A wide array of businesses, at present, is opting for data analytics for enhancing the bottom line of their business. However, data analytics is a complicated process and you need to take care of certain things for smooth completion of the project. Here are few do’s and dont’s, you need to take care for completing your project successfully:
Do’: Determining the data strategy
Before starting the data analysis, you need to find the right application or solution, you are going to build. You also need to figure out who is going to use this collected data and what are the steps, you need to follow for getting the required data. As you find answers to these questions, you will be able to procure an adaptable approach as well as a better dataset. In the due course of time, the scope is going to change and you need to collect new data for other projects.
Don’t: Do not go for big data till you are ready
Big data has a wide array of benefits and a bunch of businesses look forward to approaching data analytics for enhancing the return on investment of the business. However, according to researches, functional data operate in a better way. You need to start small and following this, you will be able to build the process and identifying your exact requirements. As you have figured out different aspects of the concept, you will be able to scale easily.
Do: Developing collaborative capabilities
Majority of the complex analytical projects need approval and input from several cross-functional stakeholders and multiple groups. Hence, it is a great option to develop data practices across a similar organization. There are chances that specific data elements cannot be availed in the central system. In addition to this, you may fail to determine their location. You can opt for a collaborative capability approach for bringing an improvement in the data practices of the organization and it is going to be of great value for the smooth and successful operation of the business. You need to find partners and forums which will help tackle the challenges. This will help your organization in staying ahead in the market.
Don’t: Do not be set your limits with a specific tool or software
You need to keep in mind that such software tools are useful in making your data analytics project easier. Do not make them a constraint throughout the process. In case you run into specific issues, there are chances that you have not found the right tool or software yet. You may find a tool or software which does your job perfectly. However, it is a prerequisite to find one that offers the best performance. There are a plethora of tools with higher capabilities which can be used easily. It is a prerequisite that the software solution or the tools, you have found out should help you in break the barriers down in place of building them.
Do: Go for automation
There are wide arrays of data analysts who have the habit of pulling the data on hourly, daily, weekly or monthly reports. For the smooth running of your data analytics project, you should develop a report from where you can get the updates. The ultimate goal is make as automation. Automation of the data practices can be of real value as it plays a vital role in freeing your time. In addition to this, it also offers a more real-time and dynamic approach. You can go to developing a week designing process which can automate. It will take the time duration of two to three days for building it each month. Furthermore, it will help in creating a weekly, monthly, daily, hourly report. This will have a great effect on your business as you will be able to view specific problems in the operation.
Don’t: Never try to do one thing in a single step
If you are planning to opt for data analytics approach, doing everything in a single step is never a good idea as it is going to leave you frustrated. You need to keep in mind that you are going to develop a procedure; you are willing to repeat, modify and even teach to others possibly. As you try designing the procedure, the troubleshooting is going to be easy. As you opt for a wide array of steps, you need to ensure that it will help you with the documentation process significantly. Though you might think that it is not going to be of any help currently, it is sure to be of great use in the long run.
Do: Set specific strategies for sharing the data
The data are considered to be powerful only as the insights, and they help identify and communicate successfully. There are high chances that your potential customers will understand the insights as you offer a tangible medium such as metrics and visualization. Data visualization software plays a vital role in communicating ideas effectively. It is also useful in the pursuit of automation.
If you are planning to go for data analytics, it is a prerequisite to validate. It is one of the best options to ensure that the data you have collected is correct. If you conduct invalid data analysis, you will lose the confidence and credibility of the managers of the organization, faster than ever. While performing data analytics, you need to ensure that bad data or bad records are unresolved. Thus, it is a prerequisite to removing the duplicates. You will be able to figure out why you need the nulls, maintain the key fields, and standardize the data formats. Pruning the data consistently will ensure accuracy and effectiveness. This is also helpful in keeping the data up to date.
Bottom Line
When it comes to data analytics, it is recommended to learn new things. Data handling, data blending, data munging is growing and evolving constantly. Whereas it is exciting, it can be scary. Hence, it is a prerequisite to learn new things.