Increasing Your Organization's Data & AI Maturity

aluating an organization's present data capabilities and planning for future enhancements. As Richie pointed out, "If you want to get better at working with data, you need to know what your current data setup is like." This means understanding the data platforms in use, the procedures established, and the available talent. Robin Sutara emphasized the importance of considering variances between departments and teams to gain a detailed understanding of the organization's data maturity. She noted, "You have to do it as you would any change management across your organization." The process of evaluating data maturity should be aligned with the organization's strategic goals and adjusted to the specific needs of different business units.

The Role of Top-Level Support

Top-level support plays an important role in pushing data maturity initiatives. As John Thompson mentioned, "If you're really driving change, it needs to be in one of the senior executives in the organization." Without the backing of the C-suite, efforts to enhance data maturity may falter. It is also vital for executives to articulate clear business objectives, such as reducing operational costs or enhancing customer service. Robin Sutara added, "There has to be some level of accountability and responsibility at every part of the organization," highlighting the need for a collaborative approach.

Linking Data Maturity to Business Goals

Data maturity efforts must be aligned with the organization's business goals. Robin Sutara suggested focusing on key areas such as empowering employees, optimizing operational procedures, increasing revenue, and delivering better services. She stated, "If you're not thinking about the people in process, it'll never execute." This means that technology alone cannot drive data maturity; there must be a combined effort to align data initiatives with strategic business objectives. By doing so, organizations can ensure that data maturity efforts are not only effective but also sustainable.

The Importance of Training and Communication

Educating employees across varying levels and roles is a vital aspect of improving data maturity. John Thompson shared his experience at EY, where a structured training program was implemented to raise data literacy across the organization. He noted, "Organized by persona, bring it down to a point where it's manageable." Constant communication is also vital, as Robin Sutara pointed out, "Over-communicate, communicate, communicate." By ensuring that all employees are engaged and informed, organizations can promote a culture of data-driven decision-making and facilitate the path towards data maturity.