efficient in an increasingly digital world.