How to create a ‘data-driven’ organisation

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and available data promises the power to analyse, foresee, and rebuild a business regardless of the company’s stage. Business can access enormous amounts of data with the technology tools available today, including multi-cloud or hybrid cloud computing, machine learning, AI and data analytics. However, to grow efficiently and build a brand, it is essential to learn how businesses can leverage the gathered data to create a data-driven organisation.

What is a data-driven organisation?
Being a data-driven organisation means using data as a strategic investment in everyday work operations rather than just using this information during decision-making time. In other words, data-driven organisations are companies that understand the power of collecting data regularly, regardless of whether it is structured or unstructured. The collected information is then dissected, organised and analysed to build efficiency, profitability and growth for the business.

Becoming a data-driven organisation requires building a data-driven culture. This means that companies need to collect data religiously, appoint analytical experts, and consciously use the data to implement improvements within the enterprise at all organisational levels.

Being data-driven today
With the technology available today, it is easier than ever to become a data-driven enterprise. Think of the top-most brands you know – their success is based on influential insights from collected data. Leveraging data and AI demands a new architectural approach to data management – an enterprise data cloud and the ability to unlock the value of any data anywhere. This approach empowers consumers with self-service access to the tools needed to foster the data-driven technologies of tomorrow.

Research shows that 59 per cent of businesses today use data analytics to make better decisions and increase their business performance. Future-focused organisations implementing significant digital transformation must adopt data management and analytical platforms to welcome and effectively utilise the true power of data. Adopting cloud platforms to manage and secure confidential and important data assists companies in redefining the meaning of being a data-driven enterprise.

Enabling flexibility, innovation and risk management
Over the past decade, most enterprises have learned how to use data and numbers and relied on data for innovation and growth. However, as technology is advancing, companies need to learn how to keep up with AI tools for optimal data-driven activity.

The right AI tools and data management platforms enable companies to create an innovative and flexible data environment where information can be accessed from anywhere at any time by authorised personnel.

Securing the data on a cloud platform means that the information can never be lost, considering the multiple backups. Additionally, robust data monitoring and management across multiple domains assures that information roots are clear, explaining insights from research or forecasts from models.

Going above and beyond
Consistent data use calls for an exciting future for multiple industries as we consider the opportunities in a more interconnected world. Internet of things and edge computing offer the prospect of integrated business solutions, superior consumer experience and service responsiveness across different sectors.

Data technologies, including AI and hybrid cloud infrastructures, operated by self-regulating management processes, offer the ability for businesses to create smart platforms.

Data enables you to go above and beyond your capabilities without any additional time taken off your clocks. The ability to leverage data helps companies predict and catch up to consumer demands and market trends and create a futuristic business environment that stays ahead of the curb.

Zayed Abualha is the regional vice president – Middle East, Cloudera