Official State of Iowa Website Here is how you know
Iowa Department of Management

Enterprise Data & Analytics

The department seeks to promote the communication and integration of data associated with government operations and programs. Work in this area is intended to facilitate sharing of data, support performance management and lean initiatives, and promote data analytics. We strive to leverage data to not only provide insights for decision makers, but help citizens answer questions.

Recent News

September 2023 Data Snapshot This month, we highlight an article outlining the Federal Office of Personnel Management's data strategy and goals. We also point you to how you can access the 2022 Census of Governments available from the U.S. Census Bureau. Now that updates related to alignment are complete - be sure to check the changes to ensure they are accurate. Lastly, learn more about the exploration canvas now that it is out of the beta program. As always, check out upcoming live training sessions to improve your data skills, and as always explore the on-demand training options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is state data?

State data are items of information that are collected, maintained, and utilized by state departments and agencies for the purpose of carrying out State of Iowa business. State data are essential data required to conduct operations, and would include any data elements that are created, received, maintained, or transmitted.

What are state data assets?

State data assets are data that have been transformed into information that contains operational characteristics or ambient conditions for the purpose of communicating results, monitoring issues or problems, controlling processes and managing performance, improving operational effectiveness and efficiency, and/or facilitating actionable insights. Data assets would include datasets, as well as charts, maps, measures, stories and dashboard derived from such datasets.

Why should state agencies publish data?

State agencies should publish data to:

  • Improve the public’s understanding of the cost and purpose of government services.
  • Improves governmental accountability and public participation.
  • Leverages data held by different agencies by connecting datasets and finding new insights.
  • Eliminates redundancies by allowing the access of data in one place.
  • Improves decision making by better informing people with data.
  • Creates more efficient and proactive process for open records requests.
  • Encourages innovative ideas (e.g., web applications) that enhance the lives of our citizens.
  • Increases economic activity by generating new and rich content through new applications and services.
  • Comply with the requirements of the Taxpayer Transparency Act and Accountable Government Act.
What makes state data high impact?

State data is considered high impact where it:

  • Tracks strategic initiatives.
  • Tells the agency's story.
  • Is frequently requested Is in strong demand.
  • Is of timely interest.
  • Costs high dollars to collect.
  • Provides an economic opportunitiy.
  • Facilitates reporting.
  • Encourages cross-agency collaboration.
What makes data difficult to publish?

Data is difficult to publish where:

  • Data is unstructured contained only in documents or on paper.
  • Data contains a lot of missing or incomplete values.
  • Data is not precisely defined and can be easily misinterpreted.
  • Data is inconsistent and recorded values can mean different things.
  • Data contains contradicting values leaving uncertainty to which information is correct.
  • Measured data lacks standard reference method or measurement protocol.
  • Data contains confidential or sensitive information.
  • Agencies lack procedures for exporting data, and assuring its quality.

Staff Contact Info

Scott Vander Hart
Phone Number: 515-281-6536