From fragmented data to one central data platform: this is how to build a foundation for data-driven working

At a time when data is the backbone of successful organisations, centralising data in a unified data platform is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. At Improven, we guide organisations in this transition, paying explicit attention to data quality and data governance. These fundamentals are essential to benefit from a reliable data platform that serves as a single point of truth.

The urgency of a central data platform

Many organisations struggle with fragmented data spread across various systems and departments. This fragmentation not only hampers efficiency, but also undermines the reliability of analyses and reports. Setting up a modern data platform is therefore a crucial step towards data-driven working. Not only as a foundation for reliable reporting, but also as an enabler for technologies such as advanced analytics and AI.

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Approach: five steps to a single unified data platform

The transition to a single central data platform is more than a technical implementation. It is an organisation-wide change that requires careful coordination between IT, data experts and the business. The steps below form a tried-and-tested approach that helps make this transition manageable and effective:

1. Formulate a shared data strategy

The first step is to create joint understanding: what do we mean by a data platform, what goals do we want to achieve with it, and what does this mean for our way of working? In this phase, scope, ambition and frameworks are determined, with IT and business working together. This forms the basis for support and prioritisation.

2. Map data landscape and bottlenecks

Analyse where data currently resides, in which systems and with what quality. Also map where the biggest risks are in terms of fragmentation, inconsistency or lack of ownership. The IMPROVEN Data Driven Decision Management scan structures this inventory and provides input for the architecture of the future platform as well as for the governance structure.

3. Establish data governance and quality frameworks

A data platform without good data governance is like an airport without air traffic control. At Improven, we therefore always stress the importance of data quality and well-organised governance, right before you start rigging the technology. Before building, the rules of the game should be clear. Think about data definition, ownership, data classification, roles and responsibilities. Governance ensures that data is reliable, traceable and secure. Organisational embedding is crucial: this is where business and IT really need to work together. Read here On our governance approach at Schiphol.

4. Design and build the data platform

With a clear strategy, clear architecture and governance in place, the platform can be designed. Here, data from different source systems are standardised, cleansed and centrally accessed. Think of data lakes, data warehouses or lakehouses, depending on the desired use cases. It is important to take a modular and iterative approach, so that the platform can grow with the organisation.

5. Energise the organisation with BI and data science

Once the data is reliable and available, the real work begins: generating insights. Tools such as Power BI can be used to build dashboards that provide organisation-wide insight. For more advanced applications, data science models can be deployed that make predictions or support optimisation issues. Success here hinges on use and adoption and therefore training, support and ownership.

In conclusion: technology as a means, not an end

Implementing a data platform is not an IT party. It is an organisational change that requires direction, alignment and continuous improvement. The technical side is important, but at least as crucial are governance, adoption and connection with the business.

Improven supports organisations in this transition Improven guides organisations in this transition with data-driven expertise, including project management, analysis, engineering, governance and visualisation. But mainly by making sure the preconditions are right. Because only then will the data platform become the strategic source of truth you can build on. Would you like to discuss how we can help your organisation?

For more questions on this topic

Hugo ter Welle +31 6 45 18 47 09 Ramon van den Heuvel +31 6 10 89 68 79