Raising the right culture for DataOps success in 5 steps

A data boom is enveloping the business world. As information piles up, companies are scrambling to understand DataOps processes, and how these can be used for optimal management and maximised value.

DataOps is a methodology designed to streamline data analytics processes, improving quality and easing data flows throughout an organisation.

A cultural shift is required for DataOps to succeed in a business, for which companies need to make considered changes internally. DataOps must be adopted as an ongoing process that triggers transformation by improving both data quality and data management.

In the current climate, a lot of organisations need to improve their data collaboration processes and how they use the information they hold. Developing pipelines and systems should be a combined workforce task, with a company-wide consciousness of the value of data. As with all change, it must be generated from the top-down. There are five key steps that C-suite professionals can take towards DataOps success.

1. Accepting DataOps as a perpetual motion

A business’s leadership needs to begin by deconstructing its entire existing system of data analytics. For DataOps to thrive, it must be implemented via a complete restructure. Culturally, the entire organisation must accept the use of data to drive business decisions. The structure of the company must embrace information-induced change and be open to ongoing flexibility.

Slow adoption is the number one obstruction. Poor implementation and distribution of data leads to a fragmented and disjointed approach to reporting across an organisation.

Success relies on a complete cross-organisational and long-term commitment to the DataOps methodology. Regarding DataOps as an ongoing process – a constant conveyor belt on which teams can send questions down and keep up with – is the cornerstone of successful implementation.

2. Data-fuelled decisions

Information should be central to decision-making. From staff who use data, to dedicated analysts and data managers, the mindset of data-driven business choices should be universal.

DataOps empowers the entire workforce to openly offer data-driven opinions. This will allow businesses to stay competitive in even the fastest-paced environments, as the best ideas organically move to the forefront. This process acts as a catalyst for managers to naturally migrate from existing control strategies to data-driven decision processes.

3. Banishing Silo Culture

For data to be valuable, it must be accessible to those who require it. Barriers and red tape culture must be removed from businesses, as they develop over time and prevent the free flow of lucrative data insights. The key to this is to switch from stockpiling data to sharing it instead. This is achieved by the coordination of different teams to achieve a flow that still observes access control and security.

It is vital that people have immediate access to up-to-date and accurate data. Employees need to be able to obtain and understand all information that influences their work, in order to have a full perspective.

4. Show your mettle

DataOps installation requires a bold and brave approach. There are two opposing common standpoints: some businesses fear transformation, and some go rogue in their efforts to achieve it.

The former are usually larger companies that are afraid of change and do not want to upset the status quo. These companies tend to have a rigorous framework of rules and regulations, making any change a laborious challenge. The latter tends to be smaller organisations, who have an individual who attempts the entire transformation alone. Corners are often cut, and the business ends up facing unforeseen problems.

However, there are processes and programmes that can help an organisation to transform quickly without the risk of major error. A business can succeed in its change without fear.

Whenever failure is encountered, it should be converted into an opportunity to improve. By moving away from legacy processes and outdated routines, a business can discover new ways to thrive. DataOps can effect this change, structurally and methodically helping businesses to break out of old systems and impact overall output.

5. Acquiring the best building blocks

Investing in data process tools is vital. A team requires the ability to access, share and analyse the right information in order for the operation to be worthwhile. DataOps is not just a standalone tool, but an all-encompassing solution which improves collaboration, pipeline construction, testing and monitoring and the speed of future implementation. With the right resources and time, a company can apply its own DataOps programme by utilising the many different tools. For agility and timesaving, an all-in-one DataOps platform is another option.

These tools must be accompanied by suitable training: external experts can work to ensure a smooth transition into the usage of DataOps.

Embracing DataOps could be key to an organisation keeping up with its market and safeguarding its successful future. It should be viewed as a united ecosystem for all data that a business holds. Adopting an effective DataOps culture requires the consideration of all processes, employees and technology, in order to achieve a culture that fosters harmony between teams and capitalises on the value of data. The absolute bottom line is accepting and championing DataOps as a continuous, ever-flowing process, sending a company on its path to an efficient and successful future.