A major Bitkom study on the topic BIG DATA from the middle of the year delivered exciting results. Six months later, we are analysing the results and asking questions. Versino Projects Managing Director Christof Biermann gives his current assessment of the results and the topic of BIG DATA.
Versino blog: A Bitkom study conducted on behalf of the auditing and consulting firm KPMG has revealed that BIG DATA is also becoming increasingly exciting for SMEs. A full 62 per cent of the companies surveyed with 500 to 1,999 employees are already using BIG DATA solutions. A year ago, the figure was only 44 per cent. Is this development in line with your impressions?
Christopher Biermann: Well, if that applies to SMEs with over 500 employees, that may be true. However, I can't confirm this for all medium-sized companies below this level. There are still a surprising number of companies in the smaller middle class, the do not even have the basic requirements for BIG DATA scenarios. And these are integrated systems that are suitable for the controlled collection and management of data. On the other hand, when talking about BIG DATA in the SME sector, it is often argued that companies should utilise their own "data treasures" (if available). In my opinion, it is much more realistic to utilise external data sources. However, this turns BIG DATA into an integration and interfaces Theme.
18 per cent of companies do not see BIG DATA as relevant for their company. In your opinion, for which companies does BIG DATA software not yet play a role and could it stay that way?
Every private individual already encounters the topic of BIG DATA. With a Facebook account, you are already a player in the BIG DATA game. This also applies to every company. Every company can decide whether it wants to be a data supplier or a data consumer. So it's everyone's business.
A full 41 percent of companies state that they have minimised their risks thanks to BIG DATA and 27 percent have been able to increase their turnover as a result. Do you think this is a realistic hope for BIG DATA software users?
How many topics around the digital transformation BIG DATA is only relevant to sales if it can be used to support other or new business models. BIG DATA is not an end in itself, but can support new approaches to earning money. Provided you have entrepreneurial courage and imagination.
BIG DATA makes it possible to analyse large volumes of data with different sources and structures very quickly. This makes it possible to achieve better results more quickly, which in turn can be used as a basis for other decisions. Can this change business models in the long term and is there a good example of this?
As previously mentioned: BIG DATA can be a prerequisite for new business models. In fact, we need to look more closely at SMART DATA business models. Because the ability to analyse a lot of data quickly paves the way for medium-sized approaches. So it doesn't always have to be "lots" of data. One example was published by colleagues in connection with SAP Business One. Or rather, an idea in which the purchasing behaviour of customers in a shop was analysed in real time in order to place additional sales.
According to the survey, a full 77 per cent of the companies surveyed still use tools such as Excel or Access to analyse data? In your opinion, is this normal - and should something change?
Yes - Excel is still the tool used by SMEs. However, more and more are coming up against the limits of this approach earlier and earlier. Especially in the area of financial controlling and planning, more and more companies are turning to more professional tools such as LucaNet. However, this type of software relies less on BIG DATA approaches than on the special expertise it contains.
Almost three quarters of respondents are "fairly" or "very" satisfied with the results of their data analyses. However, only 12 per cent have a proper strategy for their analysis, while 59 per cent have at least a partial strategy. Is an analysis strategy necessary and if so, how can it be developed?
This is highly dependent on the sector being analysed. In general, it can be said that many companies have a strong need to have valid cash flow under control. And many company figures can play a role in this. In general, of course, it is also important for SMEs to first define their own KPIs.
Furthermore, the legal basis is a major problem for many of those surveyed. Where can you find sufficient information on this?
First and foremost, you should familiarise yourself with the new General Data Protection Regulation. As this is currently "the hot topic" in the digital village, there is a lot of information on the web, lectures, seminars, etc. about it.
Click here for the full BIG DATA study
Additional information on the study: The study surveyed 709 companies from all sectors with 100 employees or more. The interviews were conducted with managing directors or department heads from the areas of procurement, purchasing, logistics, production/project management, marketing/sales or finance/taxes/controlling.
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