No System is Perfect

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

It’s time to stop excusing association professionals

November 15, 2023

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More demos is not better

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More demos is not better When I work with clients on selecting a new system, …

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The database owner should be “passionate”

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The database owner should be “passionate” I’m frequently asked by my clients: “Who should we …

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Discipline is required

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Action is required

October 18, 2023

Action is required Over my many years of consulting, one thing I’ve noticed about many associations …

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Some data analytics tips from the DAN “Science Fair”

October 11, 2023

Some data analytics tips from the DAN “Science Fair” Last week I had the opportunity …

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Are all your processes frictionless?

October 4, 2023

Are all your processes frictionless? I’m not a huge fan of buzzwords, but I love …

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Trends don’t need perfect data

September 27, 2023

Trends don’t need perfect data When it comes to analyzing data trends (changes in data …

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Start with “Why” before you move to “How”

September 20, 2023

Start with “Why” before you move to “How” Something I’ve noticed over my years in …

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The power of users groups!

September 13, 2023

The power of users groups! Last week I had the honor and pleasure of speaking …

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