Making Data meaningful in your business
Three steps to ensuring data is meaningful for your business
Raw data describes the facts and figures that a business processes every day.
Over time, every business hoards a certain amount of data and it only becomes meaningful to a business after it has been processed to add context, relevance and purpose.
For example, in an FMCG distribution company, every Sales order will be recorded. However, a distribution company won’t learn much by looking at each one in isolation. However, analysis of the Sales orders will reveal trends and patterns, such as peak order days or Top-selling items.
Knowledge of the business comes from the relationship between the singular pieces of information.
The pace of business in today’s technological times requires businesses to be able to react quickly to changing demands from customers and environmental conditions. The ability to be able to compile, analyze and act on data is increasingly important.
In some instances, a high volume of data may need to be accumulated and analyzed before trends and patterns emerge.
When you aren’t compiling accurate business data, you can only rely on gut feel and assumptions about past performance to inform your future business decisions.
If your business is already using an ERP software or CRM solution, it’s likely that you’re sitting on a goldmine of data.
If properly utilized, this data can greatly aid running a successful business.
You’ll have valuable insight into your sales, expenses, profit and staff efficiencies that can help you answer critical questions and drive smart business decisions.
Every business is unique, but here are three quick tips to help you drive data in your business.
1. Data is only powerful if there is context – can you stop to answer these questions?
- What is your primary objective (business or personal)?
- What is happening in the business?
- What isn’t happening?
- How can you influence what happens?
Figure out what you’re currently trying to achieve before anything else. It’s important to periodically go back and ask yourself these questions and what goals develop from the answers, as answers evolve over time.
You may have started out with your primary objective as running the best FMCG distribution company in your country.
However as time has passed, your primary objective might now be to take time away from the business to spend more time with your Family.
2. The only way your data can help you drive your business is if it’s accurate and organized appropriately – so ask yourself:
- Are your financials up-to-date?
- Do you have any unreconciled transactions?
- Are you tax compliant?
- Are your staff trained on what systems and processes to use for different parts of your business?
- Are your cloud systems being correctly utilized?
The worst thing you can do is to attempt to analyze inaccurate data and attempt to make decisions for the business based on it!
3. Understand what the data necessities are and what the niceties are:
- What would you most like to understand about your business?
- What figures pinpoint success for you?
- What are your objectives over the next six to twelve months, and two to five years?
Remember, to focus on what truly matters and build from there.
If you want help with creating a Data Strategy feel free to contact me on Irfan.Sayed@cfocoach.co.zm or SMS on +260967924720.