The pros and cons of dark data analytics
In the world of big data analytics, there is a growing trend toward using what is known as dark data. But what exactly is dark data, and how can businesses use it?
If your company makes the best use of big data, then it’s important to understand the pros and cons of dark data analytics. In this article, we will break down some of the top considerations for businesses thinking about using this type of data.
What is dark data—and why should my company care?
Big data has been a buzzword in the business world for some time now, and it’s no wonder why. Companies have harnessed huge amounts of information and use it to make better decisions, improve operations, and drive growth.
Data has almost become the new currency of the business world. And like any currency, there are different types of data—some more valuable than others.
One type of data that is becoming increasingly popular is dark data. Companies can analyze dark data to get insights that were previously unavailable.
But what exactly is dark data? Dark data is data that is collected and stored by an organization but not analyzed or used to improve business processes.
Dark data can be extremely valuable to businesses. After all, it contains information that could be used to improve operations, make better decisions, and drive growth.
The pros and cons of using dark data analytics
There are both pros and cons to using dark data analytics. Let’s take a look at some of the top considerations for businesses:
Pros:
1. Can provide valuable insights
One of the top advantages of dark data analytics is that it can provide valuable insights into areas that were previously obscure. This is because dark data contains a wealth of information that has never been analyzed before.
Consider this: if you’re only looking at the surface of a problem, you’re likely to miss something important. But if you dig deeper and analyze all the data, you’re much more likely to find a solution.
For example, dark data analytics can be used to uncover hidden patterns and trends. This information can then be used to make better decisions, improve operations, and drive growth.
2. Can help you save time and money
Did you think of data as a cost incurred or as an investment?
Data has always been seen as a cost incurred by businesses. But with dark data analytics, businesses can actually save time and money.
This is because dark data analytics can help businesses automate tasks that would otherwise be done manually. Businesses can use dark data analytics to automate tedious and time-consuming tasks. This frees up employees to work on more important tasks and helps businesses save money in the long run.
3. Can help you make better decisions
One of the most important advantages of dark data analytics is that it can help businesses make better decisions. This is because dark data contains a wealth of information that can be used to inform decision-making.
For example, let’s say you’re considering launching a new product. If you only look at your sales data, you might not have enough information to make a decision. But if you also look at dark data, you might find that there’s a demand for the product.
This is just one example of how dark data analytics can be used to make better decisions. By analyzing all the data, businesses can make informed decisions that improve operations and drive growth.
Cons:
1. Can be time-consuming and expensive
One of the main disadvantages of dark data analytics is that it can be time-consuming and expensive. This is because collecting and analyzing dark data requires an investment in the resources and technology to actually do it.
For example, businesses need to invest in data warehouses and data management platforms. They also need to hire employees with the necessary skills to actually analyze the data. Without these investments, businesses will struggle to get started with dark data analytics.
2. Requires a lot of storage
Another disadvantage of dark data analytics is that it requires a lot of storage. This is because dark data can be extremely large and unstructured. As a result, businesses need to have enough storage to actually keep all the data.
This can be a challenge for businesses, especially if they don’t have the necessary resources and infrastructure. Without the right storage, businesses will struggle to keep all the data, which can limit the usefulness of dark data analytics.
3. Can be difficult to interpret
Another disadvantage of dark data analytics is that it can be difficult to interpret. This is because dark data can be unstructured and complex. As a result, businesses need employees with the necessary skills to analyze and interpret the data.
Without the right skills, businesses will struggle to make sense of all the data. This can limit the usefulness of dark data analytics and prevent businesses from getting the most out of it.
Is dark data analytics right for your business?
The pros and cons of dark data analytics show that there are both advantages and disadvantages to using it. However, the pros outweigh the cons, making dark data analytics a good option for businesses.
One of the primary threats from dark data is that it can be time-consuming and expensive to actually collect and analyze. However, this investment can be worth it for businesses because dark data analytics can help them make better decisions, automate tedious tasks, and save money in the long run.
If you’re considering using dark data analytics for your business, make sure you use a business intelligence (BI) tool that allows you to collect and analyze dark data. This will help you get the most out of dark data analytics and improve your decision-making process.
How to get started harnessing the power of dark data
Now that we’ve gone over the pros and cons of dark data analytics, it’s time to get started harnessing its power. Here are four tips to help you get started:
1. Collect all your data in one place
One of the first steps you need to take is to collect all your data in one place. This will make it easier for you to manage and analyze your data.
There are a few different ways you can collect your data. One option is to use a BI tool that allows you to quickly collect, organize, and analyze your data.
Another option is to use a data warehouse. A data warehouse will help you store and manage your data. You can then use a BI tool to connect to your data warehouse and analyze your data.
2. Set governance policies
Once you have all your data in one place, you need to set governance policies. Governance policies will help you control who can access your data and what they can do with it.
This is important because you don’t want just anyone to be able to access and use your data. You need to make sure only authorized personnel can access and use your data.
3. Train your teams
An essential part of governance is training your teams. You need to make sure your teams are properly trained on how to use and interpret your data.
This is important because you don’t want your teams to make mistakes when using or interpreting your data. You need to make sure they understand what the data means.
4. Implement a process to use your data
Once you have all your data in one place and your teams are properly trained, you need to implement a process to use your data. This process should be designed to help you make better decisions.
One way to do this is to use a BI tool to create dashboards. Dashboards will help you visualize your data and make better decisions.
The bottom line
Dark data analytics can be an excellent asset for businesses. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether or not to use it. Overall, the pros outweigh the cons, making dark data analytics a good option for businesses.