Simple rules for complex systems

Simple rules for complex systems

I first heard the phrase "simple rules for complex systems" from Jonah Goldberg, who was commenting on rules for political/social systems. But I think this maxim is very applicable to data management. After all, most AMS systems are complex, so the rules that manage them should be as simple as possible.

I've written many times about managing to the exception, and the dangers therein. If we apply the "simple rules" principle, we will, by definition, avoid managing to the exception. For example, any rule that also includes an "unless" or a "however" (e.g., do it this way, unless it's X, then do it that way) is complex and managing to the exception, and should be avoided.

So take a look at your business rules. For membership, for event registration, for your certification processes, for all the data you manage. How complicated are they? How many exceptions are being managed by them? What can you do to simplify them?

Repeat after me: Simple rules for complex systems.

Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives

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 …

Start with “Why” before you move to “How” Read More »

The power of users groups!

September 13, 2023

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

The power of users groups! Read More »

Associations are complex businesses!

September 6, 2023

Associations are complex businesses! One of the reasons managing data at an association can be so …

Associations are complex businesses! Read More »

Snapshots are required

August 30, 2023

Snapshots are required Recently a couple of different clients have asked me why it’s necessary …

Snapshots are required Read More »

“It’s in the database…”

August 16, 2023

“It’s in the database…” I often joke with my clients that AMS nirvana looks like …

“It’s in the database…” Read More »

Using the Pomodoro Technique for data management

August 9, 2023

Using the Pomodoro Technique for data management I’m a huge fan of the Pomodoro Technique, …

Using the Pomodoro Technique for data management Read More »

You need a PLAN to deal with duplicates

August 2, 2023

You need a PLAN to deal with duplicates Here’s the thing about duplicate records: No …

You need a PLAN to deal with duplicates Read More »

Asking for more is a good sign…

July 26, 2023

Asking for more is a good sign… A client who had recently implemented a new …

Asking for more is a good sign… Read More »

Take action…

July 19, 2023

Take action… “The greatest wisdom not applied to action and behavior is meaningless data.” – …

Take action… Read More »

The Rule of 100 and 1,000 revisited

July 12, 2023

The Rule of 100 and 1,000 revisited I’m finding that the “Rule of 100 and …

The Rule of 100 and 1,000 revisited Read More »

Scroll to Top