Outdated Tech Is Costing Councils More Than Time

Many local councils have yet to adopt the latest technology, resulting in

administrative processes that are often heavy and inefficient. The reliance on

outdated methods, such as using Excel extensively for recording and managing

information, exacerbates this issue. While Excel is a popular tool, it’s not designed to

handle the complexities of modern data management, and this leads to inefficient

workflows. In many cases, files are emailed to colleagues for them to update or

provide input. This back-and-forth communication is not only time-consuming but

also increases the risk of errors or version control issues.

Another challenge is the absence of a central, single source of truth. Instead of

having one reliable, up-to-date system that everyone can access, councils often rely

on multiple files stored in different places. This fragmentation makes it difficult for

staff to find the information they need quickly, further slowing down operations. The

lack of a unified database also prevents teams from collaborating effectively on

shared documents. Without a central system, it’s harder to work together in real-

time, which means that tasks take longer and require more coordination.

Moreover, the lack of real-time visibility into the data adds another layer of

complexity. When information is spread across multiple sources, its difficult for staff

to get an accurate, up-to-date picture of the situation. Real-time access to data is

crucial for effective decision-making, and without it, councils are left reacting to

problems rather than proactively addressing them. This delayed decision-making

often results in inefficiencies that could have been avoided with more streamlined,

automated processes.

The challenge of summarising data from different sources is another significant

concern. Because the data is often not integrated, staff must manually gather,

compile, and summarize it, which is not only time-consuming but also prone to

human error. These manual processes take away from time that could be spent on

more strategic tasks. In addition, it can be difficult to trust the data when it has been

manually compiled from multiple sources, which can lead to inaccurate reporting and

decision-making.

In conclusion, the reliance on outdated technology, the lack of centralised data, and

inefficient, manual processes create significant barriers for councils. These

challenges hinder collaboration, real-time visibility, and efficient decision-making, and

they ultimately contribute to a slower and less effective work environment. To

improve efficiency, councils need to adopt modern solutions that allow for better data

management, real-time access, and more streamlined workflows.

 Learn how our solutions can empower your council's operations and drive success.