Planning Technology: What Back Office Systems Actually Do
Behind every planning decision is a complex workflow, all of which runs through what is known as ‘the back-office planning system.’
These systems are the digital infrastructure that local authorities use to manage the entire planning application process in the UK. From receiving and validating applications to issuing decisions and publishing documents online, back-office systems are essential to how planning teams operate day to day.
Each system is built to help manage case data, consultation responses, deadlines, and reports, making it easier for officers to keep track of complex planning workloads. In the UK, the most widely used back office system is Idox, processing around 10,000 plans monthly. (Idox)
Planning officers use these tools to:
In short, these systems keep planning departments moving through each task with efficiency and organisation. It is therefore also the first port-of-call for tackling the pressure of application backlogs.
Back office planning systems remain the central place where solutions need to come together, acting as the hub through which planning officers manage complex workflows. As new technology emerges, its real value lies in how well it supports and integrates with these systems, enhancing efficiency without removing professional judgment. We see opportunities for tools that complement existing platforms and strengthen the role of planning officers, and our work is increasingly focused on how future technology can contribute in this space.
