Based on your answers for tools your organisation is currently Learning
For tools you scored your organisation 2.1 out of 5
The average score for tools in the benchmark group is 3.1 out of 5
Tools across the sector
Your Current Stage
Learning
Digital data is mostly centrally stored on a (secured, backed-up) cloud-based system or local server with managed access. Some may remain inaccessible on computers, central shared drives or devices.
Unstructured data is becoming better organised and searchable (e.g. folder structures/file naming conventions).
Data held in a range of systems all separately managed. Tools likely to include at least one database or CRM system. There are also likely to be multiple spreadsheets in use.
Tools mostly used operationally rather than analytically. May allow some basic inbuilt analysis and reporting but most often data has to be exported for analysis in another tool.
Possible advanced analytical tool used for basic data processing or descriptive statistical analysis.
Joining data or analysis across teams/services/functions requires manual exporting and re-stitching.
Tools likely to be purchased or built as ‘one-offs’ for specific purposes with limited flexibility for change or improvement. Replacements and upgrades are being researched and costed. Possibly some regular expenditure on cloud-based software tools and ad-hoc hardware replacement.
The next stage up for your organisation is
Developing
Data fully centrally stored in secure digital systems with managed access.
Data held in appropriate databases/CRMs or other technologies accessible by expert users and some non-experts.
People are formally responsible for managing the storage, cleaning and maintenance, security, and backup of all data. Where possible this is becoming routine and/or automated.
Data is collected and automatically stored digitally wherever possible e.g. online forms/apps directly into databases.
An inventory of tools and systems (including hardware, software, licence, passwords and access) is managed and maintained.
Most tools are up to date with support available. Work-arounds are understood and replacements planned for poorer tools.
Advanced tools being used for sophisticated analytics in some parts of the organisation e.g. R, SAS, SPSS, Python.
Some integration is beginning to occur between systems with automated/aligned reporting e.g. basic use of business intelligence tools.
Significant investment is being committed to new tools/integrations across the organisation. Staff time, upgrades, and replacement are being built into annual budgets.