TALKING
‘‘ business
The concept of Digital Transformation lies at the heart of many companies ’ business strategies and its growing importance is demonstrated by the increasing need – and in some cases even demand – for data literacy across all employees , from the reception to the boardroom . However , bringing in the latest hardware and software is often the first thing CEOs and CTOs think about when beginning their Digital Transformation journey , putting to one side the data literacy training , talent and support needed to truly derive value from their new technology . This issue is further compounded by the fact that broad strategies often take a back seat when decision-makers instead need to grapple with the short-term problems they are facing in the here-and-now .
A critical step is ensuring you have a ‘ data culture ’: this is when everyone in the organisation understands how data can help the business . According to McKinsey , on average , companies that treat their data as a corporate asset grow revenues five times faster than companies that don ’ t . If you want to accelerate your Digital Transformation journey , you ’ ll need to enable a robust and sustainable data culture first .
However , a strong data culture isn ’ t something that will appear overnight . It is essential that executives partner with dedicated data champions within each part of the business , to increase data literacy and help drive an understanding of its value throughout the organisation . Now that CTOs , CIOs and CDOs are working in lockstep with a more digitally-aware workforce , the positive impact of data on projects and transformations has undeniably grown .
If you ask any exec team what their tech and business strategy is coming out of the pandemic , undoubtedly you ’ d hear about plans to become more ‘ data-driven ’ and well-intentioned notions to digitally transform processes across the organisation . While in theory it ’ s a noble pursuit , it doesn ’ t necessarily mean they ’ re getting employees on board to build the data culture needed to really push their business beyond the competition .
In short , data culture is when everyone in the company understands the value of data and for a data culture to thrive , data must be positively ingrained in an organisation ’ s psyche , applied to everyone at the organisation , with employees urged to make decisions based on what the data is telling them .
A data culture lies at the heart of a Digital Transformation – by instilling a shared value , ethos and competency towards data in everyone that works for the organisation , the implementation of strategies and technologies necessary for successful Digital Transformation can be low-impedance , seamless and
straightforward . The question is , how do you stimulate an environment that will help you reap those benefits ?
Where to start ?
As with any change in culture , developing and recruiting the right talent , training and leadership make a big difference . But in order to create a truly all-encompassing data culture , it is essential that those working at every level of the business ubiquitously or inherently understand how proper utilisation of data can support their work , whether that be improving HR processes or empowering sales teams . It ’ s not just job function either , regardless of seniority in a department ,
everyone needs to buy into the power of data from the top to the bottom .
At first glance it may be more difficult to understand how a data-first approach can be applied to all aspects of a business , for example , cleaning the workspace . However , imagine if a member of a facilities team realised that a flow of real-time data from the company ’ s door access system could indicate where the greatest footfall was in the building and at which time of day . Equipped with this daily and regular dynamic information , the team would have the visibility and insights to more efficiently and intelligently do their job , reducing their workload and improving employee engagement .
Craig Stewart , CDO , SnapLogic
It is essential that executives partner with dedicated data champions within each part of the business .
www . intelligentcio . com INTELLIGENTCIO EUROPE 39