Data-driven work - from data to action

Working data-driven is not an end in itself, but an essential tool for housing associations that want to make informed choices and better manage risk. But how do you change this?

 

Data is often available, but not sufficiently utilized. Dashboards exist but are not used or do not deliver concrete actions. Decisions are still too often made on gut feeling or hierarchy rather than on facts.

 

At Valid, we understand this. Working data-driven is not a technical challenge, but a change process in which people, processes and technology come together. And that starts with insight.

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Building a data-driven housing corporation together

Data-driven work only really succeeds when there is an integrated approach. That is why we combine our data expertise, change management and strategic advice into one coherent approach. We support housing corporations in getting a grip to link your information provision and data-driven working to the organizational objectives.

This could include:

  • Understanding where your organization stands in terms of data maturity.
  • Improving information management, reporting and KPI structure.
  • Designing data platforms and dashboards that are actually used.
  • Creating support and change readiness within your organization.
  • Translating strategic ambitions into concrete, data-driven actions.

Thus, we support housing associations in the transition from intuitive to data-driven and decisive decision-making.

From Practice

We spoke to Managers and Information Specialists from several housing associations. And while each organization is different, we see the same challenges reflected:

  • Application landscapes are fragmented, making data integration complex and frustrating. 
  • No one really feels ownership of data, standards are lacking, and trust in the numbers is far away. 
  • The IT department and the business operate alongside each other, resulting in a lack of cooperation.
  • There are many reports, but they rarely lead to concrete actions.
  • There is a need for data-driven decision-making, but the organization lacks the clout to make real change.
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Why many initiatives fail

Although many organizations invest in tools and infrastructure, real impact often fails to materialize. Without clear vision, leadership and behavioral change, initiatives get bogged down in isolated projects or dashboards that are not used.

Common pitfalls:

  • Although many organizations invest in tools and infrastructure, real impact often fails to materialize. Without clear vision, leadership and behavioral change, initiatives get bogged down in isolated projects or dashboards that are not used.
  • Lack of ownership by management or board.
  • Employees were not sufficiently included in the why and how.
  • Data is there, but it does not provide actionable insights.

Why moving to data-driven work now is essential

The pressure on housing associations is increasing. Data-driven work helps to make better informed choices, save costs and comply with laws and regulations. It is an essential step toward an agile and future-proof organization.

The benefits at a glance:

  • Comply with stricter laws, such as the Good Landlord Act.
  • Make informed decisions faster in a time of housing pressure and budget stress.
  • Steer more efficiently based on data, and save costs in operations. 
  • Increase tenant and employee customer satisfaction through clarity, speed and quality.
  • Attract new talent that wants to work at an organization that makes an impact.

Roundtable session 'Working data-driven is a leadership issue'. Will you be there?

On Wednesday, September 17, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. in Eindhoven, we are hosting a roundtable session for housing associations. Our data experts will take you through topics such as:

  • What managerial and cultural aspects affect data-driven work?
  • How do you make informed choices based on data? 
  • How do you engage colleagues in change?
  • What are important areas of focus in increasing Data Literacy.
  • How can Business and IT connect more on strategic themes?

After this session, with plenty of room for practical examples and discussion, you will know how to take concrete steps towards data-driven work. Not as an IT project, but as an organizational change.

Knowledge and inspiration

Why does good data management stand or fall with culture change? 

Good data management does not start with technology, but with behavior. Because how do you ensure that employees not only record data, but actually do something with it? The answer lies in a change of culture and mindset.

Your intuition gets in the way of data-driven decision-making

More and more organizations want to work data-driven, but in practice intuition still often wins out over facts. Decisions are made based on feelings, with data being used primarily as confirmation after the fact.

Six tips for embedding data-driven work in the organization

Data-driven work is only really successful if the entire organization moves with it. Not only the tools must be in order, but especially the culture. What specifically does this require from directors, managers and employees?

Working data-driven at housing associations: the three biggest pitfalls and how to avoid them

Data-driven work brings housing associations many opportunities - from better decision-making to more efficient accountability. But the journey towards it is full of pitfalls. Which ones they are and how to avoid them, you can read in this blog.

Ready to move from data to action?
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