Data democratization is when an organization makes data accessible to all employees and stakeholders and educates them on how to work with data, regardless of their technical background—several organizations state data democratization as a necessity. However, though there are merits to the process, it comes with certain limitations and concerns. Analyzing these challenges with INDIAai, is Libby Duane Adams, Co-founder of Alteryx. 

According to Libby, suitable investment in technology and the skilling of workers will aid companies in eradicating the technological divide. “What we have seen with our customers is an analytic transformation known as democratizing analytics”, said Libby in her conversation with INDIAai. 

A key step in an organization’s analytics journey is ensuring that they have strong data maturity, which means that data are the foundation for all analytics. The success of the proper implementation of data analytics will only be completed by ensuring data accessibility to all without ignoring the importance of data privacy and quality. 

Upskilling and reskilling 

AI is developing every day. However, due to the fast-paced development in the field, organizations need to upskill and reskill their employees to keep up with the speed of transformations. This is a challenge in a country like India, where varying levels of inequalities already persist. 

“The companies will have to invest in their employees”, said Libby speaking about overcoming the challenges in this field. “It does not matter where you are as a company. It is about getting on that journey”, she added. 

Employees skilled in data literacy and analytics are the most important asset to every business. They make strategic decisions with data. Businesses might need help to afford the conventional working model, which depends upon the gut feeling of the leaders. Therefore, for the growth of the companies, it is important to invest in the quality of data and the skilling and upskilling of the employees.  

Data as an asset 

“Any company thinking about data as a business asset is already in the game”, says Libby. Such companies work for the quality, storage, protection, privacy and access of data.  

Building analytics competencies into decision-making and bringing data into decision-making prophesies leads directly to greater profits. Companies make more lucrative decisions based on data. Data provide leaders with the current view, which can also point to elements of business that they may have yet to think about. 

Learning about data 

Data literacy is the foundation of every development of data. There are a number of online courses and distant learning programs for those interested to learn about data. In addition, enlightening employees about data should be a priority for organizations.  

Companies like Alteryx provides data training through their global analytics no-cost education program. “We provide free learning paths, free access to our software for anyone who is currently classified as a student or a learner”, says Libby. 

Women in data analytics 

Data analytics is a field growing every day. The role is not confined to analytics alone, but there are a number of other positions that depend on it. Women worldwide, finds it challenging to build a successful professional career in a male-dominated world. They are juggling between family obligations and professional life.  

Alteryx education program does not confine to students alone. Instead, it is intended to offer a helping hand to women who need it. “The most important first step is to state that they want to learn it”, says Libby.   

In Libby’s opinion, there is a shortage of talent in the workplace globally. Therefore, the time is perfect for those trying to build a career or return to work. 

Analytics for All 

Organizations should learn to move on the analytics continuum. Alteryx, through its Analytics for All program, wants to enable companies with the right technology and learning path to develop the analytics skills of their employees. 

Alteryx also intends to provide employees with the power and the resources to develop their skills in the field. “The employees can tackle the challenges in front of them if given the right resources”, she said.