When organizations like police departments grow, they must evolve from manually entering and managing data to a more efficient method. Sticking to these time-consuming data entry methods will ultimately cost opportunities to focus on more immediate tasks and opportunities, especially when conducting investigations, which are always time-sensitive.
You may not realize it, but relying on manual data entry can cost your department hundreds of thousands of dollars over time. Given the rapidly evolving technology landscape, many law enforcement agencies have switched to digitization and automation, which has accelerated their processes and made them more efficient. Time is always essential when carrying out investigations, so you may want to consider making the switch.
Measuring the Cost in Dollars
To get an idea of how much your department is spending on manual data entry, think about how long it takes an officer to complete a process. Whether it’s entering details about a piece of evidence into an evidence log, or documenting maintenance performed on department assets, it can take anywhere from two minutes to thirty—the length of time varies depending on the person’s level of experience. Once you have a figure in mind, multiply that by the average number of times they repeat that process per day, which could easily be 20 or 40, which you’ll have to multiply to get the figure per month. Then, multiply that number by the amount of staff in charge of the task, and you’ll have your hourly cost.
With such huge numbers, it only makes sense to switch to a software option for evidence tracking. Your staff can pull up or input the information they need right away, saving time and money. You can then funnel your savings into other investments, like better equipment for your team.
The Effects of Not Reducing Human Error
Another aspect that makes manual data entry so expensive is that it leaves a wide margin for human error. Methods to counter human error involve double-checking information, which is another time-consuming process that affects efficiency. Remedying these mistakes is an entirely other matter, which can all be solved by opting for evidence software instead of inputting the information by hand.
What Delay and Bad Data Will Cost you
Manually entering information into several different systems can take much longer than you expect, as you often have to wait for the information to be updated before reflecting the new changes. You’ll also have to consider that the more manual data entry you have to do, the more likely you’ll make an error at some point. With an overwhelming amount of information to update, you or your staff’s ability to complete other tasks will be compromised, which results in a loss of revenue and productivity.
Missing values is another aspect that can compromise your police operations and the integrity of evidence. Whether it’s due to fatigue, sleeplessness, or just human error, it can cost thousands of dollars each month in lost time, affecting the department’s efficiency and reputation. However, by using evidence tracking software, you’ll eliminate these delays and missing values, allowing your police force to attend to all cases with urgency.
Use Digital Evidence Tracking to Grow Your Department
Most law enforcement agencies have switched to digital options to improve their processes, which has removed the inefficiencies and expensive costs in their operations. When you tally the hidden costs of sticking to manual data entry, you’ll quickly realize just how much it takes away from your budget. By using evidence tracking software to streamline and organize your evidence log, you’ll enjoy a seamless process that removes most of the roadblocks in conducting a successful investigation.
Evidence Tracking Software that Really Works
Ready to make the switch to evidence tracking software? Check out PMI Evidence Tracker™! It’s a powerful evidence management tool that offers law enforcement agencies affordable and easy-to-use systems for managing evidence and assets. Contact us today to find out how our software can help your department!
