Navigating the Sea of Government Data Integration
October 17, 2023 by Steve Goll
Like captains at sea, government agencies and departments are challenged with navigating oceans of data generated from multiple systems. When used effectively, this data can provide directions for operations and service delivery. Without effective data use, governments are essentially lost in the fog. The crux lies in managing, analyzing, and sharing data to gain actionable insights.
Challenges in Government Data Management
Governments are swamped with data from a dozen or more back-end systems — ERP, computer aided dispatch, records management, and court case management, to name a few. Each of these systems has its unique data and connecting them can be a daunting task. Resources are often constrained, especially in smaller cities and counties, leading to potential challenges in accessing and harnessing this data effectively.
However, cloud-based data sharing enabled by application programming interfaces (APIs) has expanded over the past 15 years. This development offers a glimpse into the potential for greater connectivity. It also shows the promise of improved data use for governments of all sizes.
But barriers remain. These barriers can stem from outdated systems that don’t connect with modern cloud systems, software vendors resistant to APIs, or department staff who fear losing control over their data.
The Solution: Out-of-the-Box Integrations of Government Data
Data in its raw form is essentially useless. But by connecting the various systems, departments can get a holistic view, transforming raw data into actionable information. This integration not only streamlines processes but also provides access to valuable data insights for enhancing operations.
The key is out-of-the-box data integration made possible by back-end systems all from a single technology provider. This approach offers governments a streamlined process by automating the linking of systems without the need for tedious custom configurations. In traditional integration methods, agencies often had to invest significant time and resources in customizing connections. With out-of-the-box solutions, governments can quickly connect to new data sources. This kind of seamless integration eliminates scattered data islands, promotes data flow, and makes it easier for different departments to share, interpret, and act upon data together.
Consider this example from Kankakee County, Illinois. When faced with a road rage incident, the Sheriff's Office was able to identify a suspect in minutes knowing just two digits from a license plate number. Officers credited their integrated public safety software and multi-agency records management system — both from the same technology partner — for the swift resolution. Such a case highlights the real-world potential of integrated data systems.
Benefits of Data-Integrated Government
- Operational Visibility: Automating data collection and analysis gives departments clarity on their operations, enabling strategic decision-making. Consider a police department collaborating with the transportation department. By integrating crime data with traffic patterns, they can identify high-risk areas and accordingly reallocate patrol units to deter potential criminal activity, while also managing traffic flow for increased safety.
- Diagnostic Analytics: Beyond identifying trends, departments can analyze the causative factors behind them. Imagine a public health department collaborating with a city procurement office. Upon noticing rising supply costs, a joint examination of medical supply data and citywide procurement trends revealed repeated over-purchasing of certain supplies, leading to waste.
- Forecasting: Leveraging data allows departments to anticipate future trends. Take, for example, a coastal town's planning department working in tandem with the environmental department. By integrating local environmental data with global climate change predictions, they can proactively plan for infrastructure changes well before rising sea levels threaten the area.
Just as modern sailors require integrated GPS and electronic navigation systems to reach their destinations, so too do modern governments need integrated data systems to effectively serve their residents. By embracing back-end systems that talk to each other out of the box, governments can unlock untapped potential and chart a course for efficient and responsive operations.