Services
Data Management & Support
In today’s data-driven landscape, organizations need more than just numbers—they need actionable insights and the capacity to transform information into meaningful impact. Metis delivers comprehensive data management and technical assistance services designed to enhance your organization’s ability to collect, analyze, and utilize data effectively.
Metis brings seasoned expertise to help organizations strengthen their data infrastructure and build internal capacity. We meet organizations where they are and guide them toward data excellence. Whether you need to establish robust data governance plans, develop custom databases and reporting systems, facilitate data walks with stakeholders, or assess your current data management capabilities, Metis can help you efficiently transform complex information into clear, compelling stories that drive continuous improvement and demonstrate impact.
Our Data Management & Support Services
Some specific examples of our data management and support services include:
- Facilitating data walks and other creative methods for sharing data with diverse stakeholder audiences
- Assessing the existing data management capacity of clients and collaborating partners
- Establishing data governance plans to ensure proper and effective data use while maintaining compliance with privacy regulations
- Negotiating data sharing agreements and ensuring regulatory compliance for handling sensitive data
- Designing and implementing data storage solutions ranging from local spreadsheets to web-enabled relational databases based on both current and future organizational needs
- Developing customized live data dashboards that enable in-depth data exploration based on selected parameters, as well as static reports in visually appealing formats
- Providing comprehensive training on data collection, reporting procedures, and both user and administrative functions of data systems
Get guidance at every step.
Our data management consultants can enhance your organization’s ability to collect, analyze, and utilize data effectively. Start a conversation with us today to learn more.
Our Approach to Data Management & Support
Consultation
We begin by assessing your data needs and reporting requirements. At this stage, we think strategically about reporting features that will serve both your current and future needs.
Data Assessment
We conduct a comprehensive inventory of your data to fulfill reporting requirements, including documentation of existing data, data quality evaluation, storage methods, and identification of gaps. Mapping your data requirements against current conditions is a vital step to document irregularities, determine how to fill data gaps, and ensure final data systems are as accurate and complete as possible.
Data Storage Design
Once the data assessment is complete, we select technologies to support your data storage and reporting requirements. These solutions range from local spreadsheets to web-enabled relational databases. Our design decisions are based on both your current and future needs.
Reporting
We develop a customized reporting system based on your specific needs. Live data dashboards enable you to explore your data in depth based on selected parameters. Static reports display your data in a visually appealing and digestible format. We work with you to determine the most effective way to present and consume your data.
Training
We provide comprehensive training for you and your stakeholders to ensure understanding of both user and administrative functions. If you prefer not to administer the final data and reporting systems yourself, we can assume that role on your behalf.
Why Partner With Metis Associates
Leverage a tenured team with deep technical expertise.
Continuum of Data Expertise
Metis offers end-to-end data capabilities spanning the entire lifecycle—from negotiating data sharing agreements and acquisition through warehousing, quality control, analysis, and visualization.
Regulatory Compliance Knowledge
Metis has a duly constituted Institutional Review Board and understands privacy regulations and ethical requirements for handling sensitive data, ensuring projects meet all compliance standards.
Technical Versatility
Metis staff are proficient across multiple platforms and tools—from traditional database systems (SQL, Access) to modern visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau) and GIS mapping software (ArcGIS, QGIS, Google Maps). We can work within your existing technological ecosystem or recommend optimal solutions.
Our Data Management & Support Consultants
Michael Scuello
Michael brings over three decades of expertise in data management, analysis, and visualization to complex research initiatives. His technical capabilities include database administration and advanced data visualization, including dashboard development and GIS mapping. Michael regularly negotiates data sharing agreements with state agencies, school districts, and health departments, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations. He has developed live databases from student unit-record data, created secure data dashboards for tracking student progress, and conducted sophisticated analyses consolidating information from multiple administrative systems and external sources. His work spans the full data lifecycle from acquisition and quality control through warehousing, analysis, and presentation.
Julia Alemany
Julia has over 20 years of experience providing program evaluation, technical assistance, and data management support for Metis clients. She brings to all of her work deep expertise in evaluation design, including formative and summative approaches, as well as extensive experience engaging diverse stakeholders in the meaningful use of data. Julia has directed numerous large-scale, multi-year evaluation and data management projects, overseeing the development of integrated data systems that support longitudinal tracking, cross-partner coordination, and continuous improvement. She has led the design and implementation of interactive Tableau dashboards for many clients and has provided extensive training and ongoing technical assistance to build client and stakeholder capacity to interpret and use those data to inform programmatic and strategic decision-making.
Our Data Management & Support Case Studies
Metis Associates built a comprehensive data dashboard to empower administrators and site coordinators to identify at-risk students and drive targeted interventions.
Case Study: Transforming Data into Action to Support Full-Service Community Schools in Paterson
Integrated data systems and interactive dashboards enabled a network of 54 schools and partner organizations to track student progress and drive college access and success.
Case Study: Building Data Literacy to Support College Readiness in Philadelphia
Frequently Asked Questions: Data Management & Support Services
Our data management services benefit organizations of all sizes that need to improve how they collect, store, analyze, or report on data. Whether you’re starting from scratch, upgrading existing systems, or looking to better utilize data you already have, we can meet you where you are and guide you toward data excellence. We work with organizations at all stages of data maturity—from those just beginning to collect data systematically to those with established systems needing improvement or expansion.
Data security is paramount in all our work. We implement industry-standard security practices including secure data transmission protocols, access controls, regular backups, and compliance with relevant data protection regulations. Specific security measures are tailored to your data sensitivity level and storage solution.
Storage location depends on the solution we design together. Options include secure cloud-based platforms, organizational servers, or local storage—each with appropriate security measures. We discuss storage options during the consultation phase to ensure alignment with your security requirements and policies.
You have two options:
- Self-Maintenance: We provide comprehensive training so your team can independently update, maintain, and modify the system. This includes training on user functions (running reports, filtering data) and administrative functions (updating data sources, modifying dashboard elements).
- Continued Metis Support: We can maintain and update your dashboards and systems on your behalf for a small ongoing fee, handling data updates, troubleshooting, and modifications as needed. Ongoing maintenance fees are customized based on the complexity of your system, frequency of updates required, and level of support needed. We’ll provide a transparent fee structure before project completion so you can make an informed decision. Many clients find this a cost-effective option compared to dedicating internal staff time.
We understand that organizational capacity and priorities change. You can adjust your support arrangement as needed.
Talk to us about your data management and support needs
Get in touch with us to learn more about our services and how we can best help you achieve your mission.