In a previous article, we looked at the significance of data-centric decision-making. In this article, we shall explore 7 practical takeaways for better data-based decision-making in a company.
1) Guard against your biases
It is challenging to confirm the logic we employ while making decisions because a large portion of the mental activity we undertake is unconscious. We may even be guilty of ignoring the information in front of us in favor of the data we wish were there. It’s always a good idea to run your decisions by someone knowledgeable who isn’t biased toward you (or even knows you have prejudices).
Working with a team that is familiar with the data you are using gives you access to constructive criticism. Data that is made accessible to everyone, regardless of technological proficiency, enables teams to make more educated judgments. This is frequently accomplished with cutting-edge dashboards that simplify previously complex tables and graphs so that more people can start making wiser business decisions based on data.
Tips for overcoming a biased behavior
Simple Awareness – Everyone has prejudices, but you may lessen their influence on your decision-making by being conscious that biases exist.
Collaboration – Given that it is easier to spot prejudices in others rather than in oneself, your coworkers can help keep you in check. Consult with others before making decisions and watch out for biased behavior in the boardroom.
Seeking out conflicting information – To identify your prejudices and eliminate them from your decision-making process, ask the correct questions of both yourself and other people.
By removing biases, you make it easier to find new opportunities. It is possible to discover insights that can actually alter your bottom line by letting go of assumptions and thoroughly analyzing the data. Keep in mind that business intelligence should focus on making gains as well as preventing losses.
2) Define objectives
Companies should outline their objectives before starting their research in order to gain the most from their data. Establish a plan to steer clear of pursuing trends rather than your business’s needs, and establish distinct Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Although there are many KPI examples available, focus on the most significant ones for your industry instead of using too many.
3) Gather data now
Asking the right questions is, as important as gathering the appropriate data. Data collecting should start on day one for new or small businesses. It is important to have a very strong record-keeping and measurement system in place. After all, is said and done, creating a business dashboard for your organization is essential for effectively managing the tidal wave of data you will get.
4) Clean and organize your data effectively
When it comes to data analytics, a good portion of an analyst’s effort is spent organizing and cleaning the data to ensure that any incorrectly structured data is removed before the study starts. This procedure is crucial since the outcomes of your analysis serve as the cornerstone of a successful data-driven strategy, and your data must be entirely accurate.
Drilling down into the most relevant and, important insights is the only way to get clarity and make better judgments when faced with seemingly unending strings or sets of data. However, once you’ve acquired your data from the sources that are the most relevant to your organization, spending the time to mine for the insights that will help your business grow will ensure that you get every last bit of value from your analytical efforts.
When cleaning and organizing your data, focus on insights that are:
Outdated or irrelevant to your business’s specific goals & outcomes
Duplicated data that creates confusion
Your business will be on the right track to data-driven success if you streamline the data you’ve obtained. Make note of your most useful data sources, and organize your cleaned data logically.
5) Find the unresolved questions
Once your strategy and goals have been established, businesses must identify the questions that need to be answered in order to achieve those goals. By asking the right questions, teams can focus on the appropriate data and save time and money. Doing so can shift your attention from collecting everything to concentrating on the information you actually need.
6) Find the required data needed to solve these questions
Among the information you have gathered try to focus on the ideal data that will help you respond to the unanswered questions outlined in the previous step.
7) Analyze and understand
Even though it may seem apparent, we must point out that: after setting the framework for all the questions to be asked, you must read through it to extract meaningful insights draw factual conclusions, and provide analytical reports that will help you make business decisions based on facts.
Visualizing and monitoring your business performance in real-time, and allows you to lead your business to success. To learn more about how your business can achieve success with an ERP, Contact Us Today.