Four signs show a business needs to change how it manages and uses data: each department runs its own software, Excel appears at almost every step, reports depend on manual work and a few individuals, and the IT/Data team is stretched too thin. A business doesn't have to lack data to struggle. Often data is scattered everywhere, and the more software, files and separate processes there are, the harder and slower it becomes to consolidate for decisions.
Sign 1: Does each department use its own software, with data not connected?
Data sits separately in each department and isn't connected, so nobody sees the big picture. Read more in Enterprise data integration: you don't lack data, you lack connections.
Sign 2: Does Excel appear at almost every consolidation and reconciliation step?
Most consolidation and reconciliation steps still go through Excel files, bringing manual work and the risk of mismatches between files.
Sign 3: Do reports depend on manual work and a few people's experience?
Reports lean heavily on hands-on work and the experience of a few individuals. When that person is away or leaves, the process is easily disrupted.
Sign 4: Is the IT/Data team too thin?
The IT/Data team doesn't have enough people to keep up with requests from several departments, so requests queue up and reports arrive late.
What happens when the signs appear together?
Any single sign may not create a big problem. But when they appear together, the business spends a lot of time looking up data, checking figures and waiting for reports, instead of focusing on decisions and action.
Where should a business start changing?
Change doesn't have to start with buying another system. The first step is to identify:
- Where your data actually sits.
- Which process takes the most effort.
- Which business question needs to be answered faster.
Frequently asked questions about managing and using data
Does a business have to lack data to struggle?
No. Often data is scattered everywhere, and the more software, files and separate processes there are, the harder it is to consolidate for decisions.
What are the four signs a business needs to change how it manages data?
Each department uses its own software, Excel appears at almost every step, reports depend on manual work and a few individuals, and the IT/Data team is too thin.
Do we need to buy a new system right away?
Not necessarily. First identify where your data sits, which process takes the most effort and which business question needs a faster answer.
Is a single sign worth worrying about?
A single sign may not be a big problem, but when they appear together, the business spends a lot of time looking up data, checking figures and waiting for reports.
