Even before BIG DATA and analytics was the buzzword of choice, organizations have been assessed and self assessed their own technological maturity. This, in hopes, of understanding where they stand vs. their own industry vertical and peer groups. No one wants to get left behind… This humble beginning was relatively easy in comparison to the constant disruption of innovation we face today. Back then, technology around data management kept us following the rules so to speak. Breaking out of the norm was either too risky, too expensive or lacked the C-suite backing to ever evolve from idea to implementation. As the ability to collect, analyze and share information became easier and easier the early adopters paved the way, proving that having more data leads to more insight which can directly translate into tangible, measurable business results. How fortunate during this evolution that data availability was exploding… internet, social media, machine and manufacturing data, financial data, shipment data, public data, forum data and on and on and on.
So the primary visualization has been to benchmark basic to advanced along a “CURVE.”
There are endless variations to the above theme. All good and some very insightful. My only apprehension is the curve suggests a “point of completion”, a landing spot where we say “DONE.” Let’s check analytics off our to do list. The disruptive nature of insight leads me to believe there is no finish line, there is no point where your done with analysis. On the contrary, the better our analytics discipline, the better your range of inquiry becomes. “You get progressively sharper as ASKING BETTER QUESTIONS!!!” And there are no end to the questions as we learn more from the data. I prefer the crossroads and intersections metaphor because it keeps you moving forward without the idyllic conception of a destination. Not that you can’t enjoy the respite of a few rest stops along the way. Intersections do provide critical decision points along your journey that allow for adjustments and ensure results are meeting expectations.
Through this lens we can understand the key markers of progress along the journey.
The intersection of:
- technology meeting talent
- from data to information to insight
- investment meeting innovation
- reporting meeting interactivity, eventually interoperability
- data visualization meeting clarity and creativity
- solution vendors meeting partnerships
- analytics results meeting business success
- AND… where the passion for insight meets possibilities
Plus, there are so many more.
