Interoperability is the ability of different computer systems, software applications, or devices to communicate and work together effectively. In municipal government, interoperability matters when various departments use different software systems that need to share information. For example, planning, building permits, and property tax systems should exchange data seamlessly. Emergency services rely on interoperability so police, fire, and ambulance can communicate during incidents. Achieving interoperability requires common standards, compatible formats, and careful system planning. Poor interoperability leads to duplicate data entry, errors, and inefficient service delivery.