When can we call ourselves a ‘Smart City’?

By Lcid Crescent D. Fernandez

The term “Smart City” gets thrown around a lot, mistakenly and particularly with any gadget or internet-related endeavor of an LGU. For example, free internet within the city or municipal hall – is that enough to claim the title of Smart City? Is an IT seminar a “Smart City endeavor”? How about a website with a chatbot? That’s what many people get wrong about smart cities: it’s not about technology trends. It’s about systems and service. What does it really mean to become a “Smart City”?

The real measure of a Smart City is governance. We have to look at how systems are built, integrated, and designed to serve people. Innovation must lead to transparency, resilience, and better quality of life for citizens. There are 3 foundations to building a Smart City. Individually, they profoundly impact the lives of citizens; but together, they pave the way for the future of governance.

Step 1: Digitalize  Processes
Every smart city begins by replacing manual work with digital systems. Digitalization streamlines governance through e-signatures, online forms, and automated approvals. An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software helps to integrate processes for HR, finance, and operations into one platform. Instead of scattered files and redundant processes, city governments can use ERPs to track budgets, payroll, procurement, and reporting in real time.

One such ERP, The Prominent by WARP Technologies and Innovation, is the Philippines’ first AI-powered government ERP specifically designed for public service. It makes use of an ever-expanding inventory of modules specifically designed to streamline each governmental function.  We not only developed the software, but we have also trained people to adopt these tools into daily functions and safeguard data as a public asset. Without secure and well-managed digital systems, higher technologies will only add confusion instead of clarity.

Step 2: Integrate  Internet of Things (IoT)
Once processes are digitalized, the next step is integration. Here, systems start talking to each other. The ERP connects with IoT devices, citizen portals, and AI. This is where the theory “smart” goes into practice: data trackers to future-proof decisions, real-time updates on permit applications, and citizen portals to report issues in minutes. With AI added in, these systems help leaders predict problems, optimize resources, and respond faster. At this point, the city stops functioning in isolated stages . It operates as a unified ecosystem that amplifies manpower.

Step 3: Elevate the Citizen Experience
The final stage is when all of this translates into real impact on citizens’ daily lives. Technology is no longer a back-office tool but a public service enabler. Centralized command centers consolidate data from IoT, ERP, and citizen reports into integrated dashboards. City leaders can monitor utilities, traffic, and environmental indicators in real time. We can see innovation and sustainability embedded in the infrastructure of smart transport, clean energy, and efficient waste systems. At this stage, governance is not only data-driven, but citizen-centric. Urban life becomes more livable, inclusive, and sustainable. Quality of life improves by embracing smart tools like ERPS: cities can attract investors, reduce wasteful spending, empower communities, and prepare for challenges like rapid urbanization and climate change. The choice lies with LGUs: either remain stuck in outdated systems, or step forward into transparent, resilient, and truly smart governance.

So, when can we call a city “Smart”? Not when it buys new gadgets or installs flashy tech. But when its systems are digitalized, integrated, and they elevate the citizen experience. That’s what we endeavor to do at WARP Technologies and Innovations: develop bleeding edge software and hardware solutions catered to the needs of growing Smart Cities. When leaders understand that the adoption of technology is merely a component of more efficient and transparent governance, you know you’re living in a Smart City.