Andrew Abraham, Global Managing Director, Data Quality, Experian
Data is the backbone of modern business success. By leveraging data and analysing it, leaders can uncover insights to understand market trends, predict customer needs, and drive operational efficiency. This in turn allows them to stay agile, respond to changes swiftly, and maintain a strategic edge in the marketplace. For this to happen, however, the data being utilised needs to be accurate, timely, complete, secure, accessible, and well-governed to ensure its reliability and value.
With that in mind, as we head into 2025, there are several trends that will help shape the future of data management:
- Continued rise of the CDO: In 2025, Chief Data Officers (CDO’s) will continue to gain influence, helping shape future strategies as data becomes more integrated across the organisation. CDOs will help shape and implement data-driven initiatives, at times rivalling the CIO in terms of technology spend. Their role will be pivotal in ensuring that data governance and data quality are maintained at the highest standards. In addition, they will be key in fostering a culture where data is seen as a strategic asset, ensuring all levels within the organisations understand the value of data and are equipped to use it effectively. This will then also drive innovation across all business units to achieve greater efficiency and competitive advantage.
- Skills gap and data maturity: Businesses that combine driving a data-driven culture with the ability of teams to work efficiently in a data-centric environment will become a major competitive differentiator. Companies that invest in upskilling their workforce to handle data effectively will stand out. This focus on bridging the skills gap will be essential for achieving higher levels of data maturity and operational excellence. Training programmes and certifications in data management and analytics will become more prevalent, ensuring that employees are equipped with the necessary skills to leverage data effectively and drive innovation within their respective roles and departments.
- Real-time data processing (Fast Data): The demand for real-time data processing, quality control, and validation will surge. Businesses will increasingly rely on fast data to make quicker, more informed decisions, enhancing real-time customer interactions and decision-making processes with greater confidence. This shift will enable businesses to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. The ability to process and analyse data in real-time will also open up new opportunities for innovation, allowing businesses to develop more responsive and personalised products and services that meet customer expectations more effectively and efficiently.
- Federated Data Management: With automation across data management and more business-friendly tools, data management will increasingly become federated. Business units and departments will take greater ownership under a guided framework as they work more with data directly. This approach will require much more collaboration across the organisation, dictating new data policies, approaches, and practices. What businesses will see is that this federated model will enhance the overall efficiency and reliability of data if done correctly. It will also empower business units to act more independently, fostering a culture of innovation and agility.
- GenAI augmented data preparation: Many data practitioners spend a large amount of time preparing data for modelling and AI work. However, with Generative AI, data preparation can be automated to revolutionise the way data pipelines are created and validated. By simplifying these processes and ensuring data adheres to business rules, GenAI will streamline data preparation for final use. The integration of GenAI in data preparation will also reduce the time and resources required for data projects, allowing teams to focus on more strategic tasks. This innovation will start to make its way into the market, offering businesses a more efficient and accurate approach to preparing data.
The ability to harness the power of data effectively will be a key determinant of success in the coming years, and businesses that invest in their data capabilities as well as data management will gain a significant competitive advantage. Part of that investment should be focused on the integration of advanced technologies and the cultivation of a data-centric culture. However, ultimately, these five predictions highlight the key priorities within the evolving role of data management that businesses should prioritise in 2025. Those organisations that continue to adapt and embrace these trends will be well-positioned to thrive in the data-driven future of 2025.