A single source of data – Eliminating wasteful data management practices may be the best case for new technology

We’re at a curious point in the adoption of new technology for public or stakeholder participation.

Many organisations have intelligently dabbled; most can now boast a passable attempt to list their consultations on their websites and an increasing number offer us the chance to contribute our comments online. But compared to the range of clever tools becoming available, what’s on offer generally is pretty meagre fare, and it is only the true connoisseur that can find and make use of the really sophisticated stuff.

But looking at the latest customer interface can risk missing the point of investing in new technology. Of course providing additional ways for the public to contact you is a valuable step forward, and something we all want in the name of choice and customer convenience – but they’re not exactly queuing in the aisles are they? Even the most progressive e-participation organisations still find this a minority sport when compared with conventional methods.