Around the globe, higher education CIOs are enhancing students’ perception of IT resources, reducing repetitive tasks and guesswork and boosting faculty and staff satisfaction.
What’s their secret? They’re leveraging hardware and software usage data to drive smarter, data-informed decisions.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you harness the power of data and transform your IT strategy:
Step 1: Collect Usage Data at Scale
Forward-thinking CIOs start by using LabStats to gather comprehensive data on computer and software usage across their campuses. This data spans a wide variety of machines in diverse locations, used by a broad range of users. If you are already collecting usage data at your institution, are you collecting the full scope?
Types of usage data:
Locations: Main campus, satellite campuses, libraries, maker spaces, etc.
Types: Desktops, loaner laptops, kiosks, podium computers, specialty machines, etc.
Users: Students, staff, faculty, administration, esports teams, etc.
Collecting this data over time allows for long-term trend analysis, revealing patterns that may not be apparent in short-term studies. Even if you’re unsure how to use the data now, collecting it opens doors to valuable insights later.
Key Benefits:
Identify underused resources to reduce costs.
Meet faculty and student needs without overspending.
Improve IT department efficiency and satisfaction.
Step 2: Simplify Analysis with Business Intelligence Tools
Effective CIOs use Business Intelligence (BI) tools to streamline data analysis. BI platforms like Power BI make it easy to visualize trends, spot outliers, and uncover actionable patterns.
Sample LabStats Power BI Dashboard Template
Sample LabStats Power BI Dashboard Template
LabStats Makes It Easy: LabStats offers extended API endpoints and free Power BI Dashboard Templates, enabling CIOs to analyze years’ worth of data at scale. These tools allow IT teams to:
Visualize millions of data points in minutes.
Start with big-picture trends and drill down for specific insights.
Quickly identify opportunities to optimize IT assets.
Sample Use Case: A LabStats Power BI dashboard can help you evaluate lab occupancy, software adoption, and device usage, empowering IT teams to make data-driven decisions for resource allocation and budgeting.
Step 3: Set Goals and Objectives
Using insights from data analysis, CIOs can set measurable goals that align with their institution’s vision. Here are a few examples of goals LabStats has supported:
Reduce hardware and software spending.
Minimize staff workload and improve efficiency.
Maximize campus space utilization.
Enhance students’ perception of IT resources.
Step 4: Develop and Implement Action Plans
Successful CIOs collaborate with leadership teams and key stakeholders to develop actionable plans. Involving deans, faculty, and administrators builds transparency and ensures alignment with broader institutional goals, such as improving student success.
Pro Tip: Share clear, data-driven insights to gain buy-in and foster trust.
At LabStats, we don’t just provide reliable data—we partner with IT teams to make a meaningful impact.Are you ready to revolutionize your IT strategy? Start your free trial today and see how LabStats can help transform your institution.
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