- David Leslie
- August 20, 2024
We speak to untold numbers of organisations with deep industry expertise. We also speak to a fair few that have some data expertise. However, it’s incredibly rare that we speak to an organisation with both (available to them).
The reasons are complex, but, in the built environment and facilities management (FM) space it really is a rarity.
The thing is, having both of those skill sets attached to strategic initiatives is where the magic of actionable insights happens.
That’s where data becomes insights, and insights become actions
While data experts bring the technical prowess to harness and interpret vast amounts of information, industry experts provide the contextual understanding necessary to turn data insights into actionable strategies.
This synergistic approach is the only one that’s driving genuine business impact, day in, day out. In this blog post, I want to explore why having both data and industry experts isn’t a nice to have anymore, it’s critical to the success or failure of a business.
The Role of Data Experts in Deriving Actionable Insights
Turning Data into Insights - Data Collection and Management
Data experts do way more than just building dashboards. They are adept at designing and implementing robust data collection and management systems.
In the built environment, this could involve setting up sensors and IoT devices to monitor various parameters such as energy usage, HVAC performance, occupancy levels, and more.
Effective data collection is the first step towards generating meaningful actionable insights, and data experts ensure that the data gathered is accurate, comprehensive, and ready for analysis.
Turning Data into Insights - Ingestion and modelling
Once the data has been collected in the most efficient way possible, it needs to be ingested, stored and modelled. Data experts possess the skills to move through each of these stages, all with a view to creating the best end product (game changing actionable insights).
Turning Data into Insights - Data Visualisation and Reporting
This is what most people think of when they think of data experts. They play a crucial role in presenting data in an accessible and understandable format. Through dashboards, reports, notifications and visualisations they can communicate complex findings in a way that business users, and senior stakeholders can easily grasp.
This is particularly important in facilities management, where clear and concise information can lead to quicker and more effective decision-making – in a world that historically has not been particularly data-driven.
To learn more about different Data Experts roles that take part in deriving actionable insights go here.
The Role of Industry Experts turning Actionable Insights into business impact
Contextual Knowledge and Experience
Industry experts are the people that bring a wealth of contextual knowledge and experience to the table.
In the FM space, this includes an understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the built environment, from regulatory compliance to sustainability initiatives and from operating in a low margin space to managing an unfathomable amount of assets.
Industry experts know the nuances of building operations, maintenance schedules, and the critical factors that impact occupant comfort and safety.
Strategic Data Insights and Best Practices
With their deep understanding of the industry, these experts can provide strategic recommendations and best practices that are informed by years of experience.
For example, an industry expert might know the most effective ways to implement energy-saving measures in a commercial building or the best practices for ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations based on years of operating in a specific space.
Their knowledge combined actionable insights provided by the data experts creates meaningful and lasting business impact.
Stakeholder Communication and Change Management
Industry experts also excel in stakeholder communication and change management.
They understand the concerns and priorities of various stakeholders, from building owners and managers to occupants and regulatory bodies. This enables them to effectively communicate the benefits of data-driven initiatives and facilitate the adoption of new technologies and processes.
Their ability to manage change is crucial for the successful implementation of data-driven strategies.
Conclusion
You can see how, whilst there is clearly value in having either industry experts or data experts, the real impact comes from having both, synchronised and pushing the business forward.
The Datore Way of Turning Data into Impact
Here at Datore we come to the party with whole team of data experts and a whole team of industry experts. This allows us to assess which skills our customers have in-house and very quickly plug potential gaps.
In doing so, we’re able to fucus on business impact from the start by creating a strategy and roadmap that’s focused on actions and outputs from day one.
Datore become an invaluable extension of your business, helping you to move quickly and seamlessly from data, to insights and from insights to actions – completing the loop on the journey from data to impact.
