Ctac
Get in touch
Get in touch

    High-quality data is the engine of modern business management. Whereas raw data used to be fragmented and difficult to interpret, artificial intelligence and predictive analytics now make it possible to translate data into strategic insights. With technologies such as reporting, analytics and AI, you gain razor-sharp insights into business processes, discover patterns and bottlenecks, and can even map out future trends. This allows companies to steer their growth in a targeted manner thanks to correct data.

    It is becoming clearer every day that data-driven business management is becoming an indispensable pillar for modern organisations. It gives leaders the tools to make informed decisions and work more efficiently. But is the Belgian business world ready for this transformation? In this blog, we discuss the five biggest challenges of a data-driven approach and how best to tackle them.

     

    1. Technology follows strategy

    For a long time, technology was seen as an end in itself. Companies wanted to ‘surf the digital wave’ and invested without a clear strategy or tangible added value. Those days are over. Nowadays, technology is a means that must perfectly match the objectives of your organisation. Therefore, always start by focusing your priorities and ambitions, and then choose the tools that make this possible.

    In addition, it is important to not only invest in solutions that work in the short term, but also in technology that offers sufficient flexibility for innovation and growth in the long term. As an account manager at Ctac, Thijs Paepen consciously looks beyond the technical specifications when designing data infrastructures: ‘Analyse the situation strategically: how does the infrastructure support the business objectives, maximise that value and open doors to future opportunities?’ This strategic mindset is the basis of Ctac’s approach.

    2. Make data quality a must

    Data quality is the basis of every digital solution. Without reliable data, analytics, reporting and AI lose their value. Even a small human error, such as an incorrect number, can have major consequences. That is why data must always be correct, structured and accessible.

    The solution lies in smart data management. Start by critically analysing your data flows. How does the input proceed? Where are the bottlenecks? How is the data maintained? You can then set up efficient data management based on these insights. Data governance also plays a crucial role here: clear agreements and responsibilities form the basis for reliable data.

    Clean data is a basic requirement for making optimal use of technology. At the same time, you can use that same technology to improve data quality. For example, AI can detect errors in data streams, while automation minimises human error. The result? A powerful interaction between technology and data quality, allowing you to make maximum use of your data.

    3. Gaining control of data with governance

    As mentioned earlier, governance plays a key role in efficient data management. It offers a clear framework of rules and agreements that determine how data is managed, protected and utilised within your organisation. In an increasingly digital world, a well-developed governance policy is indispensable. After all, it guarantees the quality of your data, gives the right people access to the right information and ensures the secure processing of sensitive company data.

    ‘There are many ways to shape your governance policy, depending on your objectives and needs,’ explains Thijs Paepen. ’Once again, technology can be a powerful lever here. Think of automating processes, securing access to sensitive data and continuously monitoring data quality.’

    4. Create support among your team

    Modern technology offers endless possibilities, but without the support of your team you will never get the most out of it. ‘The human factor is at least as important as the tools,’ emphasises Thijs. ‘Investing in change management to transform your corporate culture is therefore indispensable.’

    To successfully utilise technology, your team must understand why the data and tools are important. Involvement is crucial in this: clearly explain the benefits they offer and show how they make their work more efficient and simpler. This way you build trust and create the support needed for success.

    5. Invest in hybrid skills

    To bridge the gap between technology and daily business management, the skills and functions within organisations will also have to evolve. IT and data specialists will need to think more strategically and align their work more closely with business objectives. At the same time, repetitive, executive tasks are increasingly being automated, shifting the focus to strategic insight and people who can effectively manage technology.

    ‘Companies should already be consciously focusing on these new skills,’ says Thijs Paepen. “Consider AI training and improving collaboration between technical and non-technical teams, for example.” By investing in a culture centred around learning and adapting, you can prepare your employees for the challenges of tomorrow.

    Set a course for a data-driven future

    Artificial intelligence and a data-driven approach open the door to unprecedented opportunities. It is still unclear exactly where the digital revolution will lead us. But one thing is already certain: companies that dare to take on the challenge today will be the frontrunners of tomorrow in innovation and growth.

    ‘A data-driven organisation can yield enormous benefits, but only if it is approached in a smart and strategic manner,’ emphasises Thijs. “The human factor plays a key role in this.” Without attention to the people who manage the technology, the full potential of a data-driven organisation remains untapped. The real power lies in a combination of technology, strategy and human involvement.

    ‘Would you like to use correct data to manage your growth?’

    Contact our experts

    Want to know more about Data?

    Data management proves to be an effective medicine for Aspen

    Read more

    AHAM Vastgoed works from one database with a single package for asset and property management

    Read more
    Enabling your ambition
    Enabling your ambition