Data-driven work offers an excellent opportunity for VTH (Permits, Supervision and Enforcement) departments within municipalities to design their supervision more efficiently and effectively.
By using data analysis, risks can be better identified, making it possible to conduct more targeted supervision and optimize the use of resources. In this article, we explore how a VTH department can implement risk-based supervision, and what organizational, technical and cultural aspects are involved.
The basis for data-driven supervision lies in a well-organized data infrastructure. In order to use data effectively, municipalities must ensure that the storage and organization of the necessary information are well established.
Data models: Data structure is essential. Relevant to a VTH department are datasets such as permits, notifications, inspection reports, geographic data and sensor data.
Storage: Cloud-based solutions (such as Azure, AWS, or municipal data centers) provide scalability and easy access for all relevant departments.
Security: In line with AVG legislation, it is important that data is stored encrypted and that there are clear authorization systems for accessing data.
Interoperability: Systems must be able to communicate seamlessly with each other. It is important to have links between systems such as the Environment Counter, BAG, BGT and notification systems.
The success of risk-based monitoring depends in large part on the right software and technologies that enable data analysis and effective monitoring.
Data analysis tools: Power BI, Tableau and GIS systems can be used for data visualization and spatial analysis, allowing for faster and more effective analysis of risk models.
Enforcement systems: A central VTH system, such as OpenWave or Squit XO, provides the ability to manage and handle notifications, inspections and decisions.
Predictive analytics tools: Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can be used to recognize patterns in the data and predict future risks.
Mobile apps: For supervisors, mobile apps provide the ability to enter and access data in real-time during inspections, increasing efficiency.
Implementing data-driven monitoring requires employees to have the right skills. Education and training play a crucial role here.
Data literacy: Employees must be trained in data analysis and interpreting risk-based data to effectively supervise.
Software use: It is critical that employees have a good understanding of how to use VTH systems, BI tools and geographic information analysis.
Privacy and ethics: Awareness of the AVG guidelines and the ethical use of data is essential to ensuring privacy and confidentiality in supervision.
The transition to data-driven work requires strong leadership and a supportive organizational culture.
Leadership: executives must foster a data-driven mindset and encourage employees to make innovative and data-based decisions.
Culture: There should be an open culture where collaboration between different teams is encouraged and where evidence-based decision-making is encouraged.
Change management: The implementation of risk-based supervision must be done incrementally. Creating support and guiding employees through the changes is essential to the success of the transition.
Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of risk-based supervision is necessary to ensure results and make adjustments as needed.
KPIs: Measuring key performance indicators, such as the number of inspections conducted, compliance rates and recurring violations, helps to capture the effectiveness of supervision.
Dashboards: Real-time dashboards provide insight into surveillance performance and show trends and deviations.
Periodic evaluations: Semi-annual analyses of the effectiveness of risk-based supervision help adjust policy based on current data.
Feedback loops: Using collected data and the results of evaluations to continuously improve policies and enforcement strategies creates a learning organization.
Data-driven work within a VTH department offers significant benefits for risk-based supervision. With the right technology, training and leadership, a municipality can implement supervision both more effectively and efficiently. Through a structured approach and continuous strategy review and adjustment, a sustainable data-driven policy can be achieved that contributes to overall societal safety and regulatory compliance.
Clearly, by putting data at the center of supervision, the VTH department can make a significant impact on the quality and effectiveness of the performance of its duties. The success of this transition lies in preparation, deployment of the right technology and support for employees during the process.
