Resource Monitoring and Big Data in Government

One of the biggest trends affecting government IT is the concept of “big data,” the idea that there is a massive amount of information available just waiting to be collected and analyzed. Government offices collect information about both citizens and infrastructure, and as with other sectors, government technology professionals are understanding the value of gathering this data and providing reports. According to a Public CIO Special Report, 66% of state and local government decision makers feel data analytics improves decision-making, so providing detailed and useful reporting is vital to modern government agencies.

There are many ways that this can be done, but in general, this takes the form of data “dashboards” that collate information and provide real-time stats that are relevant to the area being addressed in the dashboard. In fact, 40% of government agencies are currently using some form of dashboard or portal to view and manage big data, and that number will only increase. Whether we are talking about statistics about people, locations or technology, the ability to quickly identify trends and make decisions is key.

When data is properly identified, analyzed and applied to real-world problems, significant cost savings can result. According to research by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), by implementing technology solutions that improve efficiency and reduce costs, state governments in the US could save an estimated $11 billion dollars in the next five years. By simply collecting and reporting on big data, government officials have an outsized impact on government spending.

Technology is a key part of this solution, but it can also be part of the problem to be solved. In fact, ITIF reports that US state governments spend over five billion dollars a year in IT personnel alone, not to mention the costs to buy, implement, operate and maintain these solutions. Everything from electricity to help desk calls has a cost and an impact on government budgets. By implementing a solution that collects data on technology usage and proactively identifies system errors, government IT managers can save significant costs across the board.

RMS InterfaceA resource management solution such as AMX’s Resource Management Suite monitors AV and other technology resources connected to the network. This allows IT managers to identify when a system has an error, so the problem can be quickly resolved in the most efficient and prompt manner possible. It also monitors technology and electricity usage. The system provides a customizable dashboard and detailed reports, so the IT manager and other decision makers can assess what rooms and technology is being utilized and provides the capability to manage technology costs due to electricity usage, for example. System-wide macros can shut down a room when it is unoccupied or an entire building at a preset time in the evening, saving both on electricity and on wear to the equipment.

A good decision always must be an informed decision. By collecting information from the hundreds (or thousands) of electronic devices a government agency uses, resource management software can provide the big data that decision makers need. Have experience with resource management or big data in government? Share it with us in the comments.