Would Data Transformation Be A Game-Changer For Your Business?
Data transformation is a hot trending method of utilizing existing information proactively. Business leaders who act promptly can reap substantial benefits.
The wave of digital transformation has profoundly impacted the business community, and the World Economic Forum anticipates it will top $100 trillion in “combined value” across business sectors and society by 2025. That’s a staggering amount of revenue linked to a single technological trend. The next major shift appears to be an offshoot called “data transformation,” and thought leaders are saying this could be another game-changer. But the elephant in the room is whether your business is ready for data transformation or not.
What Is Data Transformation?
Like digital transformation, data transformation is an innovation that presents organizations with tangible benefits. It is commonly understood in two frameworks — organizational and operational data.
- Organizational Data: This refers to your ability to extract data from smart devices and endpoints in real-time. The uptick in Bring Your Own Device and mobile agility make this a crucial part of productivity. On the other hand, organizational data tends to be communication-based and ambiguous in many cases.
- Operational Data: This generally encompasses logistical information such as tracking and data that helps business leaders manage all the moving parts of an outfit. This type of data tends to be more easily quantifiable and relevant to making fact-based decisions.
Your operation already engages in both types of data. So, why does this need to be somehow “transformed” into something more efficient or meaningful? The goal of data transformation is to change it from a passive asset into something that provides decision-makers with enhanced insight. According to the insider resource Techopedia, these are the two facets of data transformation.
- Data Mapping: The assignment of elements from the source base or system toward the destination to capture all transformations that occur. This is made more complicated when there are complex transformations like many-to-one or one-to-many rules for transformation.
- Code Generation: The creation of the actual transformation program. The resulting data map specification is used to create an executable program to run on computer systems.
The critical transformation languages employed include Perl, AWK, TXL, as well as Template Languages, and Processors, among others. You would be taking data in a variety of formats and converting it into a usable alternative for decision-making purposes.
Can Transform Data Be A Profit-Driving Asset?
Grasping data transformation may entail thinking outside the box. That’s primarily because you are looking at a vast amount of seemingly unrelated information. If you consider that employee X is texting or emailing employee Y about coffee before work tomorrow, that doesn’t seem related to productivity. It’s certainly true that not all data is created equal or even relevant to the process.
The goal, therefore, is to cull together the information that helps CEOs and supervisors make informed decisions about goal-achieving activities. Now keep in mind that work-product and login data is filled with pertinent items that might otherwise be lost and unusable. In the seemingly ambiguous organizational data, there are behavior markers that relate to the corporate climate, imminent attrition, leave of absences, and other items that HP might find quite helpful in keeping the operation staffed and productive.
Consider that members of your workforce once engaged in watching CEO videos, read the company newsletter, and volunteered for employee-linked activities. Although your operational data shows they clock in and out on time and rarely miss work, this other organizational data may highlight a lack of engagement. What you may be seeing are less motivated team members who are emotionally and intellectually checked out.
Data transformation can bring together these moving parts in an eye-opening fashion. And when coupled with operational information, suddenly, business leaders are handed a rare opportunity to avoid slowdowns, vacancies, and other issues that are considered counterproductive.
Are You Ready for Data Transformation?
Given that data transformation is just beginning to be the next big buzz-phrase in the tech industry, it’s unlikely many companies are prepared. This cutting-edge way of rethinking and utilizing data requires specialized methods and strategies. That’s why business visionaries have already begun scheduling consultations and data reviews with third-party IT experts. If the digital transformation movement tops $100 trillion by 2025, what will the tally be for data transformation? And how could it cost-effectively enhance your company’s value?
Everyday, I work to ensure organizations are leveraging technology to optimize their business, improve employee performance and satisfaction, and protect themselves from cybersecurity threats. I love my role in business development because it allows me to connect with all facets of a business. My primary focus is working with new prospective clients and introducing them to the Generation IX way of IT services and support. Additionally, I evaluate new technology and potential vendor partnerships. We are constantly looking for the best solutions for our clients.
