5 Steps to Becoming a Data-Driven Organization
Data is the foundation of technological and strategic innovation for nonprofits and public sector agencies. It fuels powerful CRM platforms like Salesforce, which automates workflows, streamlines reporting, and reveals insights about service delivery. Improved processes and enhanced clarity elevate organizations, and therefore, uplift communities. On top of that, AI presents incredible opportunities for human services organizations, but only for those that fully embrace data strategy. If you’re wondering how to become a data driven organization, this resource provides a step-by-step guide to harnessing the full power of your data.
1. Understand Basic Data Concepts
Familiarize yourself with the following data terms and how they apply to your work: Agile Method, Analytics, Culture, Governance, Integrity, Quality & Accuracy, Stewardship, and Transparency. Learn to distinguish between each of these concepts and how they will help your organization reach your goals.
2. Identify Key Data Points to Understanding Your Impact
Determine which data best tells your organization’s story, so you can develop a data strategy to capitalize on it. If your organizations provide workforce development services, your key data point tracking would likely be tracking annual Employee Retention Rates. Develop your data strategy around that performance indicator to effectively present it to stakeholders and formulate strategies to boost it even higher.
3. Develop Data Analysis Skills
Discover how to analyze data to identify trends, measure outcomes, and improve service delivery. Once you know how to scrutinize your key performance indicators, you’re empowered with crucial knowledge that can help advance your mission.
Salesforce Outcomes Management Report
Pictured, youth financial outcomes dashboard.
4. Learn Data Visualization
Explore ways to present data analysis clearly and effectively to stakeholders, funders, and the community. Tableau is a powerful data visualization tool that makes crucial information easier to read and digest. By clearly laying out key performance indicators in ways people can simply understand, you can garner more support and prove impact.
Tableau Client Enrollment and Participation Trends Visualization
Depicted using heat maps and graphs.
5. Promote Data-Driven Decision Making
Create a data culture at your organization. Foster an environment where everyone understands the importance of using data to guide decisions that improve success and boost community impact.
Provisio: Your Data Strategy Partner
As the largest Salesforce consultancy focused solely on human services, Provisio offers unparalleled expertise crafting comprehensive data strategies for nonprofits and state and local governments. Our goal-based data strategy consulting services transform mission-driven organizations into data-driven organizations that make better decisions and deliver better outcomes. These are the first 5 steps to take on your innovation journey, and Provisio is here to guide you every step of the way.
FAQs
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Data fuels innovation by improving workflows, streamlining reporting, and offering insights that elevate service delivery. It also empowers these organizations to showcase their impact, secure funding, and make evidence-based decisions to support their communities.
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Important data concepts include analytics, governance, stewardship, data quality, and transparency. Understanding these concepts helps organizations ensure their data is accurate, reliable, and actionable for achieving their goals.
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Foster an environment where employees understand the value of data and are encouraged to use it for decision-making. Regular training, leadership buy-in, and clear communication of data’s benefits can help instill this culture.
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Tableau is a widely used tool for creating clear and compelling visualizations. CRM platforms like Salesforce also integrate data analysis and visualization capabilities, simplifying the management of key performance indicators.