Manage Data Analysis Effectively

In developing this 5th generation of Ideagen Quality Management, one of our primary aims was to assist organisations in developing an ethos of continuous improvement and advancement.

The rationale for this is straightforward. Organisations need to introduce continuous improvements to products, services, processes and procedures. They need to show their customers that they will deliver significant cost and time savings and better utilisation of available resources. Significantly, this effort will result in enhanced customer experiences and secure, profitable and long-term relationships.

Often the biggest challenge an organisation faces in terms of improvement, is actually identifying what ought to be addressed in the first place. On many occasions problem areas are not obvious, particularly if individual Incidents are looked at in isolation. In such situations, time and money continues to be wasted, as improvement opportunities are lost. It is for this reason that comprehensive analysis capability forms the basis of an effective and efficient management system for compliance.

Effect real business change with Ideagen Quality Management

Since the first release of Ideagen Quality Management in 1993, we have encouraged organisations to get "underneath their data". We have done this by providing a powerful graphical reporting capability to assist in identifying ways to improve how they conduct or operate their business.

With this 5th generation of Ideagen Quality Management, we have extended this capability even further by providing graphical grouping and trend reports that greatly assist in spotting related issues. This in turn helps identify opportunities for improvement. We have also integrated a business mapping tool to help collect, organise and understand information. The output of this “mapping” activity is easy-to-read map files which will assist in the identification of "breakthrough" solutions to the toughest of problems. The business mapping tool is a powerful application in its own right, not just when used with Ideagen Quality Management, and is particularly useful for brainstorming, problem solving or analysing the impact of change. This unique combination of business mapping tool and powerful Ideagen Quality Management Analysis functionality means that the Compliance Manager is better equipped than ever to transform data into valuable lessons.

The Analysis modules also allow you to show customers, surveillance and 3rd party organisations that you are serious about continuous improvement. It allows organisations to demonstrate their commitment to meeting and exceeding customer needs by taking their problems seriously and ensuring they are escalated through the proper channels.

Encourage ownership of the management system with Ideagen Quality Management’s LaunchPad

Despite the potential power afforded by the Ideagen Quality Management Analysis modules, the fact remains that the result of any analysis carried out is wholly dependent upon the quality of data being scrutinised. Getting staff to engage with the Compliance Management system and enter vital data is essential, if organisations are to capture information capable of achieving results. In order to overcome this “ownership” challenge, we designed the Ideagen Quality Management LaunchPad. LaunchPad encourages user participation by allowing individuals to customize their access to the system, such that he or she has a shortcut to only the information within the system, which is relevant, and/or of interest to them.and their specific job role.

The Ideagen Quality Management LaunchPad user interface is clear, intuitive and easy to use. It can easily be deployed across the whole organisation and interacts with each and every Ideagen Quality Management module to provide individual, customised portals to the Compliance Management system.

Quite simply, LaunchPad offers a personalised pathway into the system for each user, and a fast-track to the functions, processes, data, actions and records. Which are relevant, of interest and regularly used by that user.  LaunchPad encourages users to log events and occurrences that would benefit from further scrutiny and action, as well as improvement suggestions.

Conclusion

We are delighted with the flexibility and capability of the Analysis module and see it as the key that unlocks significant benefits for organisations, from the disciplines of their compliance efforts.

Effective data capture, powerful analysis, rigorous investigation and appropriate actions are the founding principles of continuous improvement. Staff should be encouraged, praised and recognised for their contributions and efforts to ensure the cycle of improvement is sustained. Results breed success and positive attitudes and also help staff develop mindsets that are determined to improve things further. By keeping the momentum up you can permanently change the culture and ethos of the organisation and gain excellent results not previously imaginable.

Attitude plays a big part in achieving a return from your Compliance Management system.  Software needs to be combined with the correct attitude and a willingness to learn and change in order to drive your organisation forward.  Gael has developed a range of services and courses to support such changes in your organisation and to deliver optimum results using Ideagen Quality Management. These cover a variety of options: from the basics of the 5th Generation, to more specific IT and improvement through compliance courses. Take a look at www.gaelquality.com for further information.

Preparing to Analyse CA/PA

Please click on each of the below headings to be taken to the appropriate article.

Creating a Data Set: You can create a data set for analysis by specifying the Range, Scope and Show By values. Data set creation is of paramount importance for effective analysis as it defines the setting of parameters within which the analysis will occur.

Applying Filters: In addition, you can apply additional advanced filters to refine the data set.

Drilling Data: As part of analysing a data set, you can drill into results to break down information and reveal where hidden problems and trends may lie. 

Analysing Trends: By graphing trends, you can show how values break down over a specified period of time, or how values broken down over several periods of time compare against each other.

Graphing Data: The data set can also be represented graphically for visual impact and clarity.

Saving the Analysis: By analysing and drilling down to produce an appropriate result or graph, the settings by which the data is analysed, i.e. Filter, Drill Down, Range, Scope and Show By, can be saved and retrieved for future reference or ongoing monitoring.