Insights Blog

Key Considerations When Deploying a Data Democratization Strategy

A business that looks to become truly data-driven knows that employees are more likely to back the wider strategy if they have access to data that helps them do their jobs better. A data democratization strategy and the positive culture it creates, is therefore critical to the long-term success of any organization.

So do employees at all levels actually have adequate access to data to boost their decision-making? Does the data at their disposal and how they work with it turn employees into strong advocates for your organization’s data strategy? If not, you may need to fine-tune your strategy.

Improve your infrastructure with a data democratization strategy

Exasol research found almost four out of five survey respondents say their current IT infrastructure makes it challenging to democratize data in their organization. This is a significant obstacle to be overcome. There are additional barriers too, such as a lack of relevant data skills or too many new data sources.

Successful organizations identify the key capabilities required to execute their data democratization strategy effectively. Infrastructure decisions are an important part of this as any limitations can cause frustration and poor engagement – which can cause employees to underperform in their roles.

Before implementing a data democratization project, ensure that you’ve taken steps to build a strong foundation that will support your more advanced efforts. Employees should be properly educated about incoming changes and you should have a data evangelist who can assist with any questions or challenges. Data warehouse integration and an optimized tech stack can also make the process easier at the outset. But most important is deciding which deployment method is best for your strategy.

The most common challenges

Businesses have to focus on which deployment model best meets their needs. When it comes to a data democratization strategy, many will naturally think of the benefits the cloud can bring. The right deployment model (on-premises, cloud, or a hybrid strategy) allows for data sharing in a secure and cost-effective manner across all levels and departments. It allows people, and therefore the company, to perform at their best.

Despite the importance of data sharing, almost half (46%) of respondents to our latest research believe that the democratization of data isn’t feasible for them. If your technology infrastructure doesn’t allow you to open up access to data across the whole business, you’re stopping your organization from becoming truly data driven. This could ultimately mean that insights can’t be gathered quickly enough, projects could be stalled and a competitive edge on competitors can be lost.

There is a clear need for organizations to carefully consider which deployment option gives them the freedom needed to effectively open up access to data. Yet, the story doesn’t end once a decision has been made.

Refine your data democratization strategy with Exasol

Teams must constantly monitor whether employees are able to work with the data at their disposal. Can they get the insights they need from the data? Is there an ambition to increase the spread of data democratization within the organization?

When it comes to optimizing your data, a data democratization strategy is a key step in the process – and your company needs to get it right.

Our report further explores all the key points raised in this blog and explains how developing a positive data culture starts with a strong data democratization strategy. This is the point when you secure your employees’ backing of the project. Only then are you truly ready to choose the right deployment model.

For an in-depth look at how the right IT infrastructure influences data democratization, download ‘Data strategy and culture: paving a way to the cloud’.