The AGCO relies on digital platforms to deliver accessible, reliable, secure, and customer- centric services to Ontarians. In line with the Government of Ontario’s Digital Service focus and commitment towards new digital practices and technologies to deliver simpler, faster, and better services to Ontarians, the I+IT plan enables the AGCO’s mandate of being innovative, sustainable, and accountable in key I+IT strategic areas, including:
- Digital Transformation: The AGCO’s Digital Strategy enables the agency to seize opportunities in a digital and data-driven world, harnessing innovation to be more effective, efficient, and agile. As the needs and capabilities of its regulated sectors evolve, the AGCO Digital Program is responsible for managing a digital strategy roadmap and maturity plan, advising on change, and driving business value against performance measures. The AGCO aims to be a leading digital regulator by leveraging technology to enhance customer and stakeholder experience, driving efficiency and effectiveness through data, automation, and AI, embedding deliberate actions to keep pace with regulated sector changes and innovation, and establishing foundational infrastructure to support digital enablement over time.
- Foster Data-Centric Culture: The AGCO will continue maturing its Data and Analytics Program to identify business priorities and develop data analytics solutions. Examples include internal self-service analytics to support regulation and employing artificial intelligence (AI) for risk-based, data-driven compliance. The Data Governance and Information Management program is focused on developing and deploying Records and Information Management practices across AGCO and overseeing Privacy and Data Governance of AGCO’s data and information assets. Together, these efforts provide AGCO with valuable insights to drive data-driven decision-making while safeguarding information assets.
- Modernize IT Foundation: At the center of the AGCO’s digital-service approach is the iAGCO platform, which enables digital processing and management of regulatory operations for its regulated sectors. To ensure alignment and integration of iAGCO and other digital products into a centrally managed portfolio, the AGCO has adopted Digital Product Management practices. These practices ensure customer-focused systems are available in a timely, cost-effective manner using agile delivery methodologies and roadmaps aligned with long-term strategic business needs. Additionally, the AGCO continues to modernize legacy systems and infrastructure into flexible, scalable cloud environments as a foundational step aligned to its Digital Strategy.
- Build Cyber Resilience: The AGCO continues to invest in people, processes, and technology to reduce the risk of cyber-attacks, protect personal information, and enhance response and recovery capabilities. This is demonstrated by the maturation of its Cybersecurity Program, which includes implementing controls to monitor unauthorized network and system access, protect against phishing and social engineering, provide advanced email security using AI and machine learning, and educate users through training and simulated phishing emails. Additionally, the AGCO will implement a disaster recovery service to ensure the protection and recovery of essential business data in the event of significant disruptions to IT operations, such as a loss of equipment or a successful ransomware attack.
- Maximize I+IT Agency Impact: Recognizing the constantly evolving business and regulatory environment, the AGCO has introduced an Innovation and Insights function to develop an innovation ecosystem that accelerates organizational learning and growth through research and incubation of technology and data solutions. The Innovation & Insights function will play a crucial role in advancing the agency's digital ambitions, significantly enhancing service delivery and operations, leading to improved service satisfaction, higher productivity, enhanced regulatory effectiveness, and the exploration of AI and new digital capabilities across the agency.
I+IT enables the delivery of major programs and priorities aligned with the AGCO’s mandate, such as support to increasing choice and convenience for consumers in the safe and responsible sale of beverage alcohol in Ontario; through its digital platforms and in taking innovative approaches that automates processes removing regulatory burden. The AGCO has established a strategic portfolio management practice ensuring sustainable public service delivery and an optimized organizational capacity to deliver against the agency’s priorities. This work will involve continued efforts to mature the AGCO’s I+IT management systems that drives strategic planning, performance measurement accountability, cost optimization, vendor and workforce management.
The AGCO will foster a digitally ready workforce equipped with the necessary skillsets, data literacy, and technological aptitude to thrive in this new digital reality. By combining strategic planning with focused and prioritized execution, I+IT will be a catalyst for the AGCO to adapt and flourish in an increasingly digital environment. This approach will ensure that employees are well-prepared to leverage technology effectively, driving innovation and enhancing overall organizational performance. Through continuous I+IT learning and development, the AGCO will be able to meet the evolving demands of its regulated sectors and achieve its strategic objectives.