Data is the lifeblood of businesses. It’s a statement that has become a cliché, but it’s also sparked some important questions. For example, if data is so important, who should have access, and for what purposes?
Not surprisingly, the answer to those questions is that data should be as widely accessible as possible. Isolating data and the insights within to the C-Suite or to a specialized team is counterproductive – a classic example of keeping the left and right hands separate.
The concept of data democracy has developed in response. Companies that understand the value of data are actively working to remove barriers to access. That is a worthwhile, even essential initiative, but it’s more complicated than it appears. Follow these strategies to achieve true data democracy.
Find a Solution That Can Scale
Even if you want to be more democratic about data, not every solution can accommodate a lot of users. They may be designed for use by small teams or only in specialized circumstances. Data democracy does not mean that every single employee has full access to data. However, it does mean that a broad base of employees is using data, and that extending access is easy.
Prioritize User-Friendly Designs
Data science is complicated, which is a huge hurdle to analytics. Reporting and analysis is typically handled by a team of experts, meaning insights are slow to arrive and limited to a few. Extending access is important, but if analytics is overly-complicated no one will use it. Relying on a solution that is simple and straightforward helps to build buy-in from the start. Plus, the simpler the solution the less upfront training is required.
Embed the Tools
Being accessible means being convenient. If it takes extra steps for users to build analytics into their workflows they will avoid using them. Embedding BI tools into existing software creates a seamless link between the two. That way insights are immediately available for marketing, sales, logistics, legal, or in any department and workflow.
Use Dashboards That Drill Down
Data democracy is about being broad, but it’s also about being deep. If users only have access to shallow insights and summarized data the benefit is limited. Ideally, the BI dashboard that all users rely on permits drilling down into the data. So rather than looking only at insights, users can explore the numbers they’re based on. Enabling this kind of deep dive through data platforms like ThoughtSpot allows users to explore and apply data in the best ways possible.
Maintain Control
There is a difference between a democracy and a lawless frontier. Data is highly valuable but it’s also highly sensitive. For obvious reasons not every member of an organization should have access to every piece of data. Doing so would create legal, regulatory, and logistical issues. Every effort companies make to extend access should be balanced against the need to secure certain data. As you begin to review your data policies, don’t neglect to review your access controls.
What does it look like after a company achieves data democracy? More than anything it looks like a company that is confident in every decision. Users at all levels have access to the best information available. As a result, there is certainty in every choice, change, and action. Everything is invigorated when animated by data.
Henry Lares is still early into his career as tech reporter but has already had his work published in many major publications including Tech Crunch and the Huffington Post. In regards to academics, Henry earned an engineering degree from Apex Technical School. Henry has a passion for emerging technology and covers upcoming products and breakthroughs in science and tech.
