In running my small business, I have to use the online process of government agencies, such as ACRA, CPF, MOM and IRAS to submit requests and returns.
I find the process to be quite complicated, as I am forced to go through many webpages, and read a lot of information (that do not apply to me). It usually takes a lot of my time.
It would have been easier for me to fill up a manual form, sign it and fax it to the agency. Their data entry staff will probably take only a few minutes to input the form, compared to the hours that the public has to spend to learn how to handle the online process, to do the task and often, to rectify the mistake or call the helpline of the agency.
Have you experienced similar difficulties?
I find the process to be quite complicated, as I am forced to go through many webpages, and read a lot of information (that do not apply to me). It usually takes a lot of my time.
It would have been easier for me to fill up a manual form, sign it and fax it to the agency. Their data entry staff will probably take only a few minutes to input the form, compared to the hours that the public has to spend to learn how to handle the online process, to do the task and often, to rectify the mistake or call the helpline of the agency.
Have you experienced similar difficulties?
What is the underlying premise here?
ReplyDeleteDo government agencies exist to help SMEs?
OR
Do SMEs exist to service government agencies?
Our family has a small business too, and also spend unproductive time ploughing thru unnecessary processes online with Govt Agencies.
ReplyDeleteOne day we decided to ditch the GST system, the processing is too time consuming, taking up precious time of the Accounts clerk.
She even have to deal with the numerous Survey Requests demanded by the Authorities. Just hope that the GST, a regressive tax, would not be jacked up on some pretext in the new budget.
with the technology advancements, it is inevitable for tech to be used as a means of increasing productivity. we will not be here talking abt it at this blog if tech has not advanced and we are still using typewriters and newsletters.
ReplyDelete@111:25 pm
ReplyDeleteWe need an intelligent way to use technology. We should not apply technology in a manner that cause more trouble for the public. The governemnt agency wants to save 10 mins (time taken by a data entry staff to do the input) but imposes 1 or 2 hours on the public. This is not the right way to use technology.