Data Staging - How We Saved a Government Department Over 81,000 Hours in three months

How many hours are lost each week to outdated systems that can’t keep up? For organizations handling large-scale data entry tasks, the frustration is all too real. When slow, cumbersome legacy systems are the bottleneck, even the best teams struggle to stay on track without burning out.

At Loom Workflow Solutions, we specialize in creating Data Staging workflows – an innovative way to accelerate data entry while seamlessly integrating with legacy systems. This approach has saved our clients thousands of hours, reduced operational stress, and allowed teams to meet critical deadlines. Here’s how our Data Staging solution saved a government agency over 81,000 hours on a massive data entry project by cutting capture time by over 60%.

The Challenge: 980,000 12-Page Questionnaires

A government agency faced an enormous challenge: processing 980,000 12-page questionnaire responses from a nationwide survey. Each response needed to be entered into their legacy database, but the system was painfully slow. On average, it took 8 minutes to input a single response due to the system’s clunky interface and processing delays.

With tight deadlines and mounting pressure, the agency needed a faster solution – without the time or budget for a full system upgrade. That’s where Loom’s Data Staging approach came in.

The Loom Solution: What is Data Staging?

Data Staging is the process of introducing an intermediary, user-friendly form and database to handle fast data input, followed by automated system integration.

For the government agency, we created an accessible, intuitive form that replicated the structure of the questionnaire but optimized for speed and ease of use. Data was captured in this staging layer and stored in a secure database. Using browser automation, the staged data was transferred to the legacy system overnight, freeing staff from the delays of direct input.

The Results: Over 81,000 Hours Saved

With Data Staging, the time required to capture each response dropped from 8 minutes to just 3 minutes – a 62.5% improvement. Across 980,000 questionnaires, this saved the agency approximately 81,667 hours of work.

This not only ensured the survey responses were processed on time, but it also reduced stress on staff and freed up resources for other critical tasks.

Why Data Staging Works

The key to Data Staging is its simplicity. By separating data entry from system processing, it allows teams to work at their natural pace without being held back by system limitations. Automation then handles the backend processing during off-hours, ensuring seamless integration without downtime or delays.

It’s cost-effective, quick to implement, and works with existing infrastructure – no expensive upgrades required.

How Many Hours Could Your Team Save?

If slow systems are holding you back, we can help. Whether it’s processing questionnaires, managing orders, or handling administrative data, our Data Staging solutions are designed to streamline your workflow and save you time.

At Loom Workflow Solutions, we’re all about creating simple, effective systems to help your business thrive. Book a free consultation today, and let’s explore how we can save your team hours – and your business money.

Book a free consultation with Loom today to learn how we can make your legacy systems work better for your business.