Becoming data-driven is not just an IT responsibility

A study of NTT has showed that a lot of digital transformation projects do not succeed because all responsibility is put with the IT team, creating a gap between them and the other teams of the company.

You'll need a data culture to succeed

This is a trend we also have noticed with companies that want to become data-driven, they hire a data scientist or order their IT team to set up the necessary things to make the company data-driven and 'Bob's your uncle'. However, in a true data-driven company everyone carries responsibility and adds value to the data pipeline, and more specifically the C-suite needs to facilitate this.

Also, the primary focus should be on how data could help people to create value for the company, achieve objectives, etc. and not on the technology part. A good data strategy and culture supported by the full company and a destruction of the silos when it comes to data are an absolute must-have to succeed in becoming a data-driven company.

How to get started?

Good news, it only takes ten steps:

1. Write out your data strategy with your leadership and stakeholders, and get their full support. 
   --> Read our blog: How to write a data strategy?
   
2. Map out your current data and processes.
   --> Read our blog: How to map your current data and processes?
   
3. Define which data and processes are needed to meet the targets tomorrow.
   --> Read our blog: Let your data & processes work for you.
4. Write out a DataOps implementation plan with solutions to dig the gap between what you have today and what you would need to reach.
   --> Read our blog: A successful DataOps implementation - part 1
5. Implement your DataOps plan: 
   • Set metrics you want to measure before and after the implementation of the solutions.
   • Get the necessary resources (budget, time, people, etc.) from your leadership to get started.
   • Let your leadership promote this plan and why it is important for the people and the company.
   • Start on the implementation step by step, don't change everything at once.
6. Keep track of your metrics, and iterate if the implementation plan needs to be adjusted.
7. Continue improving your data management by restarting at step 1. 

Congratulations you're now a truly data-driven company according to the DataOps framework.

Keep an eye on our blog as we will dig further into each of these steps coming weeks.