Utilizing live monitoring and artificial intelligence to ensure success in federal audits
Federal agencies are embracing a strategic approach to modernize their asset management practices, with a focus on real-time visibility technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This shift aims to enhance operational transparency, improve compliance, and streamline audit processes.
System Consolidation and Centralized Dashboards
A key element of this strategy involves consolidating multiple legacy systems into single platforms, offering a "single pane of glass" view with real-time insights on asset health, configuration status, vulnerabilities, and inventory tracking. This centralization enhances transparency and operational clarity while reducing costs and technical debt.
Integration of AI for Real-Time Monitoring and Decision Support
AI platforms, such as those provided by ServiceNow, automate inventory tracking and maintenance scheduling to maximize asset readiness. These AI-driven tools also support predictive maintenance and optimize resource allocation by identifying usage patterns and potential issues before they cause downtime.
AI-Powered Contract and Acquisition Management
AI aids federal acquisition professionals by offering real-time analytics on contract performance, budget consumption, and vendor capabilities. This visibility enables rapid identification of alternative suppliers during supply chain disruptions, supporting operational agility, compliance, and audit success.
Continuous Monitoring and Diagnostic Tools for Cybersecurity
Agencies like the USDA have implemented continuous monitoring and diagnostic programs that provide real-time data to inform risk-based decisions and measure program health. Consolidated Security Operations Centers use centralized logging and AI analytics to strengthen incident detection, response, and cross-agency information sharing, contributing to audit readiness and transparency.
Unified Financial Tracking and Data Sharing
Technologies like burn-down tracking unify budget and spending data across multiple years, providing real-time financial oversight, supporting stronger governance and audit success.
The strategic approach emphasizes single-platform integration, AI-enabled real-time analytics, automated workflows, and cross-agency data sharing to deliver operational transparency and improve compliance and audit outcomes.
From Manual to Digital: The Defense Department's Transition
Federal agencies, particularly within the Defense Department, are transitioning from manual and outdated systems to digital solutions for efficient asset tracking and management. This shift is crucial in addressing challenges such as the inability to accurately track assets, resulting in significant financial losses and failed audits.
Collaboration for Success
Leveraging proven technologies from the commercial sector, like RFID technology, offers a robust foundation for success in federal asset management modernization. However, collaboration with experienced partners is essential in modernizing legacy systems, tailoring technology deployments to the specific needs of each agency.
Devices used in federal operations should meet stringent federal security standards, such as FIPS and DoD-approved security protocols.
Jan Ruderman, head of government business development for Zebra Technologies, emphasizes the importance of this modernization effort: "By focusing on real-time visibility and AI, federal agencies can respond swiftly to operational changes, reduce data silos, maintain consistent audit trails, and achieve efficiencies in both IT asset management and cybersecurity posture."
[1] https://www.nextgov.com/itmodernization/2020/03/federal-agencies-are-using-ai-to-modernize-their-it-asset-management/160039/ [2] https://www.nextgov.com/itmodernization/2019/11/agencies-are-using-burn-down-tracking-improve-financial-oversight/159869/ [3] https://www.nextgov.com/itmodernization/2020/01/how-ai-helps-federal-agencies-improve-acquisition-performance/159985/ [4] https://www.nextgov.com/itmodernization/2019/10/how-ai-can-help-federal-agencies-improve-their-maintenance-strategies/159681/ [5] https://www.nextgov.com/itmodernization/2019/10/how-federal-agencies-are-using-ai-to-improve-their-cybersecurity-posture/159676/
- The federal workforce will be reimagined with the integration of AI and data-and-cloud-computing technologies, as agencies like the Defense Department modernize their asset management practices for real-time visibility and improved compliance (System Consolidation and Centralized Dashboards, AI-Powered Contract and Acquisition Management).
- To ensure cybersecurity, federal agencies are implementing continuous monitoring and diagnostic tools that leverage AI analytics for stronger incident detection, response, and cross-agency information sharing (Continuous Monitoring and Diagnostic Tools for Cybersecurity). Further, the federal workforce will be utilizing AI platforms for real-time inventory tracking, maintenance scheduling, and predictive maintenance to streamline asset readiness and optimize resource allocation (AI platforms for Real-Time Monitoring and Decision Support).
