Powering Up Data in the Service of Operational Excellence

Harnessing the power of data is a necessary competency in fueling innovation, improving financial and clinical outcomes, and achieving operational excellence. It can be analyzed, visualized, dashboarded, and embedded into workflows seamlessly with very little technical expertise. Moreover, data can galvanize organizational culture with its neutrality, transparency, and portability. Using data to highlight qualitative evaluations, patient experiences, and employee performance can help validate perceptions and identify broader organizational opportunities. Yet useful data is frequently nonexistent, invalid, or insufficient. Moving from promise to realization requires reframing data management, as described here.