The reliance on third-party software tools has long been standard practice in many industries, yet this dependence often brings limitations like lack of customization, compatibility issues, and high costs. Conversely, developing in-house solutions allows organizations to tailor solutions to specific needs, enhancing quality control, performance, and agility.

This session will analyze the City of Kalamazoo’s shift from a third-party crime mapping tool to an in-house solution using existing tools, focusing on elevating data quality in public-facing solutions. Attendees will explore real-world concerns, benefits, challenges, and effective implementation strategies.

Key Topics:

• Limitations of third-party tools in maintaining quality standards
• Advantages of in-house solutions in customization, flexibility, scalability
• Challenges and risks of transitioning, e.g., development costs, time constraints, skill gaps
• Success factors and best practices for in-house solution development
• Tips and strategies for organizations considering the transition

Expected Outcomes:

• Understand the benefits and challenges of in-house solutions
• Gain strategies for implementing bespoke solutions
• Learn from Kalamazoo’s experience to inform decisions
• Network with peers and experts in tool development and quality assurance

Transitioning to in-house solutions enhances quality, processes, and competitiveness. This session will equip attendees with strategies to optimize data quality initiatives for organizational success.

Speaker: Ben Clark

Ben Clark is the City of Kalamazoo’s GIS Senior Systems Analyst and is responsible for seeing to the organization’s GIS needs, including application and license administration, data management, spatial analyses, application development, and cartography. After graduating from Western Michigan University with his Bachelor of Science degree in Community and Regional Planning, Ben eventually found himself gravitating toward the world of GIS and applied geography, where the tools available can uniquely help to promote the democratization of information by presenting data in a way that everyone from the specialized professional to the average layperson can understand. Ben strongly believes that an informed public is necessary for a functioning society and that by making authoritative, reliable information available to the public, we can help combat the various forms of misinformation that are too readily available.

Speaker: Don Williams

Don Williams is a dedicated data analyst who specializes in trend analysis, BI deliverables, and data visualization. He is proficient in a wide array of technologies, including SQL, Power BI, DAX, and Power Apps. His technology journey began at a young age with his father teaching him command lines and playing Space Invaders on an old Apple ll. Don’s education in data analytics and cybersecurity was built on this strong technology foundation. Beyond data analytics, Don has been working on website design and AI integration. His aspiration is to bring the City of Kalamazoo into the modern age by delivering high-quality BI analytics and dashboards as well as integrating AI into city processes, enhancing efficiency, and making it easier for city employees to perform their duties. Through innovative solutions and a keen eye for detail, he aims to make a significant impact on the city's technological landscape.

Speaker: Karin Conley

Karin Conley has worked for the city as the Data Manager since 2018. She is a certified data management professional with an MBA in Project Management. During her career in data, she has developed in-depth skills in data extraction, analysis, interpretation, and management as well as policy and procedure development. Her background in the pharmaceutical industry has equipped her with a deep understanding of data-driven decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic planning that incorporates regulations, policies, and procedures.