Where is your data?
It’s amazing how much data the average organization produces and uses in it’s daily work. Sometimes it’s hard to ferret out all those data sources when you’re migrating to a more centralized system. I’m working with a client who just asked me, “where should we look for all of our data?”
There are often big data sources that are pretty easy to find:
- Donor Management database (Access, Filemaker, etc.)
- Program databases
- Event registration system
- Mass-emailing system
Some important files that can be overlooked are:
- Donor and Foundation prospect lists
- Foundation Staff lists
- Event Sponsor lists
- Event sign-up sheets
- Petitions
Individual staff may have their own data as well:
- Outlook Contacts, address books
- Excel Spreadsheets to help run programs
Identifying all its key datasources is a great exercise for an organization to go through when migrating systems, but it can also be incredibly helpful even when you’re not changing. Finding the excel spreadsheets that Users create to help them get their work done will show you where your technology system isn’t supporting your staff. It’s a great way to find your next technology project!
May 20th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Let’s not forget cell phones, too. *grin*
May 20th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Oy! Good point…