BIG Data...easy, if managed right!

Times have changed – Big Data is no longer a buzzword, it is a reality. Take a close look at the big players in your industry sector, and there is a very high likelihood that they have either already adopted a Big Data (and analytics) management process, or are in the midst of heavily investing in an implementation of sorts.

This may sound obvious or overstated, and relatively simple, but early adopters need to be mindful that while it is exciting and brings with it immense potential, the process itself needs to be managed with a clear vision or goal of where you want your organization to be at a specific point in time, i.e. realistic business objectives/KPI’s. Because industry leaders are more adept at leveraging Big Data, many are investing in Big Data solutions from the business side (often times this is the right approach)….this process is then repeated multiple times in larger organisations, resulting in data being siloed in various departments. One of the biggest selling points of Big Data and Analytics is the integration of ALL data, so one can see that this approach needs to (rather) be managed with a scalable solution* and clear roadmap.

There are other obstacles that are cited in various studies that need to be kept in mind, such as insufficient existing infrastructure, security concerns, lack of budget and resources, etc. Overcoming these sometimes perceived obstacles should be a combined effort between business, IT and the right vendor that has a shared long-term goal and interest. If you are thinking about adopting a Big Data and Analytics approach in your organisation, find a partner that believes in providing a faster time to valuable insights and returns by reducing complexity through a Big Data infrastructure that unifies data. In addition, a mutually agreed to long-term plan of what heights they can help you reach will make the journey ahead a smooth(er) one!