The Use of Business Intelligence Dashboards in Vocational Rehabilitation An Illustration of the Approach Taken by the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services Michael S. Quinn, M.H.S. Program Evaluation Coordinator ADRS Commissioner’s Office Montgomery, Alabama

1. This took a while to develop. About 2 years to see something like what will be presented. 2. Of course, our dashboards rely upon the data entered daily into our electronic case management system 4. There are several Business Intelligence products on the market. …You have to choose the one that works best for you. …Ultimately, we chose Microsoft products. They best fit our existing system and our needs. 3. Working out accessibility for users who are blind was an issue that was tough to solve. …We did find a way, although there wasn’t a roadmap to follow. We’re proud to say these dashboards are accessible. OK, geez, can we get on with it already? But first, a few disclaimers… … So, you can only get out of it what you already have. Our system launched in Wait! One last thing.

MEDIUM MESSAGE

Part II

Can you see a difference between typical reporting and the dashboard example given? What do you think about the approach that was taken toward transparency – aka. Everyone can see everyone else’s stuff? Part III

“SMILE” enters everyday use by ADRS VR Counselors ADRS elects to maintain and develop the AWARE application locally FY AWARE (web based case management application) Development Complete Data regarding VR Services and Activities accumulate within ADRS Databases – the Foundation of Reporting

FY RSA 107 Review VR Admin & IT Staff begin to look at Business Intelligence options 2009

FY 2012 New Commissioner Redefined Program Evaluation Position to include the Coordination of Business Intelligence 2009 Staffed this Position

Federal Stimulus Funds SharePoint 2010 & PerformancePoint Selected and Purchased FY Designated BI Position in Computer Services Groundwork Development of Metrics and Key Performance Indicators 2010

Development of Data Warehouse and a first “Cube” Data Source Technology & People in Place… FY True Dashboard Implementation Begins VR Dedicates a Subject Matter Expert to the BI Team

2012 RSA 107 Review VRBI Site with “Operations Dashboard” Released FY ICI Award Enables Further Development of BI Resources as a Performance Management Tool 2 nd Generation Dashboard Released

FY FY Two new Dashboards Made Available Working with ICI to Provide “Demand-Side” BI Resources to VR Counselors and Job Developers Created a VRBI Notification Center to identify Concerns and Gather Staff Feedback

Part IV

The Philosophy we have Adopted: Selection of Performance Measures: Insist on outcome measures focused on the real mission Show people how they play a direct part in the achievement of the mission (ex. of RSA indicator “roll up”) Tell the story of performance with as much context possible – be fair, an alignment of resources may be necessary. Performance over Punishment Dashboards should create dialogue Transparency is essential – these are shared knowledge resources

The Philosophy we have Adopted: The Message to ADRS Staff: We’re getting rid of information inequities We trust you with this information and expect that you use it We are all accountable at every level By sharing the agency’s knowledge resources we are investing in your professional development Collectively, we’re smarter…