Frequently asked questions about Onify Citizen
Here we collect answers to frequently asked questions about Onify Citizen, from features of the portal to the way we work as a provider.
About Onify Citizen
1. What is Onify Citizen and how does it fit into the municipality's digital ecosystem?
Onify's Citizen Portal is a logged-in area where citizens get a personalized overview of their cases, notifications and engagement with the municipality in one place. The portal is based on a flexible platform that integrates with the municipality's existing systems and strengthens the ecosystem you already have, instead of replacing it. The result is a clear, personalized digital entrance that simplifies everyday life for the citizen and at the same time frees up time and resources for the municipality.
2. What is the difference with a traditional logged-in mode?
Today, many municipalities offer a logged-in mode where the citizen can view certain information or manage cases. Onify Citizen is instead a neutral and flexible umbrella that is placed on top of the municipality's existing business system, where all relevant information is collected and can be presented to the citizen.
This may be data that was not previously available, but which now becomes visible and useful in a context. In the logged-in mode, the citizen gets a personal view based on the objects that are relevant to them. For example, a property, a company or an ongoing case and see their entire contact and engagement with the municipality in one place.
Onify Citizen does not replace the municipality's systems, but strengthens them by creating a clear, secure and coherent digital experience. The citizen meets the municipality as a whole, not as separate systems.
3. How does Onify Citizen complement the external web?
The External Web is open to everyone and is mainly used for broad information about the municipality, such as activities, contact routes, opening hours and news. Onify Citizen, on the other hand, is logged in, personalized and data-driven. It pulls information directly from the municipality's business systems, transforms it into clear objects such as properties, businesses or cases and presents it to the individual citizen. While the external website answers the question "what is the municipality about?" the portal answers "what applies to me?".
4. is the portal in line with national initiatives and standards?
Answer. Onify Citizen is built for transparency and complies with applicable laws, standards and guidelines. It can be easily connected to ENA components, DIGG frameworks and other national initiatives.
Implementation and working methods
1. How long will it take to implement the Citizens' Portal?
A first version can often be in place within two to three months provided that the technical requirements are clear. Onify has a proven model with clear steps from installation and integration to testing, deployment and hypercare.
2. What roles are needed in the project from our municipality?
Success requires collaboration. Common roles include project managers, system technicians and subject matter experts. In the long run, it is good to have system managers and administrators who manage the portal. Onify will support you throughout the journey and we have more information in our implementation plan on what is required for successful implementation and management.
3. What support do we get from Onify?
You get both technical and operational support. We contribute with solution proposals, configuration, best practices from other municipalities, structure and training. We are there from the first meeting to operation and then with support and management.
4. Can we start small?
Yes, they do. Many municipalities choose to start in one administration or limited area, such as a portal for entrepreneurs or property owners, and then build on it step by step. There is no need for a large IT project to get started and the value becomes clear early on.
Technology and security
1. How does the portal integrate with our business and government systems?
Onify's platform is built to connect with both the municipality's business systems and the government systems used. The integrations can be done in several different ways depending on the conditions of the systems. Usually, modern REST APIs are used, but we can also integrate via SOAP, database connections or file transfer where necessary.
All information is collected and indexed in the portal so that the citizen gets a uniform and unified picture, even if the data is basically in different systems. This can be done both through scheduled indexing for large amounts of data and real-time integration when updates need to be visible immediately.
2. How does login and security work?
The portal supports BankID, Freja eID and Single Sign-On. All data stays with the municipality and the solution complies with GDPR and applicable security requirements. Onify conducts regular security tests including penetration tests to ensure a safe solution.
3. is language support available in the portal?
The portal supports Swedish, English and Finnish as standard. It is built for full multilingualism both in interface and content and more languages can easily be added
4. Who is responsible for operations and data?
The municipality always owns its data and operations. Onify provides the platform and supports development but control and ownership remains with the municipality. No master data is stored in Onify.
5. Are we locked to certain suppliers?
No, it doesn't. Onify is an open platform. Changing your system will not affect your citizens' view. The portal is built to empower and connect what you have, not to lock you in.