More room for more ICT efficiencies

A new survey conducted by Siemens IT Solutions and Services has identified greater opportunities for public sector ICT to help deliver efficiencies could come from consolidation and common resources.

Nearly a third of respondents (32%) said such a move could enable further efficiencies to be made.

The poll was conducted in face-to-face conditions at the recently held Public Sector Efficiency Expo in London, whereFrancis Maude, John Collington, and Lord Adonis all spoke to a packed conference space on the subject of efficiencies and procurement in government.

According to the survey results, three key themes were identified on how procurement could shift to a more solutions-led approach: Enhancing relationships with the private sector (35%); increasing the focus on outcomes rather than individual targets (25%); and simplifying procurement legislation (22%). In order to be  less framework driven and more service-user orientated, respondents called for public sector managers to be more focused on end-goals, and emphasised the need them to move away from process-focused transactions and towards value-based outcomes "where objectives are fully understood, pathways explored and risks identified".

"Innovative technologies and collaborative working methodologies will be vital to the success of future public service delivery.  Industry must lead in its understanding of this as the dynamics of pure procurement transactions move towards an outcome and solution based-focus," states Nick Sawbridge, Head of Public Sector Sales at Siemens IT Solutions and Services.

"There are very real bottom-line considerations in championing collaboration as an enabler of efficiency - inclusive relationships at the start of projects or commercial engagement saves time, resources and expenditure further down the line.  We also welcome the Cabinet Office's statement, in announcing the appointment of Crown Commercial Representatives who will oversee the relationships held by suppliers with a range of Departments, that 'any dealings with our big suppliers have to be coordinated and our approach has to be strategic'.  A more joined-up approach all round has to be the right way forward."