ProvStat

The Evolution of ProvStat

Since 2003, ProvStat has been the driving force behind data collection and data analysis in the City of Providence, working with department and agency directors on the development of meaningful metrics by which to measure the City's performance on operating goals, improvements in service delivery, and efficient use of City resources.

By implementing user-friendly data systems and data collection schemes, ProvStat laid the foundation for what has become a valuable and widely-used management practice: data-driven decision-making.

In the beginning, ProvStat provided hands-on assistance with the transformation of the City's technology infrastructure, designing and building customized data bases and software applications that would bring some City departments from paper-laden operation to the brave new world of electronic data capture.

Later, ProvStat assisted the departments with data analyses and reports that would not only inform managers about day-today operations in a way that they had never seen before, but it also became the basis for regular reviews of City departments by the Mayor.

Today, managers utilize internal, administrative data reports, GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping, and trend-noting bar graphs as they chart their courses to improved organization, improved operation, resource deployment, and resource allocation.

Gone are operating decisions and improvement strategies based on gut-feel, guesswork, and anecdotes. In its place, ProvStat analysis --- a valuable management tool for both the Mayor and City Directors.

ProvStat Today - Robust and Comprehensive