As citizen expectations continue to grow, local governments are rethinking how they deliver services. GovSense’s VP of Sales & Customer Success, Tim Shea, explains how a unified ERP platform helps them do more with less – efficiently, transparently, and collaboratively.

Q: We hear “do more with less” all the time in government. What does that actually look like for the cities and counties you talk to every day?

A: Populations are growing, budgets are shrinking, and citizens now expect Silicon Valley-level innovation from Hidden Valley-sized towns. The best way to do more with less is by using technology that makes work easier, not more complicated.

Q: How does GovSense make that possible?

A: GovSense is built on NetSuite, the world’s #1 cloud ERP platform. That means it’s secure, modern, and backed by substantial ongoing R&D investment. The result is a solution that simplifies operations, increases transparency, and delivers a measurable return on investment – freeing up time and funds for what truly matters to your citizens.

Q: What challenges do local governments face with traditional ERP systems?

A: Traditional ERP systems burden local governments with outdated technology, siloed data, and rigid processes that don’t align with public-sector needs. They often lack fund accounting, encumbrance tracking, and real-time reporting, forcing departments to rely on spreadsheets and manual workarounds. As a result, these systems slow decision-making, increase maintenance costs, and limit transparency for both staff and citizens.

Q: How do you see the financial side benefiting from a unified platform?

A: A finance department benefits from a unified platform like GovSense by gaining a unified, cloud-based platform that automates accounting, budgeting, and reporting across every fund and department. Real-time data visibility eliminates spreadsheets and manual reconciliations, improving accuracy, compliance, and transparency with GASB and audit standards. With integrated modules for purchasing, encumbrances, grants, and capital projects, finance teams can close faster, manage budgets proactively, and provide council-ready reports in minutes instead of days.

Q: You’ve worked with cities of all sizes. What’s a success story that stands out?

A: The Town of Farragut, Tennessee modernized its financial management with GovSense, unifying accounting, budgeting, purchasing, and reporting in one cloud-based system. The Finance team now works more efficiently, closes faster, and delivers real-time insights to leadership and council.

Q: For cities evaluating new software solutions, what’s the key takeaway?

A: The key takeaway for cities evaluating new software solutions is to choose a modern, cloud-based system built for government that unifies finance, HR, and community development. The right platform should streak workflows, improve transparency, and reduce IT burden, empowering staff to focus on serving residents rather than managing outdated systems.

Final Thoughts:

Every city we work with shares one goal: serving their citizens better. GovSense helps make that goal achievable, even when resources are tight. When technology finally works with you, not against you, everything else starts to click.

Interested in learning more about how we do it? Contact us to schedule a demo!

GovSense is the first complete cloud solution purpose-built for local governments, empowering over 60 communities and supporting more than 2 million citizens. Govsense built on Oracle NetSuite—the #1 true cloud ERP platform with over 50,000 customers worldwide— GovSense delivers a modern, unified system that streamlines operations, enhances transparency, and drives efficiency. GovSense’s team has been implementing cloud solutions since 2005, bringing over two decades of expertise in delivering scalable and secure technology for local agencies. As a five-time GovTech 100 recipient, we are recognized as an industry leader in transforming government technology. GovSense is one modern platform that has everything you need for your local government, ensuring your community is equipped with the tools to thrive in the digital age.