5 Take Aways from the Latest State of Data Report

1.     Align your data strategies with business objectives! One of the main reasons for unsuccessful data initiatives is the misalignment between data and business strategies. Ensure that your data strategy directly supports and integrates with your overall business goals to drive meaningful impact and business buy in.
 

2.     Prioritise data governance and quality because data governance remains a critical skill gap, and poor data quality continues to be a recurring challenge. Invest in improving data governance frameworks and emphasise communication across departments to ensure that data inputs are clean, controlled, and understood by all stakeholders.
 

3.     Embrace AI with realistic expectations. While AI adoption is growing, the report highlights challenges such as talent shortages and managing business expectations. Approach AI implementation incrementally, focusing on tasks like automation and business intelligence while managing expectations around its transformative potential.
 

4.     Invest in skills development: The ongoing skills gap, particularly in AI, data governance, and business intelligence, is a significant challenge. Prioritise continuous learning and development for yourself and your team to stay ahead of emerging technologies and industry demands.

5.     Develop Stronger Stakeholder Management: As AI and data play an increasing role in strategic decision-making, managing expectations and ensuring clear communication between the tech function and business units is critical. Develop strong stakeholder management and communication skills to navigate the complexities of AI and data adoption effectively.

Read the full report here.