"Data Excellence is not a project, but a foundation for continuous improvement"

Data-driven working is a strategic spearhead for many organisations, but in practice it turns out to be difficult to really use data effectively. Improven helps organisations do this with their Data Excellence proposition: an integrated approach in which the entire data chain - from governance and quality to insights and predictive analytics - is addressed.

Together with Jorg Melchers, Senior Data Consultant and Manager of Young Improven, he talks about the vision behind Data Excellence and how Improven shapes this in practice with a variety of clients.

A holistic approach to data value

"Data Excellence is our comprehensive approach to helping organisations get more value from data," Jorg explains. "We don't do that by just delivering dashboards or running analytics. Instead, we look at the whole picture: how is data organised, how reliable is it, how do you get insights from it, and - more importantly - how do you translate it into concrete actions and decision-making." 

Many organisations have modern tools, but are not yet sufficiently successful in structurally extracting value from their data. "We find that many organisations remain stuck halfway through their data maturity," Hugo adds. "They collect data, but without clear frameworks and roles, it is difficult to manage it consistently. Our role is to put those preconditions in place, aligned with the context and goals of the organisation." 

The four building blocks of Data Excellence

The approach of Improven rests on four clear pillars: Data Governance, Data quality, Business Intelligence and Data Science. Each building block contributes to a different aspect of data maturity. Samen they form a solid and future-proof foundation for data-driven work. 

"Data Governance is usually the starting point," Hugo explains. "With that, you focus the structure from processes, roles, policies and tooling at To get a grip on data. We help organisations see data management not as a stand-alone IT project, but as something deeply intertwined is with business operations." 

The four building blocks of data excellence

14
Aug

The second building block is Data quality, because without reliable data, steering by numbers is pointless. Improven therefore carries out data quality scans, sets KPIs and helps optimise processes. "Good data is fit-for-purpose," Jorg emphasises. "That sounds simple, but requires a structured approach as well as awareness at every level in the organisation." 

With Business Intelligence the translation to insight is made. Among other things, Improven uses Power BI to build dashboards and reports that are not only visually appealing but above all usable. "BI without good governance or data quality is fighting symptoms," Hugo argues. "That is also why we always set up the underlying layers properly first." 

Finally, Data Science the ability to look ahead and make predictions. By combining mathematics, statistics and programming skills, models can be used for optimisation, simulation and innovation. "From Python scripts to machine learning - we apply it within the context of the organisation, always with an eye on applicability and impact," says Jorg. 

"In this way, we ensure that data is not just used, but truly understood and supported."

From vision to implementation 

What sets Improven apart is that its approach does not stop at the strategic consultancy phase. The consultants also guide implementation and work closely with clients on concrete solutions. A good example is a project we carried out for a government agency strongly committed to data-driven monitoring. 

"At this organisation, among other things, we built dashboards that provide insight into the data quality of internal and external sources," Jorg explains. "In addition, automatic quality checks were set up and a serious game was developed to strengthen data awareness in the organisation. In this way, we ensure that data is not only used, but truly understood and supported." 

Young Improven takes next step with launch of Data Excellence & AI Development Programme

24
Oct

Investing in the next generation 

To continue to meet the growing demand for data and AI expertise, Improven launched a new Data track within the Young Improven Programme early this year.  

The Young Improven Programme is a two-year programme that trains young professionals to become fully-fledged consultants within their field. It offers three different pathways, each with its own focus and growth path - Business, Finance and, since the beginning of this year, Data.

"The market demands people who not only have technical knowledge but also understand how to deploy data in organisations," Jorg says. "In the Data track, we combine content modules on AI, governance and BI, among others, with developing consulting skills." 

Young Improven consultants work on customer projects from the beginning and meanwhile obtain international certifications such as the CDMP. "We really invest in our people," Hugo adds. "They bring new energy and up-to-date knowledge, and are part of customer teams from day one. This is how we build sustainable strengthening of our data ecosystem." 

Ready for the future

With Data Excellence as its proposition and the Young Improven Data traject As an investment in the future, Improven strengthens its position as a partner at data-driven work. "Data only has value if it is well organised, reliable and applicable," Jorg concludes. "With Data Excellence, we ensure that organisations benefit today and are ready for what comes tomorrow." 

For more questions on this topic

Hugo ter Welle +31 6 45 18 47 09 Jorg Melchers +31 6 54 36 56 37