6 Data analytics myths that will make your business obsolete

In the rapidly evolving world of business, data analytics has emerged as a critical tool for making informed, strategic decisions. While many organizations recognize its importance, there remains a multitude of misconceptions around this topic that can lead to erroneous decision-making and stagnation. In this article we debunk 6 common myths surrounding data analytics that, if left unchecked, could render your business obsolete, putting you at a serious competitive disadvantage.

Myth 1: Data Analytics is a Luxury, Not a Necessity

The first myth is a dangerous one. It suggests that data analytics is a 'nice-to-have' rather than an essential business tool. In reality, data analytics is increasingly becoming a necessity. The modern business environment is characterized by volatility, uncertainty, and rapid change. Data analytics can provide the insights needed to navigate these challenges successfully. Are there profitable businesses that don't implement data analytics? Yes. But this does not prove that it is not a necessity. With the same logic someone can claim that since there are healthy smokers, cigarettes are not harmful. All business decisions involve costs and benefits, and this is exactly where the necessity lies.

Myth 2: Small Businesses Don't Need Data Analytics

One of the most common misconceptions is that only large companies can benefit from data analytics. This couldn't be further from the truth, as SMEs are often the ones who gain the most from this process. They are the ones with the most limited resources, operating in a competitive environment that does not forgive mistakes. Data analysis helps save resources by freeing people from time-consuming bureaucratic manual analysis processes, but also reduces errors and highlights opportunities, as they are detected much earlier.

Myth 3: Data Analytics are Complex to Implement

There's some truth to this myth—data analytics can be complex, but that's where the expertise of a specialized external partner becomes invaluable. Though there are numerous analytics tools available on the market, correctly implementing them and interpreting the results requires a deep understanding of data science and your specific industry. An experienced external partner can identify the best solution for your company and implement it, freeing you to focus on your core business functions.

Myth 4: Data Analytics Is a One-Time Thing

Data analytics is not a one-off project but an ongoing process. Markets, customer behaviors, and business environments are continuously evolving. A one-time data analysis may offer valuable insights, but it's the continuous monitoring and analysis that allows businesses to adapt and evolve. Think of data analytics as a compass, continually pointing your business in the right direction.

Myth 5: Data Analytics Is Too Expensive

While implementing a data analytics system involves some cost, the return on investment is worth considering it.

What would your business pay for a new (and most of the times automated) process that identifies inefficiencies, reduces costs, helps increase profitability, saves time for the entire team, and provides real-time information in many other areas that you had no information at all? The long-term financial benefits of a data analytics system should outweigh its costs, making it a smart investment rather than a burdensome expense. In any other case the system needs to be redesigned.

Myth 6: More Data Always Leads to Better Decisions

This myth is one of the reasons many SMEs don't even attempt data analytics. In other words, there is a mistaken belief that the volume of data available to large companies is also suitable for this process, while an SME has little data to analyze.

Consider the following example: An SME wants to know the market share for each of its products, in each region in which it operates. The data needed to derive this information are product sales by location, as well as targeted consumption data and demographics for the specific regions. A data analytics system could undertake to collect this internal sales information, along with the necessary external data, and extract that information automatically, without human intervention. Which SME does not have sales data? Therefore, what makes SMEs reluctant to harness the power of their data is not the absence of sufficient data, but rather their culture.

In conclusion, embracing data analytics is not about buying into hype; it's about recognizing the potential of this powerful tool. By debunking these myths, we hope to encourage more businesses to explore the benefits of data analytics and use it to its full potential. Remember, ignoring data analytics based on these misconceptions could make your business obsolete in this data-driven age. The key is to start small, focus on relevant data, and continuously adapt your strategies based on the insights gained.

As consultants we know that small and medium enterprises face challenges when it comes to reporting due to shortages such as specialized personnel, time, funds or even the data itself.

For that reason, we created a Business Intelligence as a Service solution, which eliminates all these obstacles. We undertake the entire reporting process of your business, from data management to the creation of personalized management reports accompanied with reporting consulting on your specific industry. We provide a dedicated team of experts to handle all technical aspects so you can focus on using new knowledge to benefit your business.

This article intends to inform the reader and in no way substitutes the specialized consulting services. For more information, please contact MDC Stiakakis SA (Monis Kardiotisis 49, Heraklion | +30 2810 280985)