In today’s data-driven world, organisations face increasing pressure to leverage their data effectively. But what does “using data” really mean for businesses?

With so much focus on data as a strategic asset, many organisations find themselves grappling with fundamental questions: What data matters most? How can it be presented in ways that meet diverse stakeholder needs? And, perhaps most critically, how can organisations ensure their data is trustworthy and actionable?

These challenges can feel overwhelming, but they also present an opportunity. At CMC, our expertise lies in guiding organisations through the complexities of data use, ensuring they can harness its full potential to drive informed decisions and deliver measurable value.

The key challenges of effective data use

1. Pressure to utilise data – Businesses know they need to make the most of their data, but many lack clarity on what this actually entails. Without a clear understanding of their key data requirements, organisations risk falling into the trap of collecting and storing vast amounts of information without a coherent strategy for its use.

2. Disjointed and inconsistent data – Many organisations struggle with fragmented data systems, where information is stored across different locations and formats. This not only slows down processes but also leads to inconsistencies, making it hard for leaders to trust that their top-level data is accurate and reliable.

3. Delayed decision-making – When data isn’t centralised or aggregated effectively, decision-making suffers. Leaders often find themselves unable to access quick answers to critical questions, leading to delays and missed opportunities.

4. Lack of user buy-in – Data can only drive impact if people use it. Generating user buy-in requires presenting data in ways that meet the specific needs of different personas within the organisation, from senior executives seeking high-level insights to frontline teams looking for actionable answers to specific questions.

Tailored solutions to drive data effectiveness

Here at CMC, we understand these challenges intimately. Our consultants work alongside organisations to design and implement tailored solutions that address their unique data needs. And here’s how we do it:

1. Identifying key data requirements – We help organisations pinpoint the data that truly matters. By identifying key data requirements and aligning them with business goals, we ensure a focused and strategic approach to data use.

2. Taking a data-centric approach – Using robust data models, we centralise and standardise business data requirements, creating a cohesive foundation for effective data use. This allows organisations to see all their data in one place, eliminating silos and enabling coherent analysis.

3. Building trust in data – Consistency is key. We work to establish processes and systems that ensure data is recorded accurately and reliably, giving leaders confidence in their top-level insights and enabling data-driven decisions with conviction.

4. Saving time and driving efficiency – Time is a precious resource, and our solutions are designed to give teams everything they need at their fingertips. By streamlining data access and aggregation, we empower organisations to work faster and more effectively.

5. Tailoring data presentation to user needs – Different roles within an organisation require different data views. We create solutions that cater to these varying needs, from high-level dashboards for executives to detailed, actionable insights for operational teams. By delivering value to each persona, we drive user engagement and buy-in.

How to unlock the value of data

The benefits of effective data use go beyond operational efficiency. With the right systems and strategies in place, organisations can:

• Make faster, smarter decisions based on accurate, real-time insights.
• Be able to see patterns in data and relationships that were previously not visible.
• Enhance collaboration and alignment across teams through a shared understanding of key data.
• Free up valuable time and resources by automating routine processes and streamlining workflows.

Navigating the complexities of organisational transformation often starts with understanding how to make data work for both your people and your business. By combining a clear strategy with practical tools and a focus on people, organisations can address their data challenges and ultimately unlock its full potential.

If your organisation is grappling with data fragmentation, slow processes or a lack of actionable insights, then we can help you to take steps to transform your approach. In identifying and addressing these challenges, data can become a hugely powerful asset that drives business success and delivers real, measurable value.

To find out more about how we can help you to unlock the value of your data, visit our data analysis and insights page or chat to our Head of P3M & Data, Mark Dalrymple-Smith.