If you work in a government office, you know how quickly permit applications can pile up. For citizens, that often translates into frustration, long wait times, and unnecessary trips to your office. For staff, it means hours of sorting through paper files, chasing missing documents, and answering endless phone calls.
It’s no wonder that wasted time is the #1 issue Americans report when dealing with a government institution.
The good news: modern software solutions are designed to eliminate those bottlenecks. By moving away from paper and embracing features like automatic renewals, Paper2Digital, and Agency Cross Check, agencies can streamline their workflows, improve transparency, and deliver the fast, secure service citizens now expect.
1. Embrace Digital-First Workflows
Paper-based processes aren’t just outdated—they’re a liability. Only 13% of Americans even own or have access to a fax machine in their home, yet many agencies still require one to send documents. Meanwhile, 65% of Americans believe all the paper used to interact with government agencies is bad for the environment.
A digital-first workflow solves both problems. Applicants can apply online from any device at any time, and documents are uploaded directly into the system. With features like Paper2Digital, agencies can even convert decades of existing paper files into a secure digital archive—reducing storage costs and eliminating the risk of lost records.
2. Enhance Communication and the Citizen Experience
Citizens want the same ease and clarity from government agencies that they get from private businesses. In fact, 58% of Americans say relying on paper-based transactions is a thing of the past.
Modern platforms keep both staff and applicants in the loop with real-time notifications. With automatic renewals, citizens get reminders when it’s time to update their permits—reducing phone calls and in-person follow-ups. Payment is easier too: 80% of Americans prefer to pay through an agency’s website, and nearly the same number want the option of mobile or app-based payments. Flexible tools like the Request Payment option let agencies accommodate different workflows without slowing down reviews.
3. Boost Efficiency and Security Behind the Scenes
Streamlined citizen services are only part of the story. Staff also need tools that reduce redundant work and increase accuracy.
With Agency Cross Check (ACC), staff can view related information from other intrastate agencies using the same PermitDirector platform. This gives processors valuable context to make more informed decisions during the review process, reducing redundancies and improving overall accuracy. Combined with built-in reporting and audit trails, agencies gain transparency and accountability while significantly reducing manual effort.
No wonder 46% of Americans say they lack confidence in government agencies because so many processes are still paper-based. Moving to secure, digital workflows builds trust and demonstrates your agency is committed to modernization.
Final Word
The backlog isn’t inevitable—it’s a result of outdated systems. By adopting modern, cloud-based software with features like automatic renewals, Paper2Digital, and Agency Cross Check, agencies can stop wasting time, protect staff resources, and deliver the service citizens expect.
Citizens are ready for the change. The question is: are you?
Don’t just stop the backlog—eliminate it completely. Download your free copy of The Digital Government Playbook: How to Eliminate Backlogs and Save Staff Time to learn how to save time, reduce costs, and modernize your agency.
