There is no quick and easy way to answer this question without a better understanding of your organization, the types of information that you use, and your current methods for tracking, organizing and reporting that information. It is worth it for you to implement a database in your organization if the benefits that you will gain (in time, money, efficiency, accuracy and flexibility) exceed the cost of purchasing or developing one. It is our experience that for a vast majority of organizations, it is well worth the investment. Below is a general list of indicators that a database would be beneficial for you:
 |
Do you perform data-related tasks repeatedly? |
|
Do you track the same type of information over and over throughout time? |
|
Is having accurate information important to the operation of your organization? |
|
Do you have specific reports, such as state or federal forms, for which you are required to compile information? |
|
Would it be helpful to have flexibility in your reporting capabilities? |
|
Do you or other members of your organization spend a great deal of time both tracking and compiling information? (For many organizations there are people almost completely devoted to these tasks) |
