Why create a value case?

A value case helps leadership and management understand why data modernization efforts should be prioritized. Health department leadership have competing priorities; the value case provides context and content on why data modernization should be acted upon now. During the creation of the value case, make sure to keep the health department leadership or partner’s interests in mind. Use the CDC DMI roadmap to address short- and long-term outcomes that leadership or partners might have interest in, such as interoperability, sustainability or a skilled workforce. Additionally, make sure to address concerns that leadership or partners might have such as staffing and funding and touch on where staff would be pulled from and how this work is being funded to ease the concern. 

While a value case often focuses on functionality or tangible deliverables that will be achieved, the data modernization work includes a focus on workforce that can be represented in the value case. Consider describing how the workforce will be stronger and how enhanced skills and a capable workforce can add value. This will be especially useful if the data modernization team at the health department does not meet all of the qualifications and expertise outlined in the Establish a Data Modernization Team section. A fillable value case can be found in the Data Modernization Value Case section of the Data Modernization Planning TemplateTipUse an elevator speech as a short, sweet, to-the-point way to get health department leadership on board with this venture. Then, schedule a meeting to walk through the value case..