Definition of data platform development

A data platform is a service that includes data collection, storage and analysis. Developing a data platform creates a central service that encompasses a data warehouse, business intelligence tools, and a suite of data science and analytical environments.

Executive view

Developing a data platform can transform your organisation’s approach to storage and analysis of data by creating a central hub that is secure, efficient and flexible enough to suit your organisation’s growing and changing needs.

Data platform development helps businesses:

• streamline processes by making actionable insights available to people at all levels of the organisation.

• build an environment in which more can be done with data to meet business goals and to define a strategy for growth.

Business function leader view

Data platform development helps teams break away from data silos and create a central, accessible repository from which data can be accessed, analysed and used to meet your business goals. A data platform encompasses both secure data storage and a suite of business intelligence and analysis tools that allow teams to gain valuable, actionable insights from data and improve performance in all areas.

You may need this service if:

• data comes from disparate sources so that gaining insight is time-consuming.

• you want to build AI features into your products.

• your business suffers from data silos due to friction between departments or technological factors, which prevents teams from seeing the bigger picture.

• you lack a central, secure repository for your business data.

KPIs you should consider measuring for this are:

• Reduced time spent analysing data from disparate sources.

• Improved conversion rates and reduced overspend from acting on data insights.

Technical view

Developing a data platform provides access to a central service in which data can be securely stored and analysed. The data platform encompasses a data warehouse, data analysis platforms and business intelligence tools that make actionable data insights available to all relevant teams in your organisation.

Data platform development helps deliver:

• a single repository of integrated data from one or more sources.

• a single source of current and historical data.

• storage of the data for reports/analytics.

• actionable insights and feedback.

• tiered availability of data and results of analyses to different stakeholders.

• insights that are tailored to the user.

Get this service if you encounter:

• difficulties aggregating data across your organisation.

• high demand from different departments to understand the data your company holds.

• lack of understanding of data analysis throughout your organisation.

• difficulties aggregating data from disparate sources.

• a need to offer tiered security access to data and insights.

Key criteria to consider are:

• What are the cost implications of migrating to a data platform?

• What are the potential savings after migrating to a data platform?

• How will you ensure that data is accurate?

• How will you ensure that data is stored securely?