Performance Management

The use of performance measures in leading organizations, both public and private is hardly new. Organizations have been measuring costs, quality, quantity, cycle time, efficiency, productivity, etc. of products, services, and processes as long as ways to monitor these measures have existed. A key piece of this effort is having those who do the work play a greater role in determining some of what should be measured and directly relate the measures to their service area objectives and department and program goals.

Performance measures alone will not produce higher levels of effectiveness, efficiency, and quality but they will provide the necessary data to reallocate resources or realign strategic plans. Leading organizations decide on what measures they will use to measure progress towards meeting service area objectives and strategic goals, then collect and analyze data, and then use this data to direct continuous improvements in their organizations. This process in Nassau County is known as Performance Management.

The factors of planning, budgeting, and performance measurement are strongly linked in the process of Performance Management. The process is also circular or ongoing, the last step continually feeds into the first steps focusing on results of programs and services and strategic planning. The emphasis is on better control, understanding, and continuous improvement of the services and programs provided by the employees of Nassau County.

Performance Management Software Solution – Metrics Management

OpenText Metrics Management is a technology enabler that streamlines the reporting and presentation effort associated with Performance Management. The software provides visual and actionable information in a very user-friendly interface.

Metrics Management software provides senior managers and analysts with improved visibility into the County's performance results. Additionally, since the County houses its operational data in a variety of different database systems, it facilitates the retrieval of this data on an automated basis and greatly streamlines the reporting process.

This software implementation resulted in the following benefits:

Analyzing Versus collecting data

Metrics Management allows managers to focus on analyzing instead of worrying about how to collect and organize data. It enhances data retrieval and tracking leading to better accuracy and reliability.

The Data is in One Place

Metrics Management reduces the need to learn how to use and understand multiple systems. Everybody knows where to access key data and this system becomes the authoritative source or standard of important performance information.

Timely Data

Metrics Management provides the ability to view data quickly and provides an up-to-date view of the current situation, leading to more timely decision making.

Standardized Reporting

Using a single system with a consistent format eliminates the need for wasteful ad-hoc reporting, especially when there are large amounts of information.

Better Communication

Sharing of Performance Measurement information more easily helps avoid confrontational situations. The more visible the data the less chance of critical issues falling through the cracks.

Performance Measurement helps a manager make strategic decisions and maximize budget value. The Metrics Management solution helps Nassau County measure our performance and manage key areas of concern. This will lead to more effective decision making, more efficient management reporting and increased accountability.