Data reporting requirements in many areas of healthcare are considerable, and increasingly form the basis of remuneration. The solution to efficient capture and submission of large volumes of accurate data is therefore likely to be electronic. Using the example of stroke, this article describes the development and implementation of electronic data collection systems into NHS secondary care trusts across Yorkshire. We describe our strategy for engagement with the end-user including requirement gathering, scoping of existing systems, identification of gaps in data reporting and development of IT ‘glue’ to allow these gaps to be bridged. An operationalised framework for this strategy is provided. Through close attention to data structure, we have been able to develop systems which may facilitate the collection and submission of existing mandatory data reporting requirements, reducing the data collection burden and maximising efficiency and data quality.