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
Always, ALWAYS budget for more training
Always, ALWAYS budget for more training Always, ALWAYS budget for more training. I don’t know how else […]
We’ve always done it that way
We’ve always done it that way A couple of weeks ago I wrote about approving memberships, […]
Are you sure it doesn’t do that?
Are you sure it doesn’t do that? Even after 20 years of consulting, I’m surprised […]
Be grateful
Be grateful As Thanksgiving approaches here in the US, I’m reminded of two words: Be […]
Do you really need to approve them?
Do you really need to approve them? I often joke that the very best (because […]
Negativity bias is why we need database PR
Negativity bias is why we need database PR I’ve written before how cognitive biases can affect […]
A system change requires a culture change
A system change requires a culture change By its very nature, when you introduce a […]
Where is that data?
Where is that data? This is what data management nirvana looks like: When the question starts with […]
Be deliberate, but act quickly
Be deliberate, but act quickly Be deliberate, but act quickly. These are my words of […]
Why associations don’t like the “S” word
Why associations don’t like the “S” word A couple of weeks ago I asked my […]