Most companies operate on a patch-work. Data is split between spreadsheets, pivot tables, or built-in reports. Tying them all together is either too expensive or simply not possible.
Here is what I see as the fundamental problem.
You need a data platform
But you already knew that.
What I'm talking about is a technology that has all the visuals you'll need. Whether complex or simple, it just needs to work.
Here comes the difficult part. Tying all of your data together. Whether your team uses a few systems or many, getting all of that data together needs to be quick and easy. What is the point of a new technology if it creates more issues than it solves? There is more to this.
Getting teams to use new tools can be a pain. The platform needs to be easy to adopt and easy to train.
Cost is always an important factor. The price has to be reasonable for a good R.O.I. to be met.
Let's put it all together:
Visuals & metrics
Has all of the graphs, tables, and display options you need
Combine all of your data
Automate connecting all of your data, remove any manual steps.
Easy to learn and use
Quick training to get started and be self-sufficient. On-going support when you need it.
Return on Investment
Like any smart investment the payback period has to be good
