Author: Hans Joerg Maron | Source: Inside IT
Publication Date: October 31, 2025
Summary Reading Time: 3-4 minutes

Core Topic & Context

The Federal Office of Information Technology (BIT) is planning a comprehensive automation initiative worth up to 64 million francs through the Federal Office for Buildings and Logistics. The project encompasses building an automation platform, a Center of Excellence, and additional services for digitizing manual administrative processes.

⚡ Three Critical Questions

❓ Question 1: Will this automation offensive become a catalyst for comprehensive digital transformation across the entire federal administration, or will it remain an isolated IT project?

❓ Question 2: What impact will process automation have on jobs in public administration, and how will the competency profile of federal employees change?

❓ Question 3: Can Switzerland develop internationally competitive e-government services with this investment, or will it continue to lag behind digital frontrunners?

🔮 Future Scenarios

📅 Short-term (1 year)

First automated standard processes go live, primarily in administrative areas
Staff training and change management processes begin
First efficiency gains become measurable in pilot areas

📅 Medium-term (5 years)

Complete integration of automation platform across all federal offices
Emergence of new digital citizen services and self-service portals
Possible personnel reduction in standardized administrative areas while simultaneously creating new IT specialist positions

📅 Long-term (10-20 years)

AI-supported decision processes in administration become normal
Fully digitized citizen services without human intervention
Switzerland could become the European reference model for automated administration

Key Facts & Figures

Project Volume: Up to 64 million francs
Technologies: Digital Process Automation, Business Process Automation, Robotic Process Automation
Client: Federal Office for Buildings and Logistics for BIT
Location: BIT Campus in Meielen
Project Scope: Platform + Center of Excellence + Additional Services

Stakeholders & Affected Parties

Federal Administration: All federal offices as future users
IT Service Providers: Potential contractors for the tender
Federal Employees: Directly affected staff in areas to be automated
Citizens and Companies: Benefit from more efficient administrative services
Taxpayers: Finance the investment

Opportunities & Risks

Opportunities:

Significant efficiency gains and cost savings in administration
Improved citizen services through faster and error-free processes
Position Switzerland as a pioneer for digital administration

Risks:

High investment without guarantee of successful implementation
Resistance from employees and unions regarding job cuts
Technical complexity could lead to delays and cost overruns

Action Relevance

Time-critical: Tender process already underway, decisions pending
Strategic: Groundbreaking for the digitization strategy of the entire federal administration
Operational Impact: All administrative levels must prepare for fundamental process changes

📋 Executive Summary

BIT is investing 64 million francs in a comprehensive automation platform to digitize manual administrative processes. This initiative could become the turning point for digitization of Swiss federal administration and develop exemplary character internationally. Success depends on skillfully balancing technical innovation, employee acceptance, and citizen needs.

✅ Fact Check

Project volume and client are clearly documented
Technology areas correspond to current automation standards
[⚠️ To be verified] Exact tender conditions and implementation timeline