How do you ensure that available data actually leads to better insights and decision-making? It is an issue that everyone faces, including organisations in the maritime sector. Through an Insights-in-a-Week (IIAW) programme, Young IMPROVEN Data Consultant Koen Akerboom helped organisations transform data into valuable insights, enabling users to make better-informed choices even today.
From data to an overview
Following the switch to a new ERP system, the organisation found itself with a vast amount of data. However, it lacked the expertise to translate this data into concrete insights into project progress, financial results and internal processes. As a result, it was unable to manage operations effectively and found it difficult to make informed decisions.
As part of the IIAW project, Koen, together with Principal Consultant Boudewijn van den Dool, was tasked with unlocking, structuring and visualising available data in Power BI within one week. The result was a single dashboard that gives users immediate insight into the information relevant to them, based on their day-to-day information needs.
Working together to find the right solution
One of the key lessons from the project? A good dashboard doesn’t start with the technology, but with understanding the question behind the question.
Throughout the week, Koen liaised constantly with the client. Rather than waiting until the very end to present the results, they discussed interim findings, tested ideas and made decisions together. This led to an increasingly clear picture of what the organisation actually needed.
“By asking plenty of questions and checking in regularly, you can find out what a client really needs. This not only leads to a better outcome, but also builds trust throughout the process.”
By working together in this way, the insights ultimately gained were not only consistent with the available data, but, above all, with the users’ day-to-day practice.
More than just technology
During the programme, Koen discovered that data consulting goes far beyond carrying out analyses and developing dashboards. A key part of the role is acting as a bridge between the business and the technical side: understanding what information users need and translating this into appropriate data solutions. It is precisely this combination of content, communication and collaboration that makes the work interesting, in his view.
Responsibility and development
During this project, Koen realised just how much you learn by working directly with clients. He began the project alongside his colleague Boudewijn, but as the project progressed, Koen was given increasing scope to take on responsibility and work independently on potential solutions. At the same time, the knowledge and experience of Boudewijn and other colleagues were always within easy reach.
He sees the combination of independence and guidance as one of Young IMPROVEN’s strengths. Consultants are given the freedom to take on responsibility, whilst colleagues are always on hand to bounce ideas off or seek advice from. In addition, the training courses on specialist and professional topics within the development programme play an important role. Koen can often apply what he learns during training sessions directly to client projects, meaning that learning and practical experience are constantly intertwined.
An impact you can see straight away
What makes an IIAW project special is the speed with which results become apparent. Within just one week, Koen and Boudewijn created a dashboard that gave users immediate insight into their projects and financial information. According to Koen, it is precisely the fact that the solution ties in directly with the client’s day-to-day operations that makes such a project so valuable.
“The best thing is when you realise that a client can really make progress with what you’ve delivered. That’s when you know you’ve created something that’s actually being put to use.”
For Koen, this programme was a great opportunity to develop further as a Data Consultant. The combination of learning and making an immediate impact is what makes working at Young IMPROVEN so rewarding for him.
Has Koen’s story and the Young IMPROVEN development programme sparked your curiosity too? If so, have a look at the website.
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