Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Association Establishes Data Administration Unit
AIMA, the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service, has taken significant steps towards enhancing its digital and data strategy by establishing two new teams: the DATA Team and the UX Team (Multidisciplinary Digital Solutions Team).
The DATA Team, comprising technicians and experts in information systems and technology, was created with the primary objective of simplifying data flows and processing across AIMA's systems. Its other objectives include promoting operational efficiency, ensuring legal compliance, and strengthening decision support for smarter, data-driven management. The team will also implement mechanisms to monitor and control standard deviations and support regulatory agencies in combating corruption and other forms of crime.
The DATA Team operates through a combination of internal resources, external services, and funding from AIMA, the PRR, and European projects. The team's introduction and development will be overseen by AIMA's board of directors, presided by Pedro Gaspar Portugal.
Simultaneously, AIMA has also created a UX Team (Multidisdisciplinary Digital Solutions Team). The UX Team's goal is to transform the digital experience of AIMA's internal and external users. The team will develop more intuitive, accessible digital solutions, prioritizing the real needs of AIMA’s various audiences. The UX Team will also ensure compliance with User Experience and Accessibility standards.
In addition to developing digital solutions, the UX Team will also promote the internal adoption of new solutions through training, guides, and onboarding. The team will identify automation and digitalization opportunities and plan and monitor digital solution implementation projects.
These two teams, created according to resolutions published by AIMA on the same day, aim to improve AIMA's operational effectiveness and user satisfaction through data-driven management and enhanced digital user experiences.
AIMA, with the capacity to handle 7,000 daily consultations, also announced the intention to strengthen its response with the opening of new Local Migrant Integration Support Centres (CLAIM). Pedro Gaspar Portugal estimates that in the second half of the year, about ten new CLAIM centres will be opened to reinforce AIMA's capacity. There are approximately 170 CLAIM centres, with 90 of them operating in partnership with local authorities.
The new CLAIM in Fundão is the fifth in the country with the capacity to collect personal data. These centres play a crucial role in combating corruption and other forms of crime, a task that the DATA Team and the UX Team are also intended to support.
In summary, AIMA's strategic moves to strengthen its digital and data strategy through the creation of the DATA Team and the UX Team are expected to significantly improve the agency's operational effectiveness and user satisfaction, while also supporting its efforts in combating corruption and other forms of crime.
- The DATA Team, led by Pedro Gaspar Portugal, focuses on utilizing technology to simplify data flows, promote operational efficiency, ensure legal compliance, and strengthen decision support within AIMA.
- The UX Team, in collaboration with AIMA, the PRR, and European projects, is responsible for transforming AIMA's digital experience and ensuring compliance with User Experience and Accessibility standards.
- AIMA's new CLAIM centers, including the one in Fundão, will not only provide increased capacity for daily consultations but also play a pivotal role in combating corruption and other forms of crime, an area supported by both the DATA Team and the UX Team's efforts.
