CASE STUDY scalable search platform . Subsequently , the force now has a single source of truth for all police data , which can be securely accessed by 8,000 concurrent users , instantaneously , across desktop and mobile . However , the most important aspects of our Digital Transformation are how these digital advancements are helping the team perform better in their everyday jobs , meaning they can better serve their communities .
Police on the street can now get vital information via an app , for example , about a location or car registration , at the touch of a button . This means officers can respond quickly and don ’ t have to return to the station , or spend unnecessary time performing a manual process , to gather this information . Furthermore , the platform allows us to investigate and identify insights that can help keep both our officers and the community safe . For instance , immediate access to records on offenders whose criminal activity placed the largest burden on the police force – meaning if an officer comes into contact with such a person , they will be equipped with the background knowledge to be able to respond accordingly .
There are also apps to support the team when they are on the go , such as the Crimes Visual Analytics App . This enables key decision-makers to track a host of KPIs related to reported crimes across the west midlands region . In more practical terms , the app means that the WMP can improve how it deploys its resources to combat particular crime types across specific regions . Meanwhile , the Enhanced Incident Management Performance Apps allows more tactical decision-making based on 999 calls . Through this app , it is easier to see which officers are available and therefore , able to get to the scene of the crime fastest . This used to be another purely manual process , however , since our Digital Transformation , our officers have expedited their response times , reaching citizens in need more rapidly .
The business benefits we have seen as an organisation undergoing Digital Transformation and putting the infrastructure in place to efficiently manage and process data are endless .
How has the solution meant end-user search query times have been reduced ?
At the heart of the Data Insights Project is a data hub that consolidates every piece of information , no matter where it originates , meaning key insights can be pulled instantly . This has had a hugely positive impact on the speed in which the team is able to pull queries . Now , running a query , what we call a technical term for requesting information from the database has reduced from minutes , for complex queries , to just a few seconds . To put this into context , so far the function has already been used to inform over 1.5 million inquiries . Other groundbreaking changes include the ability to process hundreds of millions of records every 120 minutes , helping to inform over 193,000 enquiries per month .
Are there any industry barriers that could be tackled so that more women can take on leadership roles ?
Absolutely ! Even though progress has been made over recent decades , when it comes to gender diversity we can ’ t rest on our laurels , there is still much to be done . Every one of us has a role to play in challenging the status quo . As companies make strides in Digital Transformation , in order to be successful , progressing diversity and innovation should go hand in hand . Women bring a different dynamic and approach to situations and challenges which adds to the richness of any organisation . Organisations that are forwardthinking and have measures in place to attract women to senior roles need to be making these diversity measures as prominent in their marketing as they would the salary and benefits packages .
What advice would you give to women who are considering a career in IT ?
Don ’ t change who you are , instead , strive to educate those who discriminate against you . It is easier , especially when you first start out in this industry , to think that you should conform to being a stereotype , which within IT / tech is most commonly attributed to either being male , or if a woman , difficult . Sexism is not always easy to challenge , but you can educate people by highlighting why their actions are inappropriate . I would urge everyone to embrace their individuality and don ’ t be scared to try new things . This is something I have lived by throughout my career and haven ’ t regretted . Jumping into the unknown and seizing opportunities is what opens new doors and has enabled me to progress in my career and is also when my work becomes more rewarding . p
WOMEN BRING A DIFFERENT DYNAMIC AND APPROACH TO SITUATIONS AND CHALLENGES WHICH
ADDS TO THE RICHNESS OF ANY ORGANISATION .
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