What do you do if your IT Strategy decisions lack data analytics and business intelligence?

Data Analytics is no longer a nice to have it is a must for a growing organisation. Maturity models are a measure which might be used in industry peer orgnisations or companies. Continous monitoring of performance measurable against set standards and goals is key whentheorgnaisation intention is consistently assess progress and gaps. A dedicated team managing the organisation data isof paramount importance. This team should be able to collect and aggregate dat using state of the art tools. Without these tools the management and the board might fail to know the gaps and mght be overlooking the security risk that come with lackof data analytics. Therefore the CIO/ CISO have to work hand in hand to determine the gaps & ID a dedicated team.

Data analytics and business intelligence are essential for providing meaningful insights through data-driven visualizations. Leveraging tools like Power BI for business intelligence is crucial to unlock the full potential of data and focus efforts where they're most needed. If these are not available It's imperative to assess current capabilities, invest in the right tools, and train teams—or, if necessary, existing staff—to foster a data-driven culture. Continuously improve on how to analyze and present data for easier, more informed decision-making.

Well, one of the immediate action items would be to make sure we start working to mature data analytics and intelligence systems, because in the world that we live today it’s indispensable to have a reliable decision making process backed by facts and figures – both qualitative and quantitative. This is only possible if there is an opportunity to process at least the own organisation’s underlying data. However, assuming that there’s nothing available that can be looked up to immediately, the only way I think forward is to adopt to best practises and implement the lessons learnt from case studies that are readily available from reliable Analysts. The sustainable option still being to mature the analytics function as mentioned above.

Best is hire a consultant like me . Give them the resources they need and watch the end result. Be Positive and encourage the feedback , support the decisions taken by the consultant

To assess your current state when IT strategy decisions lack data analytics and business intelligence, start by evaluating the effectiveness of past decisions, identifying areas where data could have provided insights, and gauging the impact on business outcomes. Then, assess the availability and quality of existing data sources, identify gaps in data analytics capabilities, and determine the potential benefits of implementing data-driven approaches. Finally, establish a roadmap for integrating data analytics and business intelligence into IT strategy to improve decision-making and drive business value.

Identify gaps in data collection, analysis, and reporting.Clearly outline the objectives you want to achieve with data analytics and business intelligence. Invest in the necessary tools and infrastructure to support data analytics and business intelligence initiatives. Establish robust data governance policies to ensure data quality, security, and compliance. This includes defining data ownership, access controls, and data Integrate data from different systems to create a comprehensive view of your operations.Use analytical techniques and tools to analyze data and extract meaningful insights. Develop dashboards, reports, and visualization tools to communicate insights effectively to stakeholders.

To prioritize needs when IT strategy decisions lack data analytics and business intelligence, focus on understanding business objectives and critical pain points, identifying areas where data insights could drive value, and aligning priorities with strategic goals. Then, prioritize initiatives that address immediate business needs, improve data collection and analysis capabilities, and lay the foundation for long-term data-driven decision-making. Additionally, collaborate with stakeholders to establish clear criteria for prioritization and allocate resources accordingly to maximize impact.

To seek external help when IT strategy decisions lack data analytics and business intelligence, consider engaging with consulting firms, industry experts, or technology partners with expertise in data analytics and business intelligence. Collaborate with these external resources to conduct assessments, identify gaps, and develop a roadmap for implementing data-driven approaches. Leverage their knowledge and experience to establish best practices, select appropriate tools and technologies, and build internal capabilities through training and knowledge transfer. Additionally, explore opportunities for partnerships and collaborations to accelerate progress and drive successful outcomes.

IT Strategy is an essential step for any company. However without properly planned and detailed strategy executives might fail easily The capability to success lies in the hands of dedicated internal staff. One of the most prolific ability of internal teams is the ability to show and talk with numbers and build the future on consistent data Data analytics & BI will provide - What happened - Why it happened - What will happen - What you can do about it These are crucial informations Without them execution of strategy is almost impossible Therefore the best way to continue is employing the best BI & Analytics people, if they exist then use them to leverage Strategy and keep and rapport with other parties in the company to deliver strategy

To build internal capacity when IT strategy decisions lack data analytics and business intelligence, invest in training programs, upskill existing talent, and hire professionals with expertise in data analytics and business intelligence. Foster a culture of data-driven decision-making by promoting awareness, providing access to relevant tools and resources, and encouraging collaboration across teams. Additionally, establish centers of excellence or data analytics teams to drive initiatives, share best practices, and support knowledge transfer within the organization. Finally, prioritize continuous learning and development to ensure ongoing improvement and adaptation to evolving technologies and methodologies.

To monitor and evaluate IT strategy decisions lacking data analytics and business intelligence, establish key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned with strategic objectives, track relevant metrics, and conduct regular reviews to assess progress and outcomes. Gather feedback from stakeholders, analyze performance data, and identify areas for improvement. Leverage qualitative and quantitative insights to inform decision-making and adjust strategies as needed. Additionally, seek opportunities to enhance data analytics capabilities and incorporate business intelligence to enable more informed and effective decision-making over time.

Strategy to me is a culmination of decisions and tasks formulated short term and long term or both to achieve a goal or set of objectives. Process, Technology and Resources are the key areas around which the strategy will be defined. If the decisions do not consider the data already present, chances are that the strategy will not yield desired results and will be like shooting in the dark. If organizations have the right process and technology around data analytics and business inteliigence the strategy and transformation can be articulated with the existing data and business view and numbers, historical patterns and applying predictive analytics on the data.

You should always work with what you have to get the best data to make the best decisions to stay business-agile while you continually improve your data and data mechanisms. I find that often more work needs to be done at the strategic level more around the mechanisms and rubric for how decisions will be made, prioritized and de-conflicted. Access to data is rarely the issue - asking our customers is the best source as long as we can carry that through process without corruption while preserving value working backwards from customer-centric outcomes.

This confirms that “control is an illusion”. The hierarchical structure has overridden the customer-centric value in the marketplace. It only takes 1/100th iterative session from a startup to set the course. The market thrives on the pull of innovation rather than the push of the arbitrary. That's truly Agile standpoint which I wholeheartedly agree..