All businesses aspire to be data-driven. And yet, only a handful at this point have truly made that a reality.
We spoke recently with Chris van Doorn, founder of C-Data, on our Behind the Data podcast, and he offered some powerful insights into what makes a truly data-first company, and the challenges that need to be tackled to get there.
If you’re looking to improve your data operations or learn what hires can make a difference in your team, his advice will be useful to you.
The growing problem of data illiteracy
Data literacy—the ability to read, understand, and communicate data—is increasingly one of the most sought-after skills in today’s market. However, many users and consumers of data still lack the foundational knowledge to do this effectively, creating a significant gap.
"Overall data literacy is way below the level it should be,” Chris notes. “It should be like getting your driver's license. You should have a sort of data literacy license."
A 2016 study underscored this issue, revealing that two-thirds of the public struggled to access or interpret data on their own. While we can assume this number has improved in recent years, it's still a major challenge for organizations. As Tableau reports, 82% of decision-makers expect basic data literacy from employees in every department, with the expectation that close to 70% of employees will be using data heavily as part of their job byy by 2025.
So, how can we bridge this gap?
Chris emphasizes the importance of proactive learning: "I try to keep educating myself because being an expert requires constant keeping up with trends and developments, and you have to keep learning.” He recommends exploring accredited and well-regarded online training resources, such as Tableau's data literacy programs, which offer a foundation in essential skills like data interpretation and visualization.
Businesses can address data illiteracy by investing in ongoing education and making data skills a priority in their workforce development strategies. Offering accessible training programs, encouraging continuous learning, and building a culture where data fluency is valued will empower employees to use data confidently and effectively.
How to visualise and integrate data effectively
Effective data visualization - the type that has the potential to move the needle - requires extensive preparation. Chris says: "Take the time that you need to visualize your data multiplied by five. And that's the effort you need to put into preparing your data.”
The key challenge lies in transforming operational data into an analytical format. This requires a time-intensive process of cleaning, structuring, and identifying key reporting requirements.
How do you know what your reporting requirements are when starting out?
“Talk to people,” Chris advises. “That’s all. Talk to your business executives, hear the opportunity and discover what the problem is.”
He also warns against becoming overly dependent on third parties when integrating data systems. While external partners have their place in the build phase, it’s important that you main control over the architecture and the functionality that they are delivering.
"Make sure that you own the product. That you have people inside your organization that care for that product, for the platform, and that are ambassadors for that product.”
However, integrating systems, cleaning and presenting the data in a palatable format is only the foundational work required. Arguably, the most important part of any data project is communicating the end report in a way that can be understood and acted upon.
Hire data analysts
If you have one hire, make it a business analyst. Here’s why:
“Communication barriers are leading to a delay or failure to complete projects (44%), low morale (31%), missed performance goals (25%) and even lost sales (18%)—some worth hundreds of thousands of dollars,” states The Economist Intelligence Unit, in their Communication barriers in the modern workplace report.
In a space where data literacy is still questionable, and misinterpretations are likely to arise, clear, effective communication between data specialists and business executives is even more important. And for that one role is becoming a necessity.
"The role of the business analyst is becoming more and more important,” Chris says. “Being the middleman between the business people who have a requirement in the processes and the technology on the IT side."
If you have to make one hire this year, make it this one.
Overcome your data challenges with CloverDX
Are you ready to bridge the gap between business and IT and improve your data integration processes? Listen to the full podcast with Chris van Doorn, and discover how CloverDX can help you transform your data operations. If you’re ready, get in touch with us for a demo today.
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