No System is Perfect
While it may sound trite, it bears repeating that no data management system is perfect. I have yet to meet an association executive who thinks their system works perfectly. And yet, very often we'll spend hours trying to find "perfect" software or trying to design the "perfect" data management process. The reality is, if you're hitting 80%, you're probably doing really well. (Click here to read more on that.) For example, almost invariably when I work with a new client, one challenge they'll have is the creation of duplicate records by their members and customers. As it is typically put, "Our members will come online to do something, they can't remember their username or login, and so they create a new record. And then we have to de-dupe it." The reality is, challenges like this will NEVER go away. Members and customers will find a way to create duplicate records, no matter how many "forgot your name/forgot your password" options you offer. Because they're humans! Maybe we can improve this, maybe we can't. But we'll never reach the point where it's perfect, so don't set that expectation, or you'll always be disappointed. |
Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives
Painting the Bridge
Painting the Bridge According to this article, the Golden Gate Bridge is painted continuously year-round. …
Maintenance isn’t sexy
Maintenance isn’t sexy I remember reading once long ago that one of the reasons our …
“Will I still have a job when this is done?”
“Will I still have a job when this is done? While working with a client …
Evolution, not revolution
Evolution, not revolution I don’t recall where I first heard it many decades ago, but …
The power of the users’ group
The power of the users’ group Recently in an online users group forum for an …
Who is your data evangelist?
Who is your data evangelist? I was recently talking with a client of mine about …
Who is your data evangelist?
Who is your data evangelist? I was recently talking with a client of mine about …
Ratio of Data to Errors
Ratio of Data to Errors One of the elements of a good data governance plan …
Back to basics
Back to basics Over the past couple of years I’ve noticed that some AMS vendors …
Your people matter
Your people matter I’ve written many times about how people, process, and technology have to …