- The desire for rapid decision making is increasing and the complexity of data sources is growing; business users want access to several new data sources, but in a way that is controlled and easily consumable.
- Organizations may understand the transformative potential of a big data initiative, but struggle to make the transition from the awareness of its importance to identifying a concrete use case for a pilot project.
- The big data ecosystem is crowded and confusing, and a lack of understanding of that ecosystem may cause a paralysis for organizations.
Our Advice
Critical Insight
- Big data is simply data. With technological advances, what was once considered big data is now more approachable for all organizations irrespective of size.
- The variety element is the key to unlocking big data value. Drill down into your specific use cases more effectively by focusing on what kind of data you should use.
- Big data is about deep analytics. Deep doesn’t mean difficult. Visualization of data, integrating new data, and understanding associations are ways to deepen your analytics.
Impact and Result
- Establish a foundational understanding of what big data entails and what the implications of its different elements are for your organization.
- Confirm your current maturity for taking on a big data initiative, and make considerations for core data management practices in the context of incorporating big data.
- Avoid boiling the ocean by pinpointing use cases by industry and functional unit, followed by identifying the most essential data sources and elements that will enable the initiative.
- Leverage a repeatable pilot project framework to build out a successful first initiative and implement future projects en-route to evolving a big data program.