Local gov needs data system refresh within 18 months

New research has revealed that local authorities are unable to store and analyse data effectively and will need a refresh within the next 18 months.

Independent research, produced by Phoenix Software and VMware, highlighted that 75 per cent of 100 responding local authority IT leaders believe their current data analysis capabilities will need refreshing within the next 18 months to help enhance internal productivity and deliver highly effective citizen-focused solutions. Additionally, 72 per cent believe the same is necessary for data storage capabilities.

While many local authorities are transforming their services to reduce costs and control data, further data management knowledge and change is necessary. Of the IT departments questioned, 51 per cent reported not having the correct strategy in place for managing citizen data, while 28 per cent do not think they are completely ready for impending compliance regulations.

Keith Martin, director of public sector at Phoenix Software, said: “Transforming IT is one of the most complex challenges the public sector faces and managing data is one of the toughest elements of that challenge. Meeting compliance regulation and data sovereignty requirements means organisations need to understand what data they have, get rid of what they don’t need, while having the capabilities to analyse and effectively use what remains. That’s a big undertaking for any public sector IT team to handle on their own. Luckily there are experts out there who support on these projects every day and, when turned to for guidance, can help them through each step of the transition.”