Without prioritizing digital transformation, human services organizations miss out on opportunities. Implementing an IT strategy that incorporates digital planning can offer significant payoffs in service delivery, operational efficiency and risk management. Across the human services field, budgetary restrictions often translate into legacy IT systems that come at a cost. In contrast, strategic digital planning helps organizations align operations with their goals.
Mission-focused human services organizations connect with clients, partner organizations, donors and government agencies. These connections drive the overall success of the organization. Digital transformation allows organizations to collaborate and exchange information on a greater scale, leading to improvements in efficiency and outcomes.
Consider the ways technology makes it easier to deliver services. Clients can access information through portals and live chat with or participate in video calls with human services professionals. On the operations side, process automation and case management make it easier for organizations to track clients, manage budgets and cut costs.
Implementing data analytics tools helps human services organizations make better decisions in real-time. In addition to identifying areas for improvement or possible problems, digital tools can automate existing manual processes, freeing up resources for mission-critical work.
Human services organizations can also use data analytics to mitigate risk. By analyzing historical data and forecasting future trends, organizations can make data-driven decisions. Similarly, advanced analytics enable organizations to more quickly adopt value-based payments by making critical metrics readily accessible.
Effective IT strategy planning starts with assessing the current state of IT to identify the opportunities, risks and gaps that exist. With a strong understanding of the organization’s business goals, a roadmap can be created to ensure that technology is aligned with the current and future needs of the organization. This roadmap should be sequenced and prioritized based on business impact.
For many organizations in the human services sector, the first step in digital transformation requires modernizing legacy IT. A thorough review of current systems can indicate areas for improvement.
Augmenting IT infrastructure can mean upgrading systems, improving cybersecurity, and moving data off-premise and into the cloud. In addition, augmented processes can eliminate inefficiencies while addressing core needs.
Data represents a strategic asset for human services organizations. As a result, organizations need to develop policies for data use and governance. Building a culture of data sharing and interoperability allows organizations to efficiently leverage their data. When data is shared across different departments of an organization, people can access information they haven’t seen before, paving the way for new and innovative thinking.
With the right training and support, modernizing legacy technology systems provides benefits like improved compliance and increased transparency. Organizations also benefit from increased flexibility in leveraging their IT investments. For example, implementing new digital strategies allows organizations to enhance the acquisitions process while limiting risk and lowering costs.
Cybersecurity is critical to the digital transformation process. As part of any IT strategy, organizations must improve their threat detection and incident response abilities. An enterprise risk management strategy protects the organization’s investments while also advancing mission-driven goals.
Organizations must cultivate a culture of cybersecurity awareness among employees. Clear policies and cybersecurity training programs will improve compliance. Strong cybersecurity policies and training not only minimize cyber threats, but help employees understand their role in keeping the organization safe.