Day 1-10: Define Objectives/Goals and Scope
Begin by clearly defining the objectives of the new data capability by clearly grasping the company strategy. Understand what problems it aims to solve, the value it will bring to the organisation, and the scope of the project. Engage stakeholders, including decision-makers, and data end-users, to gather diverse perspectives and insights. Clearly articulate the specific outcomes and achievements you aim to attain through the new capability. Consider the needs and expectations of your stakeholders, including customers, employees, and investors.
Next, outline the scope of the capability, detailing the boundaries, functions, and features it will encompass. Establish a project team with representatives from different departments to ensure a holistic approach. Develop measurable key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with your objectives, allowing for ongoing evaluation and adjustment. Lastly, regularly review and update the objectives and scope as the business landscape evolves, ensuring continued relevance and adaptability.
Day 11-18: Assess Current State
Conduct a thorough assessment of the current state of data within the organisation. Identify existing data sources, including databases, applications, and storage systems. This involves identifying the types of data housed, such as customer information, financial records, or operational metrics. Additionally, assessing the quality and accuracy of the data is paramount to ensure reliable insights. Examining data governance policies and practices is equally important, focusing on how data is collected, stored, and shared within the organisation. Analyse the integration and interoperability of different systems to identify potential silos and gaps in data flow. Consider the accessibility and usability of data for various stakeholders, ensuring that information is readily available and easily understandable.
This approach will provide a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the organisation's data ecosystem, laying the foundation for strategic improvements and innovations, and will serve as the foundation for designing the new data capability.
Communicate often and clearly the new changes you are introducing to the company
Day 18-28: Develop a New Data Operating Model & Ways of Working
The goal is to design an operating model that aligns seamlessly with the organisation's overall strategic objectives, enhances efficiency, and adapts to the ever-evolving business landscape. This transformative journey often involves collaboration among various departments, stakeholders, and external experts to ensure a comprehensive understanding of current challenges and future opportunities. Developing a new data operating model is not just about embracing change; it's a strategic imperative for organisations seeking to thrive in the face of evolving business demands and technological advancements.
Day 28-30: Communication Strategy, Implementation & Continuous Improvement
A well-crafted communications plan not only generates excitement but also creates a supportive environment for the successful implementation of the new capability. Regular updates and feedback mechanisms further contribute to continuous improvement and user satisfaction. Clear and concise messaging is crucial, emphasising the benefits and relevance of the new capability across the business. Utilising various communication channels, such as confluence pages, emails, workshops, and all-hands, facilitates widespread dissemination of information. Additionally, establishing a timeline for communication releases helps build anticipation and manage expectations. Engaging in two-way communication through forums, webinars, or Q&A sessions fosters transparency and addresses any concerns or questions.
Develop a prototype of the new data capability and conduct thorough testing. Gather feedback from end-users and stakeholders to identify any potential issues and make necessary adjustments. Testing ensures that the system performs as intended and meets the requirements defined in the earlier stages of the change plan.
A successful Data team, is a team with a clear strategy and mission
In summary:
Building a new data capability is a transformative journey that requires careful planning and execution. A 30-day change plan provides a structured approach to navigate through the key stages of defining objectives, assessing the current state, defining the data strategy, developing a new operating model, implementing governance, communicating changes to the rest of the business, testing, and continuous improvement. By following this plan, organisations can unlock the full potential of their data, driving informed decision-making and staying competitive in today's data-driven business landscape.
We are here to take you to the next step on your data transformation journey. Are you ready?
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