Tracking data doesn’t have to be hard. Establishing best data practices for data tracking within your company is a simple and easy way to keep your data consistently valuable.
An All-in-One Solution: Hire a Service or Use Software
If you have the means, hire a service or pay for top-of-the-line software. These solutions will allow you to build rules into your system and restrict data input options.
For the best results, research thoroughly and find a solution which fits your company’s specific needs. This could be Customer Relationship Management or a data tracking app, whichever fits with your company the best. One-size-fits-all often leads to more problems.
Data Collection Planning: Build a Reliable and Simple System
Don’t overcomplicate your system, keep it as simple as possible to ensure your staff are able to use it effectively. Unnecessary rules often lead to ill-maintenance.
Establish a tracking system for staff members that:
- Is intuitive to use.
- Requires only basic training where necessary.
- Has clear rules.
- Has no room for misinterpretation or misunderstanding.
Data Collection: Focus on the Bigger Picture
Consider this question with each data set: What value does this data provide for our business?
When it comes to data, less is more. A small amount of focused, relevant and usable data is much more effective than a mass of vast, unusable and irrelevant data. Focus is key.
Keep data in clear and reasonable categories that can be easily distinguished by all users. Consider which data you will actually use within the business and minimize the rest.
Data Management: Color Code Whenever Possible
Not all data is equal. Opening a large spreadsheet or database can be overwhelming. What’s the best way to quickly establish the important data points? Color coding. It does wonders for the eye trying to find the most relevant information. Find your ideal color system and stick to it.
Data Collection: Customer Tracking
When it comes to customers, what are the key data points to track?
Every company is different, but try tracking these metrics wherever possible:
- Marketing expenses per customer.
- Average spend.
- Customer satisfaction.
Data Collection: Employee Tracking
Tracking key employee metrics will help you identify where your best performers and biggest risks are.
Are you tracking these key metrics?
- Timeliness.
- Attendance.
- Number of warnings.
- Skills, certifications, and formal training.
- Performance metrics e.g. sales per month, satisfied customers per month.
