The biggest barrier to using business data is usually one of four problems: scattered data, manual processes, a lack of the right people or a lack of supporting tools. Businesses have data, but turning it into fast, accurate decisions is a different story.
Why do businesses with data still struggle to decide quickly?
Data sits scattered across many files and many applications. Reports still have to be consolidated by hand. Teams lack time, people or the right tools to connect and use data effectively.
What are the four big barriers to using data?
A. Scattered data
Data is spread across many files and many different applications, so there is no single place to see the big picture. Read more in Enterprise data integration: you don't lack data, you lack connections.
B. Manual processes
Reports still have to be consolidated and copy-pasted by hand, which takes time and invites errors.
C. A lack of the right people
Teams lack the time and the data expertise needed to use data effectively.
D. A lack of supporting tools
The business has no tools to connect and make use of its data.
Which barrier is the biggest for your business?
A business can face more than one problem, but usually one barrier drives the others. A quick way to tell:
- The same metric gives different numbers in different departments: likely scattered data.
- Reports have to be redone by hand every week: a sign of manual processes.
- You have data but nobody has the time or expertise to use it: a lack of the right people.
- You want to connect data but have no suitable platform: a lack of supporting tools.
What should a business do after identifying its main barrier?
Start with one barrier and one specific report, for example the report you redo every week. List its data sources, the steps you do by hand and which can be automated first. Once the first report runs reliably, expand to others.
Frequently asked questions about barriers to using data
What is the biggest barrier to using business data?
Usually one of four problems: scattered data, manual processes, a lack of the right people or a lack of supporting tools. The biggest one differs from business to business.
What does scattered data mean?
Data spread across many files and many different applications, with no single place to see the big picture.
Can a business face several barriers at once?
Yes. A business can face more than one barrier, so identify the one driving the others and tackle it first.
Where should a business start to use its data better?
Choose one barrier and one specific report, find the manual steps to automate first, then expand once it runs reliably.
