From Data to Intelligence

Technology is transforming societal systems in ways not previously considered. Businesses have had the resources and incentives to implement technological advances much quicker than have human service agencies. This article examines business uses of technology and applies the concepts and principles to the human service delivery system. The result is the conceptualization of an intelligent organization linked to a virtual infrastructure that connects agencies locally and globally in order to accumulate, enhance, and disseminate agency, field, and professional expertise. Concepts are illustrated using examples from the area of child protective services. This analysis points to the need for human service professionals to become partners in creating the global knowledge and the technology infrastructure that deliver information when and where it is needed to guide then-decision making and create systems that learn.