7 Most Pressing Data Management Needs for Enterprises

Data management has become more than a background function for organizations; it’s now a powerful enabler for strategic decisions and growth. According to recent UKISUG research, businesses have pinpointed seven key data management needs that require urgent attention. Let’s dive into each to see how these needs shape today’s data-driven landscape.

1. Data Accuracy and Consistency (23%) At the heart of effective data management is accuracy. When data is inconsistent or inaccurate, decision-making becomes flawed and costly. Enterprises are increasingly focusing on refining data quality measures across the organization, implementing stringent validation processes and leveraging automation to ensure data consistency from input to analytics.

   
   

2. Data Governance (19%) Data governance has emerged as a central concern for organizations aiming to manage data responsibly and efficiently. Good governance frameworks not only provide data control and standardization but also offer security, compliance, and trustworthiness in data analytics. Companies are investing in governance protocols to ensure data is accessible, transparent, and aligned with organizational policies.

   
   

3. Dashboards and Visualization (17%) Data is only as valuable as it is interpretable. With the growing need for data-driven insights, dashboards and visualizations have become essential tools. These tools allow decision-makers to quickly grasp trends, spot anomalies, and act swiftly. Many organizations are prioritizing user-friendly dashboards, empowering users to interpret complex data at a glance.

   
   

4. Identifying Growth Opportunities (8%) In today’s competitive market, identifying growth opportunities is a priority for many organizations. Data analytics can reveal hidden patterns and new revenue streams, providing a strategic edge. Companies are using predictive analytics to explore customer trends, optimize product offerings, and stay ahead of the curve.

   
   

5. Reducing Organizational Waste (13%) Efficiency is key, and data management can play a significant role in identifying and eliminating waste. By monitoring resources and processes, organizations can pinpoint inefficiencies and reduce unnecessary expenditures, leading to leaner operations and cost savings across departments.

   
   

6. Risk and Threat Identification (9%) Data also plays a crucial role in protecting an organization from potential threats. With robust data analytics, organizations can proactively identify risks—whether financial, operational, or security-related—and develop strategies to mitigate them before they escalate.

   
   

7. Continuous Integration and Development (CI/CD) (8%) In the fast-evolving digital landscape, agility is critical. Adopting CI/CD practices allows companies to streamline development and deployment, facilitating a culture of constant improvement. This approach helps in maintaining data-driven applications that evolve in line with business goals.

   
   

These insights from UKISUG highlight how enterprises are navigating the complexities of data management, striving to leverage data as a tool for accuracy, governance, growth, and risk management. As data continues to expand, meeting these needs will be central to sustaining a competitive and adaptive enterprise.