Creating an Operating Model to Manage the Data Storm

To be an effective Chief Data Officer (CDO), you need a well-defined data strategy and an effective data operating model. By focusing on defining and developing an operating model that enables your data strategy, you will generate positive outcomes for your business. A well-defined operating model to support your organization’s data activities generates the following benefits:

• Improved speed of execution and elimination of redundancy by having a clear understanding of who does what and how things get done
• Optimized value from your data assets
• Increased collaboration and improved results
• Improved speed and quality of decision-making by clarifying who gets involved in decision-making and who has the ultimate authority
• Reduced complexity, costs, and execution time by removing organizational layers and increasing span of control
• Increased clarity around the results and performance metrics

Achieving these benefits and actualizing your data strategy begins by selecting an operating model framework that best aligns with your organization, defining the six elements of an operating model, and developing a transition plan to incrementally migrate to the target operating model. In an article for CDO Magazine, our Guidehouse experts Robert Audet and Carly Mitchell discuss how a well defined data operating model enables you to optimize your data, promote innovation, facilitate decision-making, and empower staff.