2017 Top 5 Data and Analytics Predictions

unnamed

Here are my Top 5 predictions for the new year.

Prediction #1: Strategy Rules
Companies continue to refine and operationalize their digital strategy in support of the overall business strategy. They continue to refine their analytics and data strategies to reflect their digital strategy evolution and move beyond digital pilots to truly digital business models.

Prediction #2: Customer Engagement Trumps Customer Experience
Organizations continue to leverage mobile, digital, and real-time data to truly engage customers and business partners. They use gamification and other technologies for true engagement. They partner with digital upstarts and create or extend innovation labs for ideation.

Prediction #3: Data Governance Gets Its Due
Data governance finally gets center stage as companies recognize the true value of data quality and understandability for self-service and in increasing customer and partner extended self-service. More complete end-to-end Data Governance programs are put in place; however, companies right-size governance to focus on priority areas and avoid governance bloat.

Prediction #4: Agility Is King, Long Live the Cloud
Companies begin to seriously embrace the Cloud for agility for new applications and to extend access to customers and partners. They develop hybrid architectures and find ways to make data accessible both in on-premises and Cloud environments.

Prediction #5: AI/Machine Learning Takes Hold
Companies move to leverage more automated decisioning and assisted decisioning using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. They develop professional development and incentives to address anticipated cultural resistance to AI. They increase use of business systems analysts to develop business rules to make AI and machine learning a reality.