Process before technology

Process before technology

In a conversation with a client recently, I was reminded (yet again) of how important people and process are when it comes to managing data. As we discussed their technology options, the client said, "You know, even if this technology is free, it won't do us any good if we haven't established good processes and assigned accountability."

He's 100% correct.

I talk about people, process, and technology all the time, because all three of them are equally important for effectively managing data. You've got to have the right people ("accountability") doing the right things (process) in order for the technology to be most effective.

As a wise consultant once told me, "If your processes are crap and you add technology to those crappy processes, all you'll do is produce crap much faster."

So before you make any decisions about new technology, make sure you've got the right processes in place.

Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives

“The first time it lies to me is the last time I’ll use it.”

June 17, 2026

“The first time it lies to me is the last time I’ll use it.” Over […]

Improvement is never linear

June 10, 2026

Improvement is never linear One of the many lessons one learns over a lifetime is […]

Don’t forget to take a “before” picture!

June 3, 2026

Don’t forget to take a “before” picture! Whenever I start on a big home clean […]

Are you being penny wise and pound foolish?

May 27, 2026

Are you being penny wise and pound foolish? Two quick customer service stories to illustrate […]

AMS Products are getting better – and what that means for you

May 20, 2026

AMS Products are getting better – and what that means for you I’ve been working […]

Using AI beyond content generation

May 13, 2026

Using AI beyond content generation Recent surveys by ASAE and others suggest nearly 90% of associations […]

If you’re training, PLEASE do this…

May 6, 2026

If you’re training, PLEASE do this… If you’re doing any kind of software training, or […]

Don’t confuse motion with improvement

April 29, 2026

Don’t confuse motion with improvement I wrote recently how action can produce information. But an […]

Perfection is expensive (in fact, it’s not possible!)

April 22, 2026

Perfection is expensive (in fact, it’s not possible!) “Perfection is expensive. The last 5 percent […]

AI is a journey, not a destination

April 15, 2026

AI is a journey, not a destination Lately I’ve noticed a lot of associations talking […]

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top