Not for Profit Problem #7: Poor Outcome Measurement

Top 7 problems solved by Infor SunSystems Cloud in Not for Profit.
Problem #7: Poor Outcome Measurement

This is the last in our series of blogs highlighting seven common problems addressed by Infor SunSystems Cloud in not-for-profit organisations. In this blog, we focus on the subject of poor outcome measurement.

The Problem

Outcome measurement is one of the biggest challenges in not-for-profit organisations of all kinds – charities, foundations, NGOs, and social enterprises. In the not-for-profit sector, organisations are expected to demonstrate social impact, not just financial stewardship.

There are several barriers to be overcome:

Data Collection

Gathering reliable outcome data is often time-consuming and expensive. It may also be dependent on beneficiaries providing feedback. Outcomes measured using qualitative methods are likely to be subjective. This makes them difficult to compare with other programmes.

Data Accessibility

Data may be spread across multiple systems. Inaccessible data silos make reporting difficult. For organisations with complex structures, the issue is compounded by data being held separately by different entities, branches or programmes.

Reporting

Reporting of outcome KPIs alongside financial data is a challenge for many accounting systems. As a result, report generation and maintenance can be a time-consuming manual exercise. And being manual, reports are prone to error.

How SunSystems Cloud improves outcome measurement

Combined reporting of outcomes and financial costs

The real strength of the system comes from combining outcome data with its dimensional analysis and reporting capabilities.

In SunSystems, memo accounts hold statistical or operational data rather than monetary values. Memo accounts can be used to record any KPI or outcome that you require, for example:

• Number of beneficiaries supported
• Training hours delivered
• Volunteers engaged

SunSystems is an integrated ledger in which memo accounts sit within the same chart of accounts as your financial data. This simplifies reporting and analysis of combined outcomes and associated costs.

Real-time Dashboards

LAKE solutions based on SunSystems Cloud include powerful dashboarding capability. There is no need for additional third-party software. Dashboards can be tailored to individual needs to improve their impact and relevance.

Multi-Entity Impact Reporting

The same capability that supports multi-entity consolidation can also support impact reporting. For example, a charity group could consolidate:

• Group expenditure
• Group beneficiaries served
• Group volunteer hours
• Group successful outcomes

while still drilling down to individual entities or programmes.

Take the Next Step

These are just some of the ways in which our solution can help your organisation. To learn more, download a copy of our SunSystems Cloud Beginner’s Guide – Not for Profit, get in touch via the LAKE website or call now on 0113 273 7788.