3 minute read
Information & Communication Technology Directorate
Functions and Duties
Advertisement
The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Directorate is the main driver of the Authority’s information, communications and technology strategy, and aims to improve standards in ICT services. At the helm there is the Chief Information Officer (CIO), whose role is to make sure that all information and technologies are affiliated with all the business priorities. This directorate is the main ICT focal point within the Authority, providing support in terms of ICT operations, strategy, project implementation, consultancy and governance to all directorates within Transport Malta.
Initiatives and improvements in 2020
In 2020, Transport Malta embarked on several initiatives. Such initiatives mainly focus on system simplification, for a more efficient service. This was attained by the implementation of new enhancements on the current solutions. As a result, a number of services are now accessible anywhere and anytime on mobile devices, namely:
•Transport Malta Website – ICTD together with the Transport Malta website business owner (Marketing Section) has improved the website to be compliant with the legal obligation in relation to the Accessibility Regulation and the Single Digital Gateway. Moreover, ICTD is also pursuing beneficial enhancements to the portal for an improved user experience, both for internal users as well as to the general public.
•eForms – A new strategy has been established to transpose Transport Malta online forms into a more interactive method, whereby the public can follow their workflow and status online. Forms considered to be of high priority have been identified, designed and planned for implementation. • Learner Permits and Driving Tests – Transport Malta introduced a new online solution which is more efficient and convenient. The procedure to apply for such services has been facilitated. Upon application, the general public has the possibility to upload all necessary supporting documents, whereby the motoring school is aware of all the incoming applications. It gives the learner visibility and full accessibility to make any updates and apply for the practical test, subject to a successful theory test.
•Seafarers – A new web‑based solution was designed and implemented throughout 2020 to provide a holistic approach to the Seafarers Certification business processes. Currently, the solution is in its final testing phases with the plan to be implemented within the first quarter of 2021.
•New Transport Malta Environment – Transport Malta has invested in a new environment to host its own solutions. This also encapsulates new security features to be in line with all ICT Security best practices and industrial standards.
•Port Management Solution – This project is primarily aimed at integrating several port related services into one holistic solution. The National Single Window will facilitate port business, therefore enhancing efficiency, improving safety, reducing administrative burden and integration with national/international obligations such as EMSA.
•Online Driving Licence Renewal – A new enhancement to the Learners Permit and Driving Test solution has been designed to provide a new functionality to renew expired driving licences.
•eREG – Online Vehicle Registration – eREG has been designed as a three‑phased‑project. As of 2020, the general public as well as car dealers are able to book online to obtain a registration number plate. Such process will facilitate the identification of the availability of number plates, and also simplify the procedure to book personalised number plates. In 2021, it is envisaged that Transport Malta will continue to implement the other 2 phases on eREG, mainly the registration of new vehicles and the registration of commercial vehicles, respectively.
•Payroll Solution – Transport Malta payroll solution has been migrated to cloud service to benefit from new functionalities as well as to be in line with security and business continuity best practices. The solution covers the full life cycle of payroll and human resources.
•ECCAIRS ‑ European Co‑ordination Centre for Accident and Incident Reporting Systems (ECCAIRS) is an application to assist states with collecting, sharing, and analysing their safety aviation information. ICTD has liaised with and assisted the Civil Aviation Directorate (CAD) with upgrading the system to its latest version and is also monitoring the User Acceptance Testing (UAT) process prior to cloud migration of the system. ICTD will eventually co‑ordinate and assist the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to migrate to the online solution.
New challenges
In 2021, the main challenges are to keep streamlining the current electronic services in line with new technologies, and to build a new infrastructure as medium for its services. The simplification of processes, by using the latest technology and the gathering of different data sources to provide a clearer picture of Transport Malta’s business progress, are also on the agenda.
Clive James
Broadcaster and Journalist
Photographer: Peter Paul Barbara
