Registry Modernization Data should flow, not citizens

What is behind the registry modernization?

While the Online Access Act (OZG), which came into effect in 2017, focuses on implementing user-friendly online applications for citizens, registry modernization is all about the burden of proof. Why should applicants have to go to great lengths to submit various documents from one government agency to another when the relevant information is already available to the administration – just not in exactly the same place?

There is a great deal of untapped potential here for government agencies and local authorities. Let’s look at an example: To apply for parental leave benefits, parents must submit the birth certificate and proof of income to the parental leave benefits office. They obtain the proof of income from their employer, and the German Pension Insurance is also involved in the process.

Fewer trips to government offices

If, on the other hand, such data flows are automated through registry queries, online access to many administrative services becomes more convenient and efficient. This is particularly true for complex procedures that require citizens to provide various details and supporting documents and must be processed across different agencies. With “Once Only,” applicants need only enter their data once and are no longer required to provide supporting documents. Administrative services of this kind have reached maturity level 4. At this stage, information can flow automatically between agencies via interoperable registries. Of course, control over data flows in the application process always remains in the hands of the users.

Simpler application processing

And it’s not just citizens who stand to gain from the modernization of public registries: government agencies can also benefit enormously from improved data exchange in their work – for example, when reviewing applications at a later stage. Germany already has highly efficient administrative information networks, but these operate largely in isolation. Registry modernization also offers public authorities the opportunity to retrieve necessary data from one another using standardized and thus scalable mechanisms—even across departmental boundaries.

To make “Once Only” a reality across the full scope of the OZG implementation and beyond, we offer targeted support for all participating public agencies.

Focus on Control

We support the strategic development and coordination of the large-scale registry modernization project at all levels. Thanks to our experience with the implementation of the OZG, our core competencies now include the organization of complex federal-state programs as well as digital initiatives for local governments. We would be happy to assist you in identifying the implications and opportunities of registry modernization for your area and in developing an action plan based on those findings.

Focus on Online Services

As a successful provider of EfA online services – that is, services that other countries can adopt without additional development effort – we understand the core user group for registry modernization better than anyone else and are happy to assist in further developing online services to Maturity Level 4, thereby maximizing the benefits for citizens and businesses.

Focus on Standards and Registers

Thanks to our expertise in a wide range of XÖV standardization projects, we are thoroughly familiar with data exchange between government agencies and existing administrative information networks. In addition, we are actively involved in designing the architecture for future cross-domain document retrieval. Based on this, we are happy to advise you on identifying and efficiently implementing any necessary adjustments to your registry or information network – such as through the integration of new interfaces or the inclusion of identification numbers. Drawing on our experience with systems like EESSI and key pilot projects such as TOOP and SCOOP4C, we can also incorporate the European dimension into our analysis whenever needed.

Focus on Infrastructure and Core Components

For many years, we have also been involved in developing key infrastructure components that are essential for the implementation of registry modernization. In areas related to the OZG, we develop components that will play a central role in the future infrastructure. We also support key standards for connecting to the infrastructure. You can count on us when you need to tackle complex routing or transport tasks, authorization checks, or other cross-cutting issues for your online services or registries.