Development and innovation of dynamic service network design model for public organizations (DigiPAVe)

In our presentation, we will share the preliminary results from “Development and innovation of dynamic service network design model for public organizations (DigiPAVe)” -project. In 2018, the city of Kuopio launched with... [ view full abstract ]

In our presentation, we will share the preliminary results from “Development and innovation of dynamic service network design model for public organizations (DigiPAVe)” -project. In 2018, the city of Kuopio launched with its strategic partner FCG Consulting Ltd. a pilot project for the digitalisation of public service network planning. The focus is specifically set on the service area of Growth and Learning, which is responsible for arranging school and daycare services. The pilot is funded by Ministry of the Environment`s KIRA-digi –program, which aims to create an open and interoperable information management ecosystem for the Finnish built environment and construction sector.

So far, cities have viewed the state of their service networks in a project-like manner, the end product being static reports collecting dust in the shelf, often outdated as they are printed. Another challenge is that the city administration handles in its organizational silos vast amount of data, which varies in quality, requires manual work with data entries, and is not up to date. Also, reusability and interoperability of data and information system utilization in general has been problematic. As the operational environment is getting more and more complex, there is an urgent need to shift from single projects to continuous, anticipatory processes approach in service network planning. In the private sector, especially in retail, companies have taken advantage of network-based spatial analysis tools for long, and utilized GIS-platforms in their decision-making. Companies require for a more complete operational picture and the ability to anticipate changes, because optimal location is the “deal breaker” for a successful business. Why shouldn’t the same principal apply in public sector also, as we are planning millions of euros public investments?

In our project, we are exploring how to use a single platform that integrates operational data on public services (BI) to building information and spatial information. Further, we want to increase our organizational cooperation capability, ensuring that everyone is on the same page, as the city makes far-reaching decisions concerning the service network. In our vision, all the necessary data related to public service network planning is transactional, dynamic and simultaneously widely in use as “plug and play” in the same visual dashboard view. Ultimately, we expect to generate a shared view on service network performance which is not dedicated only for few experts but widely accessible to city authorities, decision-makers, and eventually, to the public.The City of Kuopio wants to be a national forerunner in the digitalisation of service network planning, as we recognize that efficient and agile service network is a critical factor to the future growth and vitality of the city. The results are seen in better services, resource efficiency of the service network, enhanced usability of facilities and better allocation of financial resources. Outcomes and good practices of the pilot experiment will be employed in the Kuopio city organisation and also later disseminated into other Finnish municipalities.