Recognized as a National Leader in Streamlining Licensing Processes through Technology
Little Rock, Arkansas – September 20, 2024 – The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing (ADLL) has been recognized as a national leader in streamlining licensing processes through technology, receiving two prestigious accolades: the 2024 Government Experience Award from the Center for Digital Government (CDG) and the 2024 Hermes Platinum Award for Government Website Overall.
The cornerstone of these achievements is ADLL’s Enterprise Licensing Platform (ELP), available at www.ar.gov/license. This innovative platform has revolutionized how licenses are managed across the state, consolidating numerous licensing processes into a single, user-friendly system. Licensees from a wide range of professions, from auctioneers to used motor vehicle dealers, can now apply for and renew their licenses entirely online.
ADLL Secretary Daryl Bassett praised the platform’s success, saying, “We are committed to improving government efficiency, and it’s an honor to receive this recognition for our licensing platform. The ELP provides a centralized hub for licensing across various professions, regardless of their regulating agency.”
The impact of the ELP has been profound. By reducing paperwork and standardizing procedures, the platform has cut the department’s administrative workload by 70%. For example, electricians who previously waited 90 days to renew their licenses can now complete the process in just five days. Bassett emphasized that the ELP not only unifies different licensing systems but also improves overall efficiency for both state agencies and licensees.
ADLL’s Chief Information Officer, Ken Anderson, highlighted the platform’s positive effects on productivity, noting that the system has enhanced both licensing and IT staff workflows. He also revealed plans to further expand the platform, incorporating digital inspections and leveraging generative AI to streamline inspection efforts. The ELP’s 24/7 accessibility has also been a significant benefit, allowing licensees to manage their needs without being restricted by office hours.
Currently, 14 agencies within ADLL and the Department of Public Safety are using the ELP, with five more agencies expected to join by the end of 2025. As more departments adopt the platform, ADLL anticipates even greater efficiency and cost savings.
The development of the ELP was a collaborative effort, undertaken in partnership with Tyler Arkansas and supported by grants from the Information Network of Arkansas (INA), which has been instrumental in promoting digital transformation within state government.
In addition to the Government Experience Award, ADLL’s website also earned the 2024 Hermes Platinum Award for Government Website Overall. Competing against top creative projects across the industry, ADLL’s website received an impressive score of 98 out of 100, securing platinum status.
These awards underscore ADLL’s dedication to using technology to enhance public service and improve the experience for Arkansas residents navigating the licensing process.
Media Contact:
Ken Anderson, Chief Information Officer
Arkansas Department of Labor & Licensing
Phone: 501-682-4849
Email: ken.anderson@arkansas.gov