Dattel CEO, Ashran Dato’ Ghazi, Shares Why Being Data Aware is Critical for Businesses’ Digital Transformation

By being data aware, decision makers will not be overwhelmed by the prospects of digital transformation

23 July 2019, Petaling Jaya: While multiple narratives are currently driving digital transformation – a large percentage being on Industrial Revolution 4.0, these narratives typically highlight data analytics as being a critical enabler. However, many businesses still do not understand how collecting, managing, and analysing data can help them take that digital leap. For Dattel, a Consumer Intelligence company, it all boils down to making these organisations more ‘data aware’.

Being data aware is a state where business entities understand how data is prevalent in everything. Knowing this is the first step to embracing the digital era. “What we do for the day, why we do it, and how we consider something decisive – all of them have always been data-driven. These steps and so much more will nurture a broader worldview for all. However, this can also be overwhelming for some,” said Dattel CEO Ashran Dato’ Ghazi.

He shared this and other insights about the data economy during the first discussion panel at the recent SSM National Conference 2019. In a panel session titled “Future-Proofing Business in the Digital Age”, both Ashran and his fellow panellist Ng Yau Chuan, Industry Manager for Google Malaysia, were quick to agree on why data awareness is necessary for businesses that wanted to go digital.

Businesses that understand the value of data will have the first-mover advantage when they join the digital bandwagon. By being data aware, Ashran believes these companies will know what to expect as and when they start innovating their operations. This will also help decision makers feel less overwhelmed when they push their business through the transition.

“This is how business owners can quickly get on board with digital transformation. By being data aware, they will come to realise it goes beyond collecting and managing data – it’s also about refining and making sense of it all. In doing so, they will be more willing to take that leap of faith. Bonus: decision makers will also be better equipped when making critical choices,” Ashran shared.

Being more data aware and knowing what to expect when it comes to digitisation will give business owners a higher level of confidence. For Ashran, it’s all about having “the clarity of intent and knowing what the end results are before going after that goal!” With these newfound data-driven insights, taking the digital leap will not feel like an overwhelmingly impossible task.