Systems | Development | Analytics | API | Testing

On April 16, the White House issued a clear directive to federal agencies: Stop building what you can buy. Reinstating that proven commercial software should be agencies’ first choice, and custom software should only be an option when no other options can meet the need.

Processes are at the heart of every government organization. They define how work gets done. Whether it’s determining benefits, inspecting food safety, or supporting defense operations, every mission relies on structured workflows to function effectively. Government agencies face unique challenges that impact their processes: Government organizations are increasingly turning to low-code platforms to overcome their operational challenges and increase efficiency.

Government organizations are under pressure to deliver more efficient, transparent, and responsive services. Digital transformation is accelerating the pace of change. Public sector organizations that rely on manual processes can no longer keep up with the demands of modern governance. This is where workflow automation comes in. Automation is a powerful way to streamline operations, enhance service delivery, and improve decision-making.

Federal government agencies are facing a growing workforce challenge. The looming retirement wave, particularly among experienced baby boomers, threatens to leave critical knowledge gaps in agencies that are already struggling with understaffing. To bridge this gap, government agencies must focus on appealing to a younger workforce that brings fresh perspectives, technological expertise, and a strong desire to make an impact.

Composability is a growing trend in enterprise software development. It means designing your organization to be flexible so you can adapt to change in real time. Modularity lies at the heart of composability. Modular approaches have been around for decades, such as in service-oriented architecture (SOA) and microservices. But the rise of low-code platforms, cloud computing, and modern integration tools has made it easier to implement composable architectures at scale.

Artificial intelligence (AI) was a major topic at Appian Government 2024, the premier event for public sector digital transformation leaders and mission owners. Most AI products are created on the West Coast, with commercial customers in mind. But commercial enterprises and government organizations differ in many ways. Important issues that affect the federal government’s approach to AI include: For 25 years, Appian has focused on serving public sector organizations.

ERP systems are critical in government agency operations for integrating internal and external management information. They are intended to optimize processes, improve collaboration, and connect with customers, vendors, and partners. Government ERP systems typically include modules related to financial management, human resources, sales, procurement, inventory, and operations like contract and project management.

In the fast-paced world of government software development, efficiency and effectiveness are paramount. One way government organizations enhance agility, foster innovation, and optimize resources in the public sector is through citizen development—the practice of allowing non-technical employees to create their own software applications using low-code or no-code platforms.

Agencies typically have older procurement systems or too many systems. In either case, they are data entry intensive and error-prone, negatively impacting the procurement process and outcomes. The Office of Federal Procurement Policy’s Procurement Acquisition Lead Time memo from 2021 specifically calls for government modernization by “leveraging technology to modernize operations and help the workforce move from low- to high-value activities.”