Information Technology Turns Data Into Useful Tools

CLAYTON, N.C. – Josh Grubb likes things organized. That made a job working with data a natural fit.

The Town of Clayton was looking for someone who could bring information together and make it more useful, and Grubb saw an opportunity that matched one of his strengths.

Today, Grubb serves as the Town’s Data Manager, working behind the scenes to turn information into reports, dashboards, and other tools employees can use. His role is one part of the Town’s Information Technology Department where the work extends far beyond fixing computers.

The Information Technology (IT) team supports the technology employees rely on to serve the community each day. From computers and software to servers, systems, and data, that work reaches across Town departments and helps employees stay connected and ready to serve.

For Grubb, that work centers on data. While the word can sound technical, data can be as simple as the information stored in the systems Town employees use to do their jobs. Grubb helps organize that information and present it in ways that make it easier to understand and use.

The work often starts with understanding what an employee needs. Grubb may need to learn where information is located, how it is being used, and what question the employee is trying to answer. Once he understands the goal, he can determine the best way to help.

For someone who enjoys making sense of information, there is satisfaction in seeing a project come together. Grubb said one of the things he enjoys about his work is being able to solve a problem and see the result.

Those new questions can lead to projects that bring information from several sources together. Grubb is currently helping consolidate parcel and address data from Johnston and Wake counties into one central database. He created a script to combine the information while another Town employee is using mapping tools to help analyze it.

The project is also an example of how IT work connects with the work happening across the Town. Grubb may organize and prepare the data, but employees in other areas bring their own knowledge to help determine what it means and how it can be used. That teamwork can turn information stored in a system into a tool that helps employees better understand their work.

The same partnership is important when employees need technology support. IT professionals may understand the computer, server, or software behind a service while the employee using it understands the work that needs to be done. Sharing information about what is happening helps both sides find a solution.

Sometimes, Grubb said, something as simple as a screenshot can help point IT in the right direction.

That kind of problem-solving happens every day, often without being seen by the public.