Picking up from our last article on the process of data integration, breaking down Silos & making data available to more decision makers within an organisation via the use of Business Intelligence; we spend some time today to reflect on the challenges faced by every small & medium sized business to implement and manage such services.
There are numerous roadblocks associated with integrating data from one or more systems. Things like costs, availability of skilled resources, technical planning and then, god forbid having to manage the data environment forever more. Such challenges are faced by all organisations – big and small, but for the SME’s, the scale often appears overwhelming. Let’s go into a little more detail.
Skilled resources
Resources let alone skilled resources are a major challenge for every small & medium sized business. For Data Integration and Analytics, the issue can be a multiple of 10x; also due in part to the lack of Owner/Senior Management expertise in this field in determining a cost-effective strategy. And because you are small, the team you employ can only be small; leaving you vulnerable to them being poached by your larger competitors.
Budget
Both a cause, and effect of the above. If we all had budget, then our skilled resources problem may not be a problem… The decision of company owners as to how much to invest and how to calculate a return for investment into data services, hardware and employees is a major one. With a lack of Capital, lack of skilled resources and lack of management know-how, perhaps it is easier to outsource this technology and delivery of advanced analytics for a fraction of the cost of setting up, integrating, and managing such an environment happily ever after.
On-going Data Management & Support
Don’t forget that after setting up your environment and analytical framework, it’s doesn’t stop there. Data integration must continue unabated day after day, week after week in order to achieve what you set out to do. Having your own environment means you have to support it, both in hardware and in software; both of which need expertise and yes, money… Usually involving your IT team, Data Engineer and Data Analysts; all who need to ensure the information you read is accurate. Obviously, this becomes difficult, if not near impossible if you do not have these resources.
If this never-ending circle sounds familiar, and is getting in the way of taking your business to the next level of digitization; then talk to VISION Analytics. Our data integration service will set-up and manage this whole process - end to end; day to day – enabling you to easily obtain intelligence and actionable insights without the headaches; and for a fraction of the costs. Additionally, by engaging our Advanced Analytical framework, SME’s can now be empowered with the same tools equal or better than your larger, more well-equipped competitors; all the way helping to grow your business.
Comments