“The Social Security Administration (SSA) is accelerating its modernization program through a focus on data sharing and interoperability designed to expedite the delivery of core services. Speaking at the Potomac Officer’s Club 2022 CIO Summit last month, SSA CIO Sean Brune outlined how the agency has mobilized a comprehensive digitalization program...” “’We've modernized and changed our process. Our processes have been very similar since the program's inception. Technologies differ greatly, but the processes remain the same — interview, develop more information, provide an answer, and send a check,’ Brune said. The temporary closing of SSA field offices during the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated means of sending needed information to either current or potential social security recipients, a process of letter distribution that was automated to ensure timely delivery...” “However, the increasing pace and scope of the agency’s digitalization has created a corresponding need to implement technologies at a speed and scale that is ultimately cost and human capital efficient. ‘It took us about nine years to move homegrown database formats we developed back in the 60s when we started the Supplemental Security Income program into modern relational databases. Obviously, that's not acceptable. Nor is it our expectation going forward that's what it should cost timewise,’ Brune said...” Read the full article here. Source: Why Digital is a 'Must Have' for Social Security Administration – By Adam Patterson, May 12, 2022. GovCIO.