Social Value Q&A: software solutions
- Sandra Velthuis
- Dec 16, 2024
- 1 min read
Question: what software can I use to measure our social value?
Answer:
Unfortunately, there is no software package you can get that will magically measure the social value delivered by your organisation or initiative. People that try to persuade you otherwise are at best misguided ...
A proper consideration of social impact and social value goes well beyond measurement. It requires needs identification, planning, testing, evaluation and an attention paid to constant improvement, as well as tracking and measuring.
This does not mean that software solutions have no role to play. They can help to manage data on inputs, outputs, outcomes and impact and are especially useful for larger data sets. However, they cannot replace the hard work that is needed to truly understand from stakeholders themselves what, if any, value is being created/destroyed by an intervention, or non-action. And they should always be treated with caution if we want to avoid the old GIGO maxim (Garbage In Garbage Out).
Social Value International does accredit a number of tools and at least one of these, the Social Value Engine, is currently being used in Ireland.
What software packages have you used in your social value journey? If you would like to share your experience at a Social Value Ireland event or in an article, do get in touch.
Really insightful post! It’s impressive how much thought goes into measuring social value effectively. I think tools like these could even help niche industries, like Sharjahs childrens book publishers, track the broader impact of their work on communities. Excited to see how more organizations start adopting this approach to make a genuine difference.
The discussion around software solutions creating measurable social value is really relevant, especially as more small businesses and independent creators rely on digital tools to grow sustainably. What stood out to me is how accessible technology has become for entrepreneurs who may not have large budgets or technical backgrounds. Even creatives looking to start your Etsy store can now use automation and analytics tools to better understand customer behavior and improve long-term growth. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on which software features have the biggest impact on community engagement and customer trust over time.
Thanks for posting this section FDA certification in Boston ensures that products meet the safety, quality, and regulatory standards set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the U.S. market.
Great post—very insightful and well put together! https://www.carmatec.com/ecommerce-development-company/qatar/
Great insight from this article—software can support social value tracking, but real impact comes from understanding people and outcomes, not just data. It highlights how planning, evaluation, and continuous improvement are essential beyond just tools. For organizations and events sharing such ideas, services like mug printing designers can also help promote branding and engagement effectively.