In the evolving landscape of data and analytics (D&A), a critical transition from a data-driven to a decision-centric approach is highlighted. This shift is driven by the need to enhance decision-making through advanced Business Intelligence, integrating Decision Intelligence techniques and fostering a more connected and contextual data ecosystem. The article explores how companies can adopt these innovative practices to achieve greater business impact, improve decision continuity, and increase data integration.
The management of data and analytics (D&A) is constantly evolving, moving from a traditional data-driven approach to a decision-centric one. This transformation is essential to maximize the impact of business decisions and improve data continuity and integration. Business intelligence plays a crucial role in this evolution, providing the necessary tools to transform data into strategic decisions.
The Centrality of Decisions
Despite the widespread use of D&A to justify decisions already made, Gartner states that only 65% of organizations actually use data to proactively inform and improve decisions. It is emphasized that the true value lies not simply in being data-driven, but in making better choices through a decision-centric approach supported by Business Intelligence.
Decision Intelligence
Decision Intelligence represents a key discipline for achieving decision centrality. This approach involves capturing, interpreting, and acting based on advanced decision models that integrate real-time data, predictive analytics, and Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI). Business intelligence provides the foundation for these advanced analyses, offering a clear and comprehensive view of the information needed to make informed decisions.
Creating Value in Every Phase of the Decision-Making Process
A detailed framework is described for adding value to every phase of the decision-making process, from data collection to contextualization and action. Key techniques include data visualization, simulation, predictive analytics, and AI-based personalization. Business intelligence facilitates each of these phases, providing visualization and analysis tools that make data understandable and useful for all levels of the organization.
D&A: More Continuous, Contextual, and Connected
The future of D&A will see increasingly continuous, contextual, and connected decisions. This means greater situational awareness, personalized decisions, compliance, equity, and transparency. Real-time analysis and the integration of external and multi-structured data will be essential. Business intelligence will be crucial for connecting this heterogeneous data and offering an integrated view, improving the quality and timeliness of decisions.
New Roles and Skills
To realize this future, it is suggested to introduce new roles such as the decision engineer and the business decision analyst. These professionals will be essential for navigating the complex data ecosystem and improving business decision intelligence. Business intelligence will be a core competency for these new roles, providing the analytical skills needed to interpret and act on data.
Strategic Recommendations
Companies will need to go beyond data-driven insights and adopt a decision-centric approach. This includes adopting Decision Intelligence practices, introducing new professional roles, and extending the capabilities of the data ecosystem. Investing in Business Intelligence is crucial to support this transition and ensure that decisions are informed and based on accurate and timely data.
Conclusions
The shift to a decision-centric approach is not only a technological change, but also a cultural and organizational one. Companies that embrace this transformation will be better positioned to gain a competitive advantage, improve operational efficiency, and respond more agilely to market challenges and opportunities. Business Intelligence remains at the center of this evolution, offering the tools and capabilities needed to transform data into valuable decisions.
In this context, Blue BI can play a crucial role in supporting companies during the transition to a decision-centric approach. With extensive experience in Business Intelligence consulting and the implementation of advanced technologies, Blue BI helps clients develop advanced decision models and integrate multi-structured data for a more comprehensive view. Additionally, Blue BI offers training and support for new professional roles such as the Decision Engineer, ensuring that the necessary skills are present within organizations.
All surveys refer to Gartner research available since May 2024.
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