In the intricate ecosystem of higher education institutions, the Information Technology (IT) department plays a crucial role in supporting academic and administrative functions- from maintaining digital infrastructure and implementing security measures to handling numerous IT requests. However, many universities still employ complex and manual workflows, which significantly impact the efficiency of their IT resources.
The Impact of Legacy Systems on IT Efficiency in Universities
IT departments in many universities still rely on legacy systems and outdated manual processes for managing IT requests. This means that manual intervention is required for every request- software installation, hardware repair, password resets, or access permissions. Not only does this slow down the process, but it also consumes a lot of IT staff's time, steering them away from their core areas of work.
Research by technology analysts and consulting firms reveals trends that suggest this could have severe implications. For instance, a study by Gartner indicates that manual IT processes in universities often result in higher costs, slower response times, and decreased customer satisfaction. Another report by Deloitte states that IT staff in higher education institutions spend approximately 30-50% of their time on repetitive manual tasks, taking them away from focusing on strategic initiatives.
Fortunately, a remedy is available in the form of digital transformation through custom applications and low-code/no-code platforms.
Low-Code/No-Code Platforms and the Rise of Citizen Developers
Low-code/no-code platforms have emerged as game-changers in the digital landscape. According to Gartner, low-code application development will be responsible for more than 65% of application development activity by 2024.
By adopting low-code/no-code platforms, universities are mitigating the challenges brought about by manual workflows and complex processes. These platforms allow for rapid application development, automating repetitive tasks, optimizing processes, and facilitating cross-functional collaboration.
A significant advantage of low-code/no-code platforms is the emergence of "citizen developers" who can create applications without technical backgrounds. This democratization of technology relieves pressure on CIO organizations and allows for quicker resolution of IT requests. The University of California, Berkeley, for instance, reports a 50% reduction in the time spent on handling IT requests, and a 40% improvement in their first-call resolution rate after adopting a low-code platform for IT request management.
Moreover, these platforms offer flexibility to integrate custom workflows, enabling universities to optimize their existing technology investments. They can bridge communication and reporting gaps in the IT ecosystem, further enhancing efficiency and user satisfaction.
One of the significant advantages of implementing such solutions is the elevation of customer experience across the board. Whether it's the service providers from the IT department or the consumers - students/business users, they all benefit from the streamlined and efficient handling of IT requests.
Low-code/no-code platforms offer flexibility to integrate custom workflows, enabling universities to optimize their existing technology investments. These platforms bridge communication and reporting gaps within the IT ecosystem, further enhancing efficiency and user satisfaction.
Partnering for Success with Process Excellence Consultants
Service providers like XAAS Genie offer end-to-end BPM/Workflow automation, governance, and process compliance consulting services. They are uniquely poised to help universities identify, innovate, and adopt low-code/no-code solutions to automate and optimize IT request processes. These solutions help organizations and institutes achieve cost, time, and resource optimization, offering a competitive advantage and driving growth while delivering an unparalleled student experience.
The low-code/no-code revolution is here, and universities that jump on this bandwagon will reap its immense benefits. It's not just about solving IT requests anymore; it's about driving digital transformation and creating an environment conducive to innovation, efficiency, and growth.
