Digital Transformation: Our Role in a Changing World
Patricia O’Hagan, CEO of Core Systems was recently interviewed by Justice Trends discussing digital transformation within correctional facilities since the pandemic hit and changed our world.
Can digital transformation be a catalyst for operational transformation?
The challenges presented by the pandemic and the resulting lockdowns over the past couple of years have exposed the fragility and vulnerabilities of mainstream systems and practices across many industries, including the corrections sector. Responding to the challenges required innovation, agility and collaboration, delivering results that would have been previously unimaginable. Empowered by this experience we pose the question, “Can digital transformation be a catalyst for operational transformation?”.
We find ourselves in a new world in which values have been re-assessed, expectations are raised, and there is new momentum for change. Can we harness this momentum to transform our business operations to be fit for purpose in the context of our changing world? And what role does digital transformation play in driving meaningful operational transformation?

The service transformation at Ramsey County Community Corrections
An excellent example of service transformation is the story of how the Ramsey County Community Corrections team, based in Minnesota USA implemented remote supervision as told by Jason Mereness in a series of blogs published on APPA Connect.
In his blogs, Jason tells us that on March 16, 2020, their traditional operating model of supervision through in-person meetings was totally disrupted as their offices had to close in response to social distancing measures. The need to maintain effective communication and information flow within teams was paramount to business continuity. This applied to officer-to-officer and officer-to-client, communication. In response, they decided to instantly transform their department’s probation practices from traditional in-person meetings to almost exclusively remote supervision and services relying on video and phone communications. Two years on, Ramsey County has successfully transformed their operating model.

To read more about this case study, please see the full Justice Trends article.
Core Systems are committed to making a positive change and improving outcomes for the justice sector through its innovative and quality solutions.
Core Systems NI, 2022
Digital can transform operational processes
Digital transformation blurs traditional boundaries, improves communication and supports collaboration. Information moves up and down the value chain and is accessible to all stakeholders, encouraging a culture of collaboration. Digital can transform operational processes, empowering employees with increased autonomy in their work, improving motivation and encouraging an environment of employee excellence.
Another key benefit of digital transformation is high-quality user experience, removing frustration and driving user satisfaction for staff and service users. The combined effect of these characteristics can harbour the necessary conditions to support operational transformation.
In conclusion, digital transformation can provide a successful breakthrough if aligned with service transformation strategic goals. However, the key to success, as in any change management programme, is implementation. A successful implementation requires executive-level commitment, a comprehensive communications strategy and stakeholder engagement throughout.
See the full Justice Trends article here.