Our Technology
Data Management for
Social Services and Government
At Independent Variable, we believe that data is simply one of many tools in the toolkit, and that technology alone can’t solve complex social challenges. As such, in all our engagements, we focus both on the tools we deliver and the outcomes they enable our partners to achieve.
We are not driven by software licensing fees, service contracts, or a business model that aims to keep clients locked out of their own data systems. Instead, we care solely about delivering impact: the kind that happens when data and technology are placed in the hands of people committed to driving real, lasting change.
No subscriptions, no long contracts, no hidden fees. Ever.
Our enterprise software applications are free from user-based fees, granting our partners full ownership over their data and continued development cycles. Once developed, your applications are delivered to your network for ongoing use free of per-user fees.
“We don’t take our clients hostage with licenses and service agreements. If you like our services, you can keep us around to help out; if not, you can kick us to the curb—and keep your data and applications. If you choose to continue partnering with us, it should be because we’re helping you get the most value from your data—not just charging you to use what we’ve already built.”
Adam Serlin, Founder of Independent Variable
Digital Toolkits built for your mission
When it comes to technology, we meet clients where they are—because we believe technology should adapt to you, not the other way around.
From off-the-shelf software for grassroots organizations, to enterprise toolkits designed for heavy lifting and unparalleled performance, our solutions are built to scale alongside your impact.
Rapid Prototyping with Off-the-Shelf Software
Test new data flows without breaking the bank
For those who are just beginning their journey towards collecting and using data, our team specializes in rapid prototyping of data solutions using widely available off-the-shelf software like Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and Google Forms. These tools are cost-effective, user-friendly, and powerful when applied with intention.
Customizable off-the-shelf applications offer a fast and affordable way to kickstart your data journey—especially where no formal infrastructure yet exists. We empower our clients with flexible data tools to help:
- Streamline workflows
- Identify trends and opportunities for innovation
- Improve data capture – for both quality and accuracy
- Clarify program strategy and generate actionable insights
- Monitor program performance in real time
- Introduce and support data-informed decision making
- Strengthen relationships with stakeholders and funders
- Test new ideas and facilitate collaborative workflows
- Build a foundation for long-term impact measurement
PERFORM Case Management
Flexible, ENTERPRISE Data Management for SOCIAL IMPACT
From large government agencies driving criminal justice reform, to grassroots nonprofits providing youth mentorship or community violence intervention (CVI) services, the PERFORM system’s flexible design allows it to meet the scope and mission of an ever-expanding roster of social innovators.
Our customizable enterprise case management software solutions offer robust data collection and workflow portals developed specifically to facilitate data-informed innovation. The PERFORM case management system has:
- Capacity to integrate with other data systems, or
- Ability to serve as a standalone product capable of generating and storing big data from complex workflows.
- Frontline- and management-level “lookup” functions and “show pages” allowing for data to be easily fetched by staff to improve daily processes
- Seamless integration with the PERFORM Analytics Dashboard allowing for broader data exploration and analysis
- Customizable forms, fields, and workflows to align with each organization’s specific programs, processes, and reporting requirements
- Built-in role-based access controls ensure sensitive data is protected while maintaining easy access for authorized staff
- Task management portals to help teams stay on track and responsive to critical deadlines or case updates
- Detailed audit trails and change logs providing transparency and accountability for all data entries and edits
PERFORM Analytics Dashboard
Key Organizational Insights Powered by Data You Own
Our custom analytics dashboards extract and visualize data from your existing data capture methods or the PERFORM Case Management System to offer key organizational insights. However you store your data, our dashboards are designed to deliver a visual guide towards better understanding your clients, diagnosing organizational strengths and weaknesses, hitting key performance targets, and improving workflows. Paired with our trainings and continuous quality improvement (CQI) templates, our dashboards are a key element in our playbook for social impact
Combined, the PERFORM Case Management System and PERFORM Analytics Dashboard help nonprofits, NGOs, Collectives, and government organizations lower the barriers to data-informed decision-making, foster continuous learning, and drive system-wide innovations. Clients use our dashboards to:
- Answer one-off questions through highly customizable and specific queries
- Produce standardized trend reports to allow for seamless Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)
- Visualize data in new ways to drive innovation and lead new initiatives
- Drill down from high-level metrics to case-level granularity for data quality checks and workflow management
- Synthesize data from multiple programs, departments, or systems to uncover patterns and cross-cutting trends
- Unlock data-informed decision-making for frontline staff without requiring advanced technical skills
- Export visualizations, tables, and reports in multiple formats to easily share findings with stakeholders and funders
A Different Kind of Technology Partner
At Independent Variable, we believe that the right technology doesn’t just improve workflows—it empowers change. We’re committed to helping mission-oriented organizations harness the power of data to improve outcomes for the people who need it most.
From justice-involved youth and families, to municipal and state governments, to community arts organizations, to street outreach teams working with those most at risk for gun violence, your mission is our mission.
Let’s Work Together
Partner with Independent Variable to drive the change you want to see.