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Data mastery: 3 tips to implement a strategy that wins

How successful enterprises awaken their data

May 13, 2019 | By Jennifer Kling, TEKsystems Director Data Strategy

data strategy  that wins

We know the drill. You’re committed to cultivating a data-driven, data-fast, data-smart organization. But when data aspirations encounter real-world realities, things can get messy. Data can shine a powerful light into your business, but there’s no easy on switch. With that said, there are a few tried and true tips to consider when looking to master that daunting data management strategy.

1. Don’t try to boil the ocean

Simply put, don’t be overly ambitious. “Data strategy” encompasses a lot. Think: data warehouse management, cloud analytics, IoT, big data management, data governance and quality, AI and advanced analytics. It’s a red flag if you’re trying to accomplish all these things at once. Business intelligence projects don’t have to be massive. Before trying to hire an amazing data scientist unicorn, understand that focusing on a niche problem and solution is a much more successful tactic.

2. Make a plan and execute

Before going full-steam ahead, back up and ask yourself a few questions: Why do you want to create a data strategy? What key insights are you looking for? To find the right data, identify a focus. One thing we love providing our clients is upfront planning—define a use case for a specific problem and then create a strategy to accomplish that goal.

3. Identify the quick wins

Recognize small, achievable and measurable goals that you can classify as a quick win. Data strategy initiatives can, and do, yield quick results without a large investment and budget considerations. When the business sees and engages with these wins, your project demonstrates value and builds momentum—as well as grows and advances your mission (and budget). Once you identify the use cases that provide quick wins, voice that success. This justifies the time and effort that will go into further analytics initiatives.

With over 20 years of IT experience, including 17+ years SAP experience and 40 global SAP implementations, Jennifer Kling has proven results in all phases of the SDLC. She has expertise in workforce planning to reduce organizational headcount, increase ROI and reduce total cost of ownership.