Become a data-driven organisation

Issue 7 2021 Integrated Solutions

The current pandemic has accelerated digitisation across organisations everywhere. As a result, businesses now have an unprecedented opportunity to put data at the centre of systems, processes and ultimately, decision-making.

A McKinsey survey found that Covid-19 had sped up digital transformation by up to seven years, with gains most prominent in healthcare and pharma, financial services and professional services.

Customer needs and expectations have changed permanently while the cloud and advanced operation technologies – automation, AI and advanced analytics – are here to stay. Companies that want to thrive in this new environment are those that become truly data driven. And in order to do so, they must consider how best to equip employees with the skills and mindset to do things differently. This requires an integrated data and analytics strategy that guides the adoption and integration of cloud services.

Cultural transformation is the next step

Successfully running cloud and SaaS requires rethinking operations and culture, as the benefits of this approach differ from that of on-site and legacy systems. Real-time access to data, agility and scalability are core benefits of this approach and this means a bigger role for data analysts. At the same time, the traditional silos between roles and teams are no longer relevant.

Augmented data management, which uses machine learning and AI can help make data analytics more accessible outside of ICT roles, automating many process that are currently done manually. For instance, data stories – which use AI to generate a story out of data analysis findings – can help make complex issues more understandable. These data stories can be tailored for different users to deliver the most relevant insights.

The challenge for companies is to help non-technical users gain confidence to explore data, upskill themselves and successfully contribute. Data analysts can themselves become change agents, empowering their co-workers to use data effectively. They can encourage the use of self-service tools, suggest improvements and drive efficiencies. At the same time, data skills are becoming relevant across a much broader spectrum of jobs and not only the traditional ICT roles.

Companies who are serious about digital transformation will need to spend as much attention on the cultural transformation and change management processes as on the technological side. After all, employees are being asked to change the way they have always done things and to take on new roles. Driving and committing to this change will see companies reaping the rewards further down the line.




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Success in business process best practices
Technews Publishing Kleyn Change Management Editor's Choice Integrated Solutions Security Services & Risk Management
This month we commandeer time with the woman who is spearheading our national conversation on Women in Security, Lesley-Anne Kleyn, to get to know the lady herself a little better.

Read more...
Unlock seamless security with integrated products
Secutel Technologies Integrated Solutions Products
By combining SecuVue and Secutraq, Secutel has created a system that enables users to configure analytics, facial recognition, pose detection, and XFS among other security triggers modern service providers require.

Read more...
Integrated guarding services
XtraVision Integrated Solutions Access Control & Identity Management Industrial (Industry)
XtraVision offers a few tips on how to go about planning and setting up an integrated approach to sustainable and successful security services, from the initial risk assessment to the technology and people required.

Read more...
Paxton secures multi-tenant office in Cape Town
Paxton Integrated Solutions Access Control & Identity Management Products
Cecilia Square in Paarl, Cape Town is an office building from where several businesses operate. The multi-tenant site has recently undergone a full refurbishment, including a complete upgrade of its security system for access control.

Read more...
Bi-directional integration of Gallagher and Qognify
Gallagher Integrated Solutions Products
In a world of converging technology ecosystems, siloed solutions are no longer viable; this applies in particular to physical security, where only combined information enables a comprehensive assessment of a situation and a timely response.

Read more...
Qognify integrates with Johnson Controls Security Products
Integrated Solutions News Products
The integration of Qognify VMS and Kantech EntraPass enables users to better understand situations based on the synchronisation of event and video data, allowing a faster and more targeted response to event-based scenarios.

Read more...
Complex, but critical partner in security
Technews Publishing Bidvest Protea Coin Editor's Choice Integrated Solutions IT infrastructure Mining (Industry)
Smart Security looks at how drones can be applied effectively in mine security operations. The ability to quickly gain a birds-eye view of a situation, whether security, safety or operational in nature, makes drones a significant value-add to mines.

Read more...
Enhancing surveillance on mines
Avigilon Technews Publishing Axis Communications SA Forbatt SA Hikvision South Africa Bosch Building Technologies Editor's Choice CCTV, Surveillance & Remote Monitoring Integrated Solutions Mining (Industry)
Smart Security approached a number of surveillance vendors to find out what the latest in surveillance technology is that can make a difference to security operations in mines, as well as general operations.

Read more...
Surveillance to improve worker safety
Axis Communications SA Mining (Industry) CCTV, Surveillance & Remote Monitoring Integrated Solutions
With substantial deposits of mineral resources, mining is critical for South Africa’s economic growth and prosperity; however, mining can be dangerous, especially for the people working on the ground and in the shafts.

Read more...
Digging deeper
Technews Publishing Access Control & Identity Management Integrated Solutions Mining (Industry)
In this article, we delve into the different types of access control and integrated security solutions that mining companies use to mitigate risks and explore how these technologies have transformed the mining industry.

Read more...