The cost of data silos can be the bane of any company that aims to do serious data analysis. When data is segmented into silos, it becomes difficult to access the data you need for your analysis jobs. We’ve broken down the following critical steps companies should take in order to eliminate these data silos.
1. Use a Search Tool
The first step in eradicating silos is to find them. You can’t fix a problem if you don’t know where it is and how bad it has gotten. A classic sign of a data silo is when you find multiple versions of the same file scattered across different departments or branches of your business. Where there should be one common file, there are many mutations.
There are free tools that help, however, many of them can be cumbersome and run on each machine. In this situation, comparing results can be tricky. It is important to evaluate these tools to fully understand what you are getting.
Intelligent automation from Aparavi simplifies the search process. It allows you to scan for files across your entire organization, and the uses intelligent processing to identify duplicates and outdated files. You’ll immediately know which files to throw away and which ones to keep. You can’t break down silos without first cleaning them out. Aparavi makes it easy.
2. Integrations
Using a variety of programs may not be ideal, but it’s often necessary. You can’t expect the creative team in the marketing department to use the same software as accounting. But at the very least what you can do is look for applications that have extensive integration with other software. Integration will make it easier for programs to share data and reduce the likelihood of silos popping up.
If an application doesn’t have the integrations you need, consider alternatives. If you have your own application that you developed for your business, look for programs that have an API. You can connect your apps to theirs via the API, although this does require some time to program that connection.
Aparavi lets you integrate your existing apps to the data management platform with its API, which means you can teach your programs to use Aparavi to organize the data, and provide seamless integration across your entire organization.
3. Standardize Processes
Running many separate programs is likely to lead to a data silo. One department uses a program to manage its data, while the other department has their own tool of choice. If you don’t analyze how your files are being managed, you’re only going to end up with new silos after you tear them down.
One useful tool for this is to install monitoring software on a select few PCs in your organization. Tell your employees about this ahead of time, and make sure it’s clear that this isn’t some sort of disciplinary measure. The goal is to see how the department is working and to identify ways to standardize work across departments.
With Aparavi you can standardize file management by creating rules for your files. You can require employees save all files on cloud storage, rather than on local machines. You can limit access to sensitive information simply by tagging a file and letting the system do the rest. When you have control over your files, your employees are more likely to fall in line.
4. Create a More Collaborative Culture
Silos are the symptom of a bigger issue: a lack of collaboration. If your employees are so distant from one another that working in silos is a viable option, then maybe it’s time to reconsider how your teams work together. Of course, you’ll need a starting point. There are several interesting tools that can help your company shift its culture in the right direction.
The Data Intelligence and Automation Platform by Aparavi was designed to break down silos and create a more favorable data environment for your company, to quickly get the insights you need without complexity. Aparavi is a robust tool that can bridge your data silos with enterprise search and integration, while helping you to standardize processes and create a more collaborative culture in your organization.
Eliminate data silos and hello to data heaven with Aparavi. If you’d like to see what Aparavi can do for your business, connect with us and Book a Data Audit today.