Decoding Data Partnerships.

Forging a strategic partnership with the right data provider has the potential to not only fuel but exponentially propel your organization’s growth and success. This is why your choice of data provider is one of, if not the most, critical decisions your Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) or background screening company will make.

Because this decision plays such a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of your company’s long-term success, it’s imperative to conduct a thorough evaluation of your potential partners. Key aspects such as scalability and quality should be considered, as well as often overlooked topics like security protocols and vendor testing.

In the realm of background screening data services especially, opting for an inexperienced partner and/or a low-cost provider often comes with hidden dangers that could cause major headaches down the road. These providers may lack the infrastructure and industry knowledge necessary to deliver reliable and accurate results. They may also lack the business stability required for sustained consistency and long-term growth. These shortcomings pose significant risks to your business, potentially compromising its reputation and success, as well as the safety of workplaces and the community at large.

Properly evaluating potential providers ensures that you are effectively mitigating risk and contributing to the well-being and success of your business. It’s imperative to assess whether you’re entrusting your business to a well-established company or one still navigating the learning curve… But how?

Throughout this eBook, individuals from InformData’s senior leadership team will share their insights on these seven key areas that should be evaluated before partnership with a data provider:

• Business Continuity Plan (BCP)
• Rigorous Vendor Testing/Researcher Testing
• Cybersecurity/Data Security
• Customer Service
• Quality
• Scalability
• Friend or Foe

Ready to find the best data partner for your organization? Let’s dive in.

Insights from Nick Kelland, InformData’s Chief Technology Officer.

In the dynamic landscape of the background screening industry, where data accuracy and reliability are paramount, selecting the right data provider is a decision that requires careful consideration. One key aspect that demands attention is whether your potential or current data provider has a robust Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and actively participates in disaster planning.

Let’s explore the importance and the risks associated with partnering with a provider lacking these essential components.

The Core of Business Stability: Why BCP Matters

CRAs play a pivotal role in our society. They help people get jobs and contribute to community safety by delivering precise, timely background screening data to their clients. The reliance on prompt and accurate information underscores the critical significance of uninterrupted service. This is why having a well-structured Business Continuity Plan is so important.

A Business Continuity Plan is not just a document; it’s a comprehensive strategy that delineates clear procedures for sustaining essential functions during and after a disruptive event. The shared objective of both BCP and disaster planning is to minimize downtime, sustain critical operations, and mitigate the impact of unforeseen incidents.

For businesses relying on timely and accurate data, such as CRAs, any interruption in service ripples through operations, impacting workflows and compromising decision-making. Therefore, the consequences of an unprepared data provider extend far beyond the immediate disruption. A comprehensive BCP ensures resilience, enabling the provider to navigate challenges and maintain the flow of critical information.

Let’s consider a few examples:

• Server Outages: In 2003, Amazon (AWS) had an issue where a large hub of their East Coast servers was compromised. This incident left several CRAs and data providers unable to operate for nearly a day.
• Hurricanes: Severe weather, such as hurricanes, have impacted businesses with a high concentration of workers in one area.
• Power Grid Outages: In 2003, the East Coast suffered the worst power blackout in history, with over 40 million customers losing power for two days.

Those with a BCP plan in place to account for these scenarios either experienced continued operations with no issues or could quickly get back up and running with minimal downtime.

Risks of Ignoring BCP

Partnering with a data provider that neglects BCP and disaster planning exposes your CRA or background screening company to a range of risks. Imagine a scenario where your data provider faces an unexpected challenge or disruptive incident - if they lack preparedness, the consequences to your business may include:

• Downtime and Service Interruption: Extended downtime is a major risk, impacting the timely delivery of your background screening results.
• Reputation Damage: Your reputation may be tarnished if your provider’s lack of preparedness causes delays and inconsistencies in your background screening processes.
• Financial Implications: You could experience financial repercussions such as lost revenue due to delayed results for your clients.
• Limited Scalability and Flexibility: A provider without a BCP may struggle to adapt quickly to the dynamic business environment of the background screening industry, limiting their ability to meet your evolving data needs.
• Potential Closure in an Emergency: In the event of a major emergency, a data provider without a BCP may struggle to recover, risking business continuity and potential demise. This instability can pose a significant risk to your long-term partnership and the sustainability of your data solutions.
• Data Security: Without a well-thought-out plan, there’s a heightened risk of data breaches, loss, or unauthorized access during unstable times.

Does Your Provider Have a BCP?

When evaluating a potential partner, I recommend you have a proactive conversation with them regarding their BCP and disaster planning. Ask them directly if they have a documented plan, what its key components are, and how regularly it’s reviewed and tested. You could even ask for a copy – a transparent and responsible data provider should be willing to share relevant documentation outlining their strategies for ensuring business continuity during disruptive events.

This simple conversation helps you gather the necessary information to assess whether your data provider has a comprehensive and effective BCP in place, helping you make an informed decision about the reliability of their services in the long term.

Insights from John Hanks, InformData’s Director of Vendor Partnerships.

You made a commitment to your clients: speedy results, quality data, and customized formatting. These promises fuel your CRA’s reputation and drive your success. But delivering on all three of those promises, especially with a tangled web of third-party vendors, can be difficult.

The culprit? Sheer geographical sprawl. Criminal records aren’t neatly centralized; they’re scattered across countless jurisdictions, far beyond your direct reach. So, you lean on third-party data providers, making their quality and performance your own. This is why your choice of data provider is so critical. It’s not about just finding the cheapest option but protecting your brand and honoring your promises. If their procedures for researcher performance are flimsy, you could receive unreliable data, leading to missed deadlines, frustrated clients, and potentially bad hiring decisions.

Evaluating your data providers’ researcher quality is critical. Who are the hands behind the data you receive? Are they rigorously vetted and continuously evaluated? Researcher testing procedures aren’t a “nice to have”; it’s a make-or-break requirement to ensure you can meet your client’s demands.

Why Rigorous Researcher Testing is Crucial

Conducting thorough background checks requires covering thousands of jurisdictions across the country. While the easiest method of performing criminal record checks is utilizing automation, unfortunately, not all jurisdictions are automatable. Researchers play an important role in filling this gap.

I’ve found that most criminal background data providers typically employ very few – if any – full-time researchers (unless they’re a direct-source data provider… more on that later). Instead, they pay local, regional, or national third parties to conduct the research on their behalf. The quality standards and processes of third-party criminal background researchers can vary wildly, so background screening data providers must implement robust vendor/researcher testing processes to ensure the highest quality data, fast turnaround times, and enhanced customer satisfaction. This assessment is a critical component in ensuring the reliability, security, and compliance of services provided by external partners.

Consider these scenarios:

• The data provider only cares about getting the best deal, so they utilize the cheapest-priced researchers they can find and conduct no testing. The result in this scenario could be very poor quality, consistency, and turnaround time.
• The data provider tests the researcher initially to ensure they can do the job but doesn’t perform ongoing, regular quality testing. In this scenario, quality can dwindle over time due to employee turnover or lack of ongoing monitoring.

Unvetted third-party researchers can pose many risks, such as security vulnerabilities that compromise sensitive data and inaccurate or incomplete data, leading to flawed decisions and even legal repercussions. Ultimately, the consequences can result in eroding trust and tarnished brand reputation.

These risks highlight the importance of a data provider who invests in robust vendor/researcher testing processes. It’s about ensuring the highest quality data, service, and consistency. And it’s up to you to make sure your choice of partner can deliver.

Direct-Source Data vs. Third-Party Maze

While researcher testing is crucial, some data providers go the extra mile. Consider seeking a partner who utilizes a direct-source approach, eliminating the layers between you and the data you need. In other words, minimizing the reliance on third-party vendors. This ensures greater transparency (you know exactly where your data comes from), unmatched turnaround times (direct access to data sources means fast results), and consistent customization (better control over the data and formatting, allowing you to meet your client’s specific needs consistently).

Data providers that use a direct-source methodology are rare, but the advantages are irrefutable. No more worrying about the third-party hands behind your data or the consistency and accuracy of your services. Embracing direct-source empowers you to deliver on your promises and become the gold standard of reliability and client satisfaction.

Is Your Data in Good Hands?

When evaluating your current or potential data partner, ensure they utilize vetted and certified researchers and have rigorous researcher testing and quality assurance processes in place. Ask questions like:

• Do they use their own researchers or do they outsource?
• Do they utilize vetted and certified researchers?
• What testing procedures are in place?
• How do they monitor and maintain the quality of research?

The answers to these questions are an important piece of the puzzle to choosing the right data provider for your CRA. This ensures that potential risks are mitigated, and the data provided is reliable, secure and compliant, ultimately safeguarding your business and reputation in the process.

Insights from Nick Kelland, InformData’s Chief Technology Officer.

Your clients entrust you with their data, a responsibility that cannot be overstated given the often highly sensitive nature of the information involved. However, it’s essential to recognize that the security burden does not fall solely on your shoulders. Your data partners also bear a significant responsibility for ensuring data security. Therefore, choosing the right provider is paramount in safeguarding your and your clients’ data.

Imagine these nightmare scenarios: a ransomware attack cripples your systems, hindering core business functions and causing major business disruptions. Or a data breach exposes sensitive information to the world, impacting every facet of your organization and resulting in a reputational earthquake. These scenarios are not just nightmares; they are real threats that can crush your business and erode the trust you’ve built with your clients. That’s why choosing the right background screening data partner is crucial - one who shares your commitment to data security and implements robust measures to safeguard sensitive Personal Identifiable Information (PII) and criminal history information.

The Dangers of Inadequate Data Security Measures

The digital landscape is fraught with escalating threats. Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated and frequent (for example, the recent incidents in Fulton County, Georgia, and Kansas), while the exponential growth of collected data fuels the potential for devastating breaches. For CRAs and background screening, robust cybersecurity and data security measures are essential. Partnering with a data provider that lacks rigorous security protocols is like inviting risk into your ecosystem. It’s a gamble with immense consequences for your clients, reputation, and business.

To add an extra layer to the equation, the previous section highlighting the importance of researcher testing applies here, too. Your data provider’s researchers, especially third-party vendors, also need robust security measures in place. Remember, a security lapse anywhere in the chain exposes you. That’s why our Direct-Source methodology shines – fewer layers mean fewer hands and minimized security risks.

Consider this example that my colleague Bill Wilder shared with me:

Some courthouses don’t allow electronic devices or perhaps don’t have cell service, so court runners must write the information down to enter it into their laptops later. While Bill was visiting one of these courthouses, he noticed a stack of papers on a car dashboard in the parking lot. He recognized the papers as a form template used to capture the case information discovered at the court. So, there it was, clear as day – he could see the list of orders containing names and DOBs that needed to be run at the court.

This example of sensitive data being casually displayed for anyone to see is a stark reminder that not all providers and vendors prioritize security. Focusing on situations and risks like this is important to prevent security breaches. Prioritize partnering with a provider with robust processes in place to safeguard your business and ensure the privacy and safety of individuals whose information you handle.

Is Your Provider Protecting Your Data?

Understanding the potential dangers of working with background screening data providers lacking stringent cybersecurity measures is vital. Individuals and organizations can safeguard sensitive information, maintain trust with their clients, and thrive in an increasingly digital world by choosing a provider with robust security practices.

So, before partnering with a data provider, properly evaluate whether they fit the bill. Ask critical questions about their security practices: Do they implement industry-standard encryption protocols? Are regular security audits conducted and systems updated? Do they comply with relevant data protection regulations? It’s helpful to check if they have security-related processes like SOC 2 that indicate a strong commitment to security. And the cherry on top – ask if they’re willing to share details about their data security measures. Reliable providers should be transparent about their security protocols and show their dedication to protecting customer data and maintaining the highest security standards.

Choose a partner who shares your commitment to security so you can mitigate risk, secure your clients’ trust, and ensure the well-being of your business.

P.S. Remember, data security is an ongoing journey, not a destination. Regularly assess your own practices and stay informed about evolving threats to ensure the best possible protection.

Insights from Vince Brodt, InformData’s EVP of Sales and Strategic Accounts.

The background screening industry operates in a complex world – countless jurisdictions, diverse data sources, and millions of orders demanding accuracy and speed. Amidst this intricate operation, unexpected questions and issues are inevitable. What if you need assistance from your data provider on a customization request, jurisdictional delay, questions about a conviction record, or maybe even a dispute, and… emails go unanswered, phone calls get routed to voicemail, and finding the right person feels like navigating a maze? There’s nothing more frustrating.

This is why it’s important that your data provider has an appropriately staffed and experienced customer service team - timely resolution and dedicated support is crucial for you to be able to operate efficiently and meet your customers’ needs.

The Power of a Robust Support Team

The expertise and dedication of your data partners’ customer service team can make a world of difference in your experience:

• Dedicated Support and Assistance: Navigating the intricacies of background checks can be complex. A responsive and knowledgeable team can answer your questions, guide you through processes, and offer tailored solutions.
• Timely Problem Resolution: Issues happen, but delays can be costly and frustrating. An experienced support team ensures you have multiple points of contact for swift problem resolution, minimizing disruptions and ensuring smooth workflows.
• Customization and Tailoring: One-size-fits-all doesn’t cut it. A capable customer service team can work with you to understand your specific requirements and provide background screening results tailored to your industry, customer requests, and compliance needs.
• Clear Communication: Open and effective communication is key. A team with diverse expertise clearly explains data and products, empowering you to make informed decisions.
• Your Voice Matters: A dedicated team actively seeks your input and uses it to refine their services and better meet your evolving needs.
• Partnering with a data provider that skimps on service and customer satisfaction can leave you feeling unsupported and lost. Whether you need basic assistance or help navigating a complex situation, limited assistance can make even the smallest issues become drawn-out nightmares.
  
  

Can Your Provider Deliver the Support You Deserve?

When evaluating a potential data provider, don’t underestimate the importance of their customer service infrastructure. I recommend that you have an in-depth discussion with them about the level of support you should expect to receive during your partnership. You can ask them what the structure of their customer service department looks like and find out some of their service-related metrics, such as:

• First Response Time: The average time it takes for a support member to initially respond to a customer inquiry. A lower first response time typically means faster issue resolution and proactive engagement, so you’re not left waiting extended periods for a response.
• Full Resolution Time: The average time it takes to completely resolve a customer issue from start to finish. A lower full resolution time also typically means faster problem solving, minimizing your delays and keeping you on track.
• One-Touch Rate: The percentage of customer interactions that are addressed and completed in a single interaction. A higher one-touch rate generally indicates efficient problem-solving and clear communication, saving you time and frustration.

Once you’ve decided on a partner, outlining an escalation path for certain issues is important to ensure alignment and the quickest resolution possible. Above all, you should have a dedicated SLA (service-level agreement) defining standards for support. The SLA will clearly outline the level of service you can expect and define metrics and standards to help manage expectations and hold your provider accountable for their performance. It will give you peace of mind knowing you have a guaranteed level of service and that your background checks are being handled efficiently and accurately.

Choosing a data provider doesn’t just mean getting background screening services; it means gaining a dedicated partner with your success in mind and providing exceptional customer service every step of the way.

Insights from Vince Brodt, InformData’s EVP of Sales and Strategic Accounts.

One mistake on a criminal background screening report can quickly snowball into a legal nightmare, costing your company greatly, both financially and in terms of reputation, putting your business at risk. Why? Because in the world of background screening, data quality is the absolute foundation. It’s what separates reliable data partners from the rest and ultimately impacts the safety of communities and the future of your business.

Because CRAs trust a portion of their work to their background screening data providers, choosing the right partner who prioritizes quality is mission-critical. Their accuracy becomes your accuracy – which means that not only does it impact the quality of the information you deliver to your clients, but it also affects your reputation, compliance, and ability to compete in a dynamic marketplace.

But how can CRAs effectively evaluate a data provider’s commitment to quality?

The Stakes are High

What it all boils down to is that quality is the cornerstone of our industry. Your customers count on you to deliver accurate data, and in turn, their customers rely on this data to assist in their hiring decisions. Data providers with poor quality standards and no compliance controls or auditing procedures are more likely to send you flawed results that may end up in your clients’ hands or create quality catastrophes. Here are a couple of examples:

Over the years, I’ve seen instances where certain data sources (NatCrim, automated jurisdictions, etc.) have gone down instead of erroring out, leading to false “clear” reports. This highlights the importance of robust system audits, proactive error handling, and redundancy measures.

There have also been scenarios where a vendor silently changes their search methods, resulting in missing crucial records that would have otherwise been found. This is why transparent communication and vendor audits are crucial.

Bad data has a domino effect – poor data quality erodes trust, leading to lost clients and damaged reputation; inaccurate data increases the risk of making bad hiring decisions, and erroneous background check results can put lives at risk in certain industries.

Given CRAs’ reliance on background screening data providers, assessing a provider’s dedication to accuracy is imperative before forming a partnership. But accuracy isn’t the only factor to consider. While it’s important, it cannot exist in a vacuum. Turnaround time (TAT) should be considered, as delays can frustrate clients and hamper your competitiveness. Price also plays a significant role, as you need a solution that delivers value without compromising accuracy or TAT. Accuracy, turnaround time and price – the trifecta that makes up quality background screening services. Striking the right balance among these elements is crucial.

Is Your Provider Committed to Quality?

So, how do you find a data provider that ticks all the boxes? Here are some key qualities to look for:

Accuracy

Seek providers with formally documented quality programs. These programs should encompass comprehensive procedures and ongoing audits. Check for high levels of accuracy, ideally operating around 5 Sigma.

Look for providers with dedicated quality and compliance teams who actively monitor data integrity and ensure adherence to industry standards.

Explore their quality assurance processes, such as vendor seed testing, jurisdictional testing, and thorough investigations of any potential discrepancies.

Turnaround Time

Understand your clients’ needs and expectations regarding report delivery speed.

Evaluate the provider’s ability to meet those expectations consistently.

Look for providers with efficient processes and the human and IT infrastructure that enables rapid turnaround times without sacrificing quality.

Price

Remember, cheap isn’t always best. While cost is a factor, prioritizing the lowest price could compromise key attributes such as accuracy and turnaround time, among others.

Seek providers who offer fair and transparent pricing models that reflect the value they deliver in terms of accuracy, speed, and additional features.

Consider the total cost of ownership, including potential costs associated with errors or delays.

Fast turnaround times and low prices are tempting, but without accuracy, they’re ultimately worthless. Strive for the trifecta: speed, affordability, and, above all, accuracy. That’s the recipe for true quality.

Remember, whether you are evaluating InformData or another provider as a potential partner (only a few hard feelings if that’s the case), choosing a data provider is a long-term partnership. We’ve all heard the horror stories of our industry friends who were burned by empty promises. Instead of falling victim to shiny sales tactics and an appealing price, look for a provider who demonstrates their commitment to accuracy through concrete measures and a proven track record. By prioritizing this crucial factor, you can navigate the data provider maze with confidence, ensure the quality of your background screening reports, build trust with your clients, and thrive in the competitive CRA landscape.

Insights from Bill Wilder, InformData’s Chief Operating Officer.

Imagine finally securing that large client or closing a monumental deal, only to find your data provider is struggling to keep up with the sudden surge in volume. Delays pile up, SLAs are missed, your reputation takes a hit, and you risk losing business. In the fast-paced world of background screening, marked by endless peaks and valleys in demand alongside seasonal fluctuations, scalability is key. This is why choosing a scalable data partner is an absolute must for CRAs.

Why Scalability Matters

A scalable data partner acts as your growth accelerator, not your roadblock. Here’s what you stand to gain:

• Seamless Growth: Don’t let your partner limit your potential. A scalable partner seamlessly adapts to your growing demands, ensuring you can take on new clients and expand your business without skipping a beat.
• Peak Performance in Any Season: Fluctuations are inevitable. With a scalable provider, you’re prepared for seasonal spikes and unexpected volume increases, maintaining efficiency and meeting service level agreements (SLAs) consistently.
• Cost-Effectiveness: No more paying for unused resources during slow periods. With a scalable partner, you allocate resources efficiently, saving costs and improving your bottom line.
• Future-Proofing Your Business: The market evolves quickly. A scalable partner ensures you’re adaptable and ready for whatever changes come your way.

It’s important to keep in mind that while scalability is key, it shouldn’t come at the expense of other critical components such as data quality, the level of support you receive, and data security. You need a partner who can scale while maintaining impeccable accuracy, delivering exceptional support, and protecting your data. This ensures you’re not just meeting volume demands; you’re exceeding expectations and delivering the best possible service to your clients.

Can Your Provider Support Your Growth?

You may be wondering how you know whether your partner can scale with you… Here are a few questions you can have in your back pocket when assessing the scalability of your potential (or current) partner:

What is your current capacity? Can you handle 10x, 20x, or even 100x our current volume efficiently? And if the answer to 100x is true, be very concerned.

• What is your process, and how fast can you build capacity?
• Do you have contingency plans in place for unexpected surges in demand?
• How do you ensure consistent data quality and service levels during high-volume periods?
• Do you have a documented plan and demonstrated experience to measure and evaluate quality?
• Do you have a dedicated team focused on process improvement and scalability?
• What technology and automation tools do you use to handle large volumes efficiently?
• Remember, scalability is just one piece of the puzzle. That’s why it’s important to thoroughly assess all critical areas we’re highlighting in this eBook. Asking the right questions and evaluating all aspects of the provider’s capabilities is crucial before entering into a partnership.
  
  

Scale with Confidence

Choosing a data provider isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving in a dynamic industry where the volume fluctuations never end. With the right partner by your side, you can navigate the rise and fall with confidence, ensuring sustained success and growth no matter what comes your way.

Insights from Nick Fishman, InformData’s Chief Marketing Officer.

Stop me if you’ve experienced this. You’re pitching a large account on a high-volume background screening deal only to find out that the supplier you will use to fulfill that contract is going direct and attempting to win the same deal. It could be any product— Credit Reports, I-9, Healthcare Sanctions, Substance Abuse Screening, etc. And all of a sudden, you’re out in the cold.

Scenarios like these have been occurring with background screening companies for as long as I can remember and while the small suppliers can face devastating consequences for cutting CRAs out of the equation, larger vendors tend to shrug and say they won’t do it again (until they do).

Generally, these instances have been isolated to the non-core products CRAs offer (see the aforementioned list). However, as the industry has grown and more sophisticated investors have entered the market, the lines on the core products, such as criminal background checks, are also becoming blurry. For instance, those in the supply chain position themselves as data providers but also own CRAs. Private equity firms who own CRAs are buying data providers. And if you had concerns about the non-core products, well, you can’t be thrilled about this development.

In a recent InformData study of nationwide criminal record suppliers, we found that 50% of the top providers either directly owned or were affiliated with a CRA.

Now that I’ve captured your attention, maybe you’re already asking yourselves the following questions.

Is your money inadvertently fueling your next competitor?

Could the supplier be using the data and intel you provide to learn how to compete in the market?

Is your supplier poaching your customers?

Is the supplier undercutting their prices to their affiliated CRA to win business?

Is the supplier raising your prices to give themselves an unfair advantage in the marketplace?

Before we go further, let me unequivocally state that InformData is your partner, not your competitor. Unlike some wholesalers, we do not own, nor are we or our investment partners affiliated with any CRA. Our sole focus is to understand and service the needs of CRAs like you, which is why we’re laser-focused on what you value most: delivering the highest quality data at speed with competitive pricing… and we’ve tailored our entire operation to help you excel in these areas.

Is Your Provider Aligned with Your Objectives? Now that we’ve established this conflict of interest, it is important for you to evaluate your supply chain to determine where you might be exposed. Ask your providers if they own or are owned by or otherwise affiliated with a CRA. If they are owned by private equity, determine whether that group has CRAs in their portfolio of companies.

We all know that competition in the background screening space is fierce. Why should you have to worry about your data providers joining the fray?

There you have it. Now your CRA is equipped with the knowledge and insights you need to properly and confidently evaluate your potential (or current) data providers and ensure you’re making the right choice. By assessing all the areas covered in this eBook, you’ll be empowered to find a partner that’s reliable, trustworthy and drives growth and efficiency. The result? You mitigate risk, protect your business and gain a competitive edge. 

We hope you found this information helpful and that it makes a meaningful contribution to your success. After all, your success is our mission. With decades of background screening experience, InformData aims to be your go-to source of truth and information. Whether we serve you as your trusted people-data provider or empower you through resources and insights that help guide you to victory, our overarching goal is to contribute to the success of our industry partners. We’re here to assist your CRA in any way we can as you navigate the dynamic landscape of background screening. 

Curious how InformData stacks up in the areas outlined in this eBook? Keep reading or reach out to us to chat.

By the way, we covered this information in a recent live webinar.

   Watch the on-demand recording here.

The InformData Difference

Looking for a data provider that delivers on all fronts? Look no further than InformData. We excel in every key area discussed in this eBook, because our mission goes beyond just providing data. We think differently about data, enabling our clients to focus on scale, value-added services, and relationship building while delivering Direct-Source Data® that is equitably accessible to all.

Speaking of Direct-Source Data… if you haven’t heard of it before, it’s our game-changing methodology that eliminates middlemen, bringing CRAs (and their end-users) as close to the original criminal record data source as possible. It’s a critical component, along with our nationwide reach, technology, and expert-built processes, that enables us to be the best data partner possible for our customers. As we explore InformData’s approach to each of the seven key elements, you’ll see how Direct-Source Data underpins our commitment to excellence and empowers our clients to thrive.

Here are some brief snapshots into InformData’s approach:

Business Continuity Plan (BCP)

We understand the critical role of timely, accurate people data in background screening processes. More importantly, we understand the significance of your essential services continuing with minimal interruption. That’s why we’ve invested in a comprehensive and regularly tested Business Continuity Plan. Our BCP is designed to mitigate risks and provide assurance regarding uninterrupted access to reliable data. Our commitment extends beyond offering top-tier data services; we ensure the continuity and security of those services, even in adverse times.

Researcher Testing

We developed a three-tiered approach to criminal records research, stemming from our mission to get CRAs as close to the original data sources as possible (aka Direct-Source Data). Our strategy encompasses background screening automation, our proprietary research network, and certified third-party research partners. Approximately 90% of county-level court data in the U.S. is covered through our Direct-Source automated court research solution and proprietary network.

Our primary research network comprises researchers who work exclusively for InformData. They undergo rigorous certification programs and are subject to ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure productivity, accuracy, turnaround time, and other key metrics.

The remaining 10% are areas where automation isn’t possible or up to standard, and full-time researchers are impractical. We partner with reliable, highly qualified, fully vetted third-party researchers in these jurisdictions. Each third-party researcher undergoes a thorough certification process and regular quality testing, ensuring adherence to our standard screening guidelines and our criteria for responsiveness, accuracy, and turnaround time. Our Quality Assurance Team meticulously reviews all results to ensure consistency and quality of the data.

We prioritize rigorous researcher testing and collaborate only with those who share our commitment to preventing errors, minimizing turnaround time, and serving our customers with thoroughness, adaptability, and transparency.

Data Security

Data security is paramount at InformData. We don’t just claim it; we live it with end-to-end security measures that go above and beyond:

• SOC 2 Attestation: SOC 2 is a framework for evaluating and auditing the controls related to the security, availability, process integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of data handled by service organizations. Thanks to this certification, our information security management system meets the highest industry standards.
• NIST Security Framework: NIST Cybersecurity and Risk Management Frameworks drive our security posture, controls, and culture. Implementation and adherence to these frameworks align InformData with the standards established in the Cyber Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program for handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
• Direct-Source Data Methodology: Eliminating the layers between CRAs and the data they need helps mitigate risk and improve security. By removing unnecessary layers, we minimize data breach points and have more control over the security of our network and data.

We empower a passionate team of over 55 seasoned professionals dedicated to exceeding your expectations. We don’t just wait for problems to arise; we proactively anticipate and analyze support data to identify potential challenges before they escalate and disrupt your workflow. With fast response times and a seamless approach, our team tackles challenges head-on, ensuring uninterrupted peace of mind.

Feedback is important to us, and we take it seriously. That’s why we send in-depth customer satisfaction surveys bi-annually, gathering valuable insights about our products, services, and overall experience. The feedback is like gold – it helps us identify areas where we excel and pinpoint areas where we can improve. Whether enhancing existing features, developing new solutions, or refining our customer support, the responses fuel our ongoing growth and commitment to providing our customers with the best possible experience.

But we don’t stop there. Our customer service team is dedicated to understanding the unique needs of you and your clients. They prioritize delivering your data exactly how you need it, every time, thanks to our MyWay Results™ technology.

This commitment to excellence isn’t a one-time effort; it’s the guiding compass that shapes our customer-centric culture and defines the unparalleled service we’re known for.

Quality

We’re committed to providing the highest quality data, delivered with impressive turnaround times at a value-driven price. Here’s how:

The Foundation:

• Quality Department: We have an entire department dedicated solely to implementing and upholding our stringent, in-depth quality controls. Led by Matt Hodges (Six Sigma Black Belt!), our robust quality team is made up of over 25 experts, each with daily responsibilities relating to quality assurance and continuous improvement. This quality-focused team ensures our accuracy surpasses expectations, meticulously investigating any issues that arise and overseeing all auditing and testing procedures with precision.
• Culture of Quality: Our commitment permeates every team, individual, and process. Each InformData employee lives and breathes data accuracy and ensures adherence to industry standards.
• Direct-Source Data: Each transfer through the data supply chain introduces the potential for inaccuracies and undesired modifications. Our Direct-Source Data approach eliminates unnecessary layers, connecting CRAs directly to courts and primary sources. This minimizes errors and provides unmatched transparency, speed, and customization.
• Six Sigma (6σ) Methodology: This proven framework of techniques and tools provides a systematic process improvement and quality management approach to ensure exceptional accuracy in all our data offerings. We typically operate just above 5 Sigma. (Meet some of InformData’s Six Sigma Black Belt and Green Belts here)

Maintaining Excellence:

• Constant Vigilance: Our Quality Auditing Program employs rigorous audits and assessments to continuously monitor data quality. Our quality team conducts regular quality testing of our researchers to ensure they consistently meet our sky-high accuracy and turnaround time standards. Our comprehensive approach also includes jurisdiction testing and random sampling to further enhance the reliability of our data.
• Proactive Problem-Solving: Our proprietary tool, DART (Data Anomaly Reporting Tool), identifies potential issues before they impact your reports – proactively safeguarding your data’s reliability and mitigating risk.
• Strict Data Handling: Stringent procedures and thorough discrepancy investigations uphold data integrity.

Scalability

It’s challenging to scale your background screening business among fluctuating demands. That’s why we’ve invested in technology, processes, and people to ensure seamless growth alongside our partners. In 2023, we hit a record number of almost 56 million searches, all while achieving a 5 Sigma score. Here’s how we deliver:

• Contingency plans and resource expansion strategies: We scenario plan numerous possible market impactors (e.g. court closures, sudden screening events, technology failures, etc.). We create documented plans and strategies to quickly adapt to changing demands.
• Proven rapid onboarding and proficiency development: Thanks to our streamlined onboarding systems, new team members seamlessly integrate, guaranteeing consistent quality and swift turnaround times.
• Constant investment in process engineering: Our commitment to process engineering translates into ongoing optimization efforts aimed at maximizing efficiency and scalability.
• Continuous Improvement Department: Our Continuous Improvement team is dedicated to identifying, analyzing, and implementing enhancements to processes, systems, and practices on an ongoing basis. Through cross-departmental collaboration, they gather feedback and implement result-oriented solutions to drive efficiency, quality and innovation throughout the organization.
• Dedicated “scouts” for improvement: We have team members who travel to courts across the country to seek out better ways of doing things, ensuring consistent process refinement and innovation.

Alternative expedited processes: Sometimes First In, First Out (FIFO) is not the most productive method. We study this and other techniques to maximize output in times of high demand.

Our ace in the hole? You guessed it - our Direct-Source Data methodology. By removing the layers between CRAs and the data they need, we boost efficiency, reduce turnaround time, enhance reliability, and increase data security. In other words, we’re primed and ready to scale.

Friend or Foe

InformData is your partner, not your rival. As we mentioned previously, we don’t own, nor are we or our investment partners affiliated with any CRA. Our sole focus is to understand and service the needs of CRAs like you, which is why we’re laser-focused on what you value most: delivering the highest quality data at speed with competitive pricing… and we’ve tailored our entire operation to help you excel in these areas. 

Our Direct-Source Data methodology, along with our API-first integrations and simplified business models, empowers CRAs to achieve peak competitiveness and profitability while exceeding your customer’s expectations. But it’s not just about the data. We’re passionate about improving the lives of our customers and the background screening industry at large by tackling industry challenges, offering actionable advice, and keeping you informed. 

Your Trusted Background Screening Partner

Don’t just take our word for it. We invite you to compare our commitment to being an exceptional data partner with other providers. You’ll see why CRAs across the nation trust us to deliver the critical information they need with speed and accuracy while safeguarding their data and propelling their growth.

From our Direct-Source Data criminal records solutions to our suite of verifications products and beyond, we are here to empower you with the data you need, when and how you need it. If you’re searching for a data provider that can help your CRA mitigate risk, increase efficiency and reach new heights, we’re here to help you achieve your goals.

Ready to experience the InformData difference? Reach out to our dedicated team today. We’re eager to discuss your unique needs and show you how we can be your trusted partner on the path to success.