In my 2015 Data Management Benchmarking Survey, I asked associations: “Do you have a formal data management team?” Only 22% replied yes.
This number needs to increase dramatically if associations are really going to take advantage of the data that they are managing.
The simple fact is that the amount of data you manage is only increasing. It’s not going to go down (unless the association itself is dying!). That data has tremendous value, if it is managed appropriately.
That’s a big “if.” Those associations that want to thrive in the 21st century will find a way to formalize and operationalize data management. One step in that direction is creating a formal and recognized data management team.