{"id":9782,"date":"2025-10-30T08:31:19","date_gmt":"2025-10-30T08:31:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/?p=9782"},"modified":"2025-12-16T09:56:54","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T09:56:54","slug":"common-data-pitfalls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/blog\/common-data-pitfalls\/","title":{"rendered":"Common Data Challenges &amp; How to Avoid Them"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/datadecoded.com\/\"><span>Data Decoded<\/span><\/a>: Calling out some of the traps we see in data programmes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The last blog in my \u2018data decoded\u2019 series looks at the common issues we see when <a href=\"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/services\/data-platform\/\"><span>data platforms<\/span><\/a> are built and automatic ROI is expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-familiar-data-platform-challenges-amp-downfalls\">Familiar Data Platform Challenges &amp; Downfalls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Data Silos<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Department A builds a platform, Department B builds their own. Two platforms that don\u2019t talk = fragmented view, no enterprise coherence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Explore this further in: <a href=\"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/blog\/should-you-build-or-buy-your-data-platform\/\"><span>Should You Build or Buy Your Data Platform?<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Technology First Mindset<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cLet\u2019s build a lakehouse then figure out what we\u2019ll do with it.\u201d Wrong order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Lack of Business Alignment<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If business users aren\u2019t engaged, platforms sit idle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ignoring Usage \/ Adoption<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You may have dashboards, but no one uses them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>No Clear ROI Tracking<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you cannot measure value, you cannot grow investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Over-Engineering Early<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Streaming, ML, fancy stuff before you\u2019ve nailed decision-making and adoption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoid these data challenges by starting small, focusing on decision-making, involving business users, measuring value, and building iteratively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-the-role-of-the-data-platform-consultant\">The Role of the Data Platform Consultant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As a data platform consultant, you\u2019re not just building technology &#8211; you\u2019re helping your client (or your business) become decision-driven. Your role is to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ask \u2018<strong>why?\u2019 <\/strong>early and often: <em>Why <\/em>are we building this? <em>What <\/em>decision will it support?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Translate business outcomes into data product features: <em>What <\/em>dataset, <em>what <\/em>transform, <em>what<\/em> serve layer?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Build lean-first: Minimum viable platform that supports decisions, then scale.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Embed metrics &amp; <a href=\"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/services\/data-governance\/\"><span>governance<\/span><\/a>: Usage <a href=\"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/services\/data-analytics-and-insights\/\"><span>analytics<\/span><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/blog\/improve-data-quality-without-new-tools\/\"><span>data quality<\/span><\/a>, cost control.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Communicate value: Demonstrate ROI, show wins, secure funding for next phases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In short, you\u2019re a bridge between the business (who must decide) and the engineers (who build) &#8211; the ultimate solver of data challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/guides\/the-ultimate-guide-to-building-a-data-platform\/\"><span>The Ultimate Guide to Building a Data Platform<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-a-realistic-journey\">A Realistic Journey<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Reporting \u2192 Streaming \u2192 ML<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let me walk you through a journey:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-phase-1-reporting-store\"><strong>Phase 1: Reporting Store<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Build a data warehouse or lakehouse. Ingest key business systems (CRM, ERP, contact centre data). Transform and serve basic dashboards (how many products, how much spend, where are we today).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Value:<\/strong> decision boundary-based actions; time saved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-phase-2-domain-expansion-amp-streaming\"><strong>Phase 2: Domain Expansion &amp; Streaming<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Add live data (fleet sensors, IoT, user-behaviour logs). Introduce real-time alerts. Business can act quicker (if latency &gt; threshold, then reroute).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Value:<\/strong> faster reaction time, cost avoided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-phase-3-machine-learning-advanced-analytics\"><strong>Phase 3: Machine Learning \/ Advanced Analytics<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Build <a href=\"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/videos\/data-modelling\/\"><span>models<\/span><\/a>: churn prediction, pricing optimisation, recommendation engines. Embed decision-making logic into the platform (if predicted churn &gt; X, trigger incentive).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Value: <\/strong>new opportunity, revenue gained, risk reduced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Few companies make it to the full \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/blog\/what-does-enterprise-architecture-do\/\"><span>data enterprise platform<\/span><\/a>\u201d stage. If you think you have, ask yourself: Are we still measuring decision outcomes? Are people using it daily? Are we still leaning on dashboards or spreadsheets?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-how-to-talk-about-data-nbsp-engineering-roi-and-value-to-executives\">How to Talk About Data&nbsp;Engineering ROI and Value to Executives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you\u2019re presenting to the board or senior leadership about the data programme, use their language: time, money, opportunity. Avoid tech-speak. Frame it in business outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example one: <\/strong>\u201cBy centralising data into a single platform, we\u2019re reducing reporting cycle time by 3 days, which frees 120 person-hours per quarter, equivalent to \u00a3X in cost savings.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example two: <\/strong>\u201cBy implementing real-time pricing analytics, we expect an uplift of Y% on margin, which translates to \u00a3Z additional annual revenue.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use frameworks like the ones from industry (ROI framework, ROI pyramid) to back-up your case. Learn more by reading: <a href=\"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/blog\/how-to-deliver-a-successful-data-strategy-presentation-to-the-board\/\"><span>How to Deliver a Successful Data Strategy Presentation to the Board<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-three-big-takeaways-from-data-decoded\">Three Big Takeaways from Data Decoded<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>So, wrapping up the hattrick of my data decoded articles and you should now understand that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Decisions are everything. <\/strong>The only reason you need data is to make better decisions. Without decision-boundaries, you cannot declare you are data-driven.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Platform isn\u2019t value. <\/strong>Building data infrastructure is necessary, but on its own it doesn\u2019t yield ROI. You need business usage, adoption, measurable impact.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Value needs tracking relentlessly. <\/strong>Always link your data work to time saved, money made, or opportunity unlocked. Use simple frameworks, speak the business language, and secure buy-in.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Watch me talk about how to determine the value in a data platform here: <a href=\"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/videos\/data-platform-value\/\"><span>Value of Data Platforms<\/span><\/a>. And if you missed the first two articles in this Data Decoded series, catch up below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/blog\/get-the-most-from-data-consulting\"><span>Part 1: Get the Most from Data Consulting<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/blog\/four-pillars-of-a-data-platform\"><span>Part 2: Four Pillars of a Data Platform<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-oakland-s-advice-for-starting-a-new-data-programme\">Oakland\u2019s Advice for Starting A New Data Programme<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hold a workshop to list key decisions your organisation makes every day. For each decision, ask: what data, what threshold, what action?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Build your platform in phases: ruling out the \u201cacquire everything\u201d approach.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Engage business users early. Set metrics for adoption, usage, decision-impact.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Celebrate wins, and communicate them. E.g. dashboards that work, models that deliver, cost savings, revenue gains.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And if you\u2019re consulting or leading this work:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ensure every build has a why.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be the voice of value, not just tech.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t fall into the trap of \u201cwe built it, they\u2019ll come\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Measure, iterate, expand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-the-final-word\">The Final Word<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the world of data, everyone wants to talk about \u201cbig data platforms\u201d, \u201cmachine learning\u201d, \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/services\/artificial-intelligence\/\"><span>AI<\/span><\/a>\u201d, \u201cdata lakes\u201d, \u201clakehouses\u201d, \u201creal-time streaming\u201d. But none of that matters if what you build doesn\u2019t change decisions or help you overcome data challenges. Because at the end of the day, <strong>you <\/strong>make decisions. Your organisation makes decisions. Your business lives or dies by them. Being data-driven means replacing guesswork with evidence, replacing intuition with insight and decision boundaries, and doing so consistently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So when you hear the phrase \u201cData Decoded\u201d, think less about the dazzling technology and more about the decoded decision. Think: what decision are you enabling today, with the data platform you have or will build? How will you know you\u2019ve improved that decision? What value will result &#8211; in time saved, money made or opportunities unlocked? And when you bring in consultants or build your data team, make sure they understand: the platform is the enabler, the business decision is the destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s how you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Turn \u201cwe have a data platform\u201d into \u201cwe are a data-driven business\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>See ROI in data programmes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Get value from a data platform<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>And that\u2019s how data consulting really pays off.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To speak to me further about any of the challenges we\u2019ve touched on here &#8211; or for anything else to do with data platforms &#8211; please <a href=\"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/contact-us\/\"><span>get in touch<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Data Decoded: Calling out some of the traps we see in data programmes. The last blog in my \u2018data decoded\u2019 series looks at the common issues we see when data platforms are built and automatic ROI is expected. Familiar Data Platform Challenges &amp; Downfalls Department A builds a platform, Department B builds their own. Two&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":9787,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[406],"tags":[174,453,365,30],"class_list":["post-9782","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-platform-data-engineering","tag-data-consultancy","tag-data-decoded","tag-data-platform","tag-data-strategy"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Common Data Challenges &amp; How to Avoid Them | Oakland<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"In his last \u2018Data Decoded\u2019 round-up, MLG looks at the common data challenges we see when platforms are built and automatic ROI is expected.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/blog\/common-data-pitfalls\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Common Data Challenges &amp; 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