Palvelukuvasto

Palvelukuvasto is a structured repository of descriptions for services offered by an organization, especially within public administration. Its purpose is to provide clear, standardized information about each service so citizens, businesses, and staff can understand what is available, who can use it, how to access it, and what to expect in terms of delivery.

A typical palvelukuvasto entry describes the service in a consistent way, covering elements such as the service name, a concise description, the service owner or provider, target users, prerequisites or eligibility criteria, access channels, hours of service, required documents, and the process to obtain the service. It often includes information on service levels, costs or payments, processing times, and any dependencies or related services. Metadata and taxonomy are used to classify services, aiding searchability and interoperability across platforms and authorities.

The katalog serves several functions. It supports transparency by making available what services exist and how they work. It aids digitalization and user-centered design by providing a foundation for creating user journeys and online applications. It also helps governance and performance management by enabling standardized reporting, lifecycle management, and alignment with strategic objectives.

Implementation practices vary, but commonly a palvelukuvasto is published on organizational websites or digital portals and may be maintained as a living document with periodic updates. In some contexts, it is designed to be machine-readable to support integration with e-services, APIs, and other information systems.