IT modernization has always been complex. Now it’s also urgent.
Agencies at every level of government face growing pressure to move faster. Whether it’s digitizing records, securing infrastructure, or improving citizen services, the delivery timeline is shrinking.
The challenge is that most modernization projects take years, and some stretch across a decade or more. And when mission-critical systems are stuck in limbo, the consequences are delayed benefits, fragile public trust, and services that fall short.
Moving quickly doesn’t mean rushing. It means clearing the obstacles that slow progress and using smarter tools to speed up the work. One of the most effective tools today is artificial intelligence (AI).
The Legacy Burden
Most government leaders have a plan to modernize but executing that plan is complicated.
Delays rarely come from a single cause. Instead, they pile up from all directions. Legacy systems are often so complex and fragile that even minor updates require months of planning. Procurement cycles are long and inflexible. Teams are stretched thin. And many agencies rely on outdated development methods that can’t keep up with change.
Cultural factors also play a role. In risk-averse environments, it’s safer to keep planning than to move forward. But that mindset slows progress, and the longer the delay, the harder it becomes to build momentum.
To move faster, agencies need tools and approaches that reduce complexity, increase visibility, and make it easier to act.
The Modernization Mandate
Policy is adding to the pressure to modernize. The requirement to digitize all federal records by June 30, 2024, drove massive transformation efforts across departments. OMB Memo M-24-15 called for updated FedRAMP security policies by January 2025, with more changes on the horizon. Executive Order 14058 pushes agencies to eliminate the “time tax” citizens face from outdated manual processes.
Dozens of states have also introduced modernization deadlines or launched AI task forces to speed up service delivery, often with support from federal funding.
AI as a Catalyst for Modernization
AI can help agencies meet demands faster and more efficiently.
In 2024, federal agencies reported 1,100 AI use cases, nearly double the number from the year before. And it’s not just IT. About 61% of those use cases supported functions like finance, logistics, and customer service.
In Pennsylvania, one generative AI pilot saved employees an average of 95 minutes per day, or eight hours per week. Elsewhere, agencies are using AI to automate claims processing, eligibility checks, document routing, and reviews. These changes have cut case processing times by hours or even days, with some agencies reporting long-term savings of up to 35%
AI is helping agencies speed up modernization by streamlining workflows, reducing manual effort, and supporting faster decisions. That includes identifying defects, flagging legacy systems for replacement, and automating routine testing.
Ready to Modernize with AI?
Modernization doesn’t have to take years. AI accelerators can help agencies cut through the delays that have traditionally slowed progress. With the right tools and the right partner, it’s possible to make real progress on timelines that match the urgency of your mission.
Let’s talk about how DMI can help your agency modernize faster and smarter.
