Posted

Excel at Strategic Planning

As digital data sources create information at a shockingly fast pace, creating a strategic plan to manage the influx is critical to a business’s success.  With the idea of big data proliferating the business world, and the number of companies looking to use and analyze that information increasing, it is imperative to create the necessary processes and mechanisms to control and organize the information in manageable ways.

By creating a strategic plan, you will have the guidelines necessary to deal with the ever-changing data management landscape, increasing the value of the gathered data through the use of management processes to allow for higher quality analyses later on.

Define Your Milestones

While your ultimate goal of improved management of unstructured or multistructured data may be clear, understanding the key points that exist between now and the achievement of that goal can help shape the overall direction of the project.  Milestones serve as progress markers, as well as help guide people through the planning process, allowing a larger project to feel more manageable.

This is especially true for projects focusing on the management of big data, as the term can be a bit ambiguous in nature.  It is important to make sure all person’s with decision-making authority within the project are on the same page regarding what is and is not considered part of the project.  Additionally, clarification regarding exactly how this data is going to be used need to be agreed upon to ensure the framework of the solution allows for proper access and analysis.  These decisions must then be passed down through other project team members to ensure every person is working with a single vision in mind.

Regularly Review Your Goals

Depending on the duration of the project, it may be important to review your final goals on a regular basis.  As technology and available solutions change, creating new sources of data that must be integrated into the whole, the needs of your business may not remain in exactly the same place today as they were are the beginning of the project.

While large changes may not be possible after a certain point in the project, understanding what your future needs will be can help ensure the identified solution can be adapted to meet tomorrow’s demands.

Monitor the Ongoing Results

As milestones are completed, and the goals are updated, make sure to monitor the results of the project as it progresses.  For example, if a milestone led to the reorganization or classification of certain forms of digital data, solicit feedback regarding the change.  By understanding what is producing the desired results, and if any areas are falling short, adjustments to the plan can be made to reach a more optimal result.

Be Flexible and Open-Minded

The increase in the sheer volume of usable data took many industries by surprise, resulting in a significant delay before the issues of big data management became apparent.  Since many businesses were not taking incremental steps to allow for a smoother transition, it is possible large-scale changes will be required.  This can include moving away from solutions that do not support your data management goals, as well as bringing in new technologies that are designed to better handle your data needs.

If you are looking to bring in the skills necessary to assist with your company’s big data needs, ITStaff can offer the support you need to find the right person for the job.  Contact our team of experts today.

Follow us on LinkedIn