Government agencies sit atop vast treasure troves of data, yet information remains trapped in technological fortresses. Years of independently developed systems have created a patchwork quilt of databases, applications, and document repositories that don’t communicate with each other.
This fragmentation—where critical information exists but can’t be cohesively accessed—undermines agencies’ abilities to serve citizens efficiently, craft data-driven policies, and respond rapidly to evolving public needs.
The Government Data Dilemma
State and federal agencies face unique challenges when it comes to data management. Many rely on IBM i systems and other legacy infrastructure that have reliably stored information for decades. While these systems excel at security and stability, they weren’t designed for the cross-departmental data analysis that modern governance demands.
Data silos create significant hurdles for government agencies attempting to implement AI effectively. As noted in a recent Nextgov/FCW article, “data silos obstruct [the] goal [of using current, pertinent data] by fragmenting information across departments, severely limiting AI’s full potential.”
The consequences of siloed government data are far-reaching:
- Citizen service requests requiring input from multiple departments face significant delays
- Policy decisions lack comprehensive supporting evidence
- Operational inefficiencies remain hidden within departmental boundaries
- Compliance reporting becomes an arduous, manual process
- Resource allocation occurs without the benefit of holistic data insight
As one state agency director described it: “We are data rich and information poor.” This sentiment resonates across agencies nationwide, where valuable information exists but remains trapped behind technological barriers—accessing it across disparate systems is like attempting a conversation through multiple translators simultaneously.
The Impact of Data Silos on Government AI Initiatives
According to the Government AI Readiness Index, data availability is a critical factor in AI readiness. Leading countries in AI adoption score significantly higher than the global average of 59.81 in data availability metrics, highlighting the importance of accessible, unified data. Oxford Insights
For government organizations to fully leverage AI’s potential, breaking down data silos is essential. A recent industry analysis indicates organizations should aim for “at least 80% of data sources integrated into a unified system” and ensure “AI models achieve an accuracy rate of over 90%” for optimal performance.
Profound AI: Connecting Government Data Islands
Solutions like Profound AI are emerging as the answer to this longstanding challenge. Designed specifically to work with government systems including IBM i, Profound AI helps agencies break down data silos without replacing their reliable existing infrastructure.
By creating a seamless intelligence layer that connects multiple data sources, Profound AI enables government organizations to transform fragmented information into unified insights that drive better decision-making and improved citizen services.
Profound AI: The Bridge Between Information Islands
Artificial intelligence is emerging as the definitive answer to the longstanding challenge of government data silos. Specifically designed to work with government systems including IBM i, Profound AI helps agencies transform legacy systems into modern, AI-enhanced applications while protecting all that valuable business logic built over decades
1. Natural Language Interfaces to Complex Systems
Profound AI provides intuitive, natural language interfaces to complex backend systems, allowing government employees to interact with data using conversational queries rather than technical language.
For example, a social services case worker can simply ask, “Show me all assistance programs this family qualifies for” and receive comprehensive answers drawn from multiple databases across departments—without needing to know SQL or specialized query languages. Profound AI’s ability to connect directly with IBM i systems and other databases enables this seamless interaction with legacy government systems that traditionally operate in isolation.
2. Real-Time Data Access Without Migration
Profound AI can access data directly from source systems – including IBM i databases, SQL servers, document repositories, and more – without requiring expensive and risky data migration projects. This capability is particularly valuable for government agencies with mission-critical legacy systems.
For instance, a county tax authority using Profound AI can simply ask questions that draw information simultaneously from their legacy IBM i property assessment database, SQL Server transaction records, and other data sources—all without moving data, compromising security protocols, or requiring expensive replatforming initiatives.
Profound AI’s Data Access feature allows AI agents to connect directly to databases and retrieve information in real-time while maintaining strong security controls. This means government staff can access insights from previously siloed data systems through natural language queries, making information more accessible without disrupting the underlying systems that agencies depend on for daily operations.
3. Document Intelligence at Scale
Government agencies manage vast repositories of unstructured documents—from policy guidelines to citizen correspondence. Profound AI’s knowledge feature allows agencies to upload enterprise-specific documentation, ranging from technical manuals and product information to internal policies and procedural guides that are then indexed and made searchable by AI agents.
This capability enables agencies to transform unstructured document repositories into searchable knowledge bases. A state transportation department, for example, could use Profound AI to analyze thousands of public comments on infrastructure projects alongside traffic pattern data and budget allocations from different systems, creating a comprehensive view that informs project prioritization.
4. Cross-Domain Data Visualization and Analytics
Profound AI includes data analytics and charting capabilities for ad hoc visualization of data, making it easier for government decision-makers to understand and communicate insights across departmental boundaries.
Profound AI excels at helping users visualize specific data trends on demand. For example, a regulatory agency could use Profound AI to visualize compliance patterns across multiple data sources—comparing compliance data from an IBM i system with inspection results stored in other databases and historical outcomes from document repositories. This visualization capability helps agency staff identify patterns and relationships that inform more effective resource allocation and enforcement prioritization, without requiring pre-built dashboard infrastructure.
The ability to generate visualizations in response to natural language queries is particularly valuable for government staff who need quick insights without specialized technical knowledge. A simple question like “Show me the trend in compliance rates across different regions over the past three quarters” can produce a meaningful visualization that draws from multiple, previously siloed data sources.
5. Seamless Integration with IBM i and Legacy Systems
Profound AI uniquely allows government agencies to directly access their existing DB2 for i databases and leverage the business logic already built into their IBM i systems. This capability is particularly critical for government agencies that rely on IBM i infrastructure for core operations and have decades of investment in these platforms.
Government staff can use Profound AI to query their DB2 for i data using natural language, without requiring any data migration or specialized technical knowledge. For example, an agency employee could simply ask, “What were the top five service requests in the northeast region last quarter?” and Profound AI can retrieve that information directly from existing IBM i databases.
Beyond data access, Profound AI can also call existing RPG programs and service procedures when needed to execute specific business rules or transactions that have been refined over years of operation. This means agencies can maintain their trusted IBM i business logic while adding the intuitive interface of AI – providing the best of both worlds without disruption to critical government systems or expensive replatforming initiatives.
The Path Forward: Practical Steps for Government Agencies
Breaking down data silos is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. To fully realize the benefits of AI without disrupting trusted systems, agencies need a deliberate, phased approach that builds momentum and confidence along the way.
For government organizations looking to break down their own data silos with AI, several key considerations can help ensure success:
- Focus on specific use cases that bring organizational value but are simple to implement
- Prioritize solutions that work with existing systems rather than requiring complete replacement
- Start with internal-facing applications to build confidence before deploying citizen-facing AI
- Ensure robust security and compliance features are built into any AI implementation
- Involve frontline staff in identifying high-value use cases and testing solutions
United Data, Better Government
As noted in a Deloitte Insights report, governments are increasingly “moving from hierarchies to networks to enable cross-agency collaboration” with silos “being eliminated in areas such as data, funding, and workforce to pool resources and capabilities.”
The siloed nature of government data has persisted not because agencies prefer isolation, but because the technical challenges of integration have been daunting. AI technology now offers a practical path forward – one that respects the value and security of existing systems while unlocking the insights trapped within them.
By implementing AI solutions that can communicate across departmental and technological boundaries, government agencies can finally see the complete picture of their operations, citizen needs, and program effectiveness. The result is more responsive, efficient, and intelligent public service.
Ready to Transform Your Agency?
Don’t let valuable data remain trapped in technological silos. Profound AI’s IBM i-compatible solution is helping state and federal agencies unlock insights from their existing data systems without the need for risky and expensive replacements.
Take the first step today: Visit profoundlogic.com/ai to discover how Profound AI can help your agency break down data silos, enhance citizen services, and make more informed policy decisions.
Request a personalized demo: See firsthand how Profound AI can integrate with your existing systems to create a unified intelligence layer across your agency. Contact our government solutions team at governmentsolutions@profoundlogic.com or call (877) 224-7768.
Start your digital transformation now before your agency falls further behind in the AI revolution. Your citizens deserve nothing less than the most efficient, data-driven government possible.
