Syniti launches bold 'data first' strategy for true paradigm shift in digital transformations

The idea is to challenge the ‘status quo of digital transformation projects’ as Syniti establishes its new standard to help drive success for customers with data at the forefront.

Kevin Campbell, CEO, of Syniti, said: “I can promise you; we’ve never had a client tell us they started their data work too soon. Data requires deep, specialized technology and business expertise – technical-only or design-first approaches will not deliver the valuable outcomes organizations are looking to gain from these efforts.

“Our Data First strategy is a true paradigm shift in how digital transformations need to be structured to be successful, and further confirms the importance of relying on true data experts to help ensure on-time and high-quality delivery.” 

He says that companies continue to invest in digital transformation efforts, they need a new approach that not only meets the need for speed but also helps ensure more successful business outcomes.

Complex digital transformations

Syniti announced the strategy on Tuesday (October 24) and described it as a revolutionary new approach to drive faster time to value from complex digital transformations such as the move to SAPS/4HANA.

Gabriela Azzali, senior executive of technology & transformation, said: “Having served as the lead executive for many complex digital transformation projects including those at Orica and BHP, I’ve learned first-hand the importance of starting your data work first, with an emphasis on making sure that data is clean and accessible. 

“I’ve been fortunate to work alongside Syniti and I’m happy to see them publicly advocating the Data First approach that has led to the success of our joint projects.” 

Syniti believes many organizations treat data as an afterthought in their transformation projects – often to their peril. It says every digital transformation requires data transformation, and failing to address data early can lead to cost overruns, unreliable analytics, project delays, or even failures. A recent McKinsey report​ predicts that by 2024, companies will spend an estimated $100 billion on wasted data migrations on a global scale.

Syniti says a key component of its Data First strategy is to begin data work before or at the same time as the global design phase of a digital transformation project; currently, most transformation efforts will start with design and worry about data later. Syniti believes its customers have seen better results and can realize benefits faster by either starting the data workstream first or running the global design and data work in parallel.

Prioritizing business-ready data

Starting data work early and focusing on the importance of high-quality data will also be crucial to companies looking to drive value and innovate with generative AI, it says. Poor-quality data can lead to problems like inaccurate recommendations, result bias, and irrelevant guidance – all of which can negatively impact brand reputation.

Foundational to the Data First strategy Syniti says is its commitment to being a purpose-built, pure-play data company with a 100% dedicated team of functional and technically skilled data experts who bring together intelligent software and a comprehensive eight-step methodology that prioritizes business-ready data. As part of the initiative, the company will continue to invest in training and cultivating deep data talent, making Syniti the first place for data professionals to grow and challenge themselves, as well as refining its data-first methodology.

Additionally, the company is making strategic enhancements to its alliance's program to further emphasize the importance of creating a strong data foundation early in any transformation project. These changes include advanced training and product certifications, partners will be expected to complete enablement work and certification testing to help ensure proficiency in Syniti’s technology, including all modules of its data migration software, the Syniti Knowledge Platform (SKP).  

Syniti will build data competencies so practitioners will engage in its capability management process based on its comprehensive eight-step methodology. The program will promote the adoption of best practices beyond product certifications, including an apprentice model of skill building through experience and coaching, designed to help minimize risks and drive higher-value outcomes for project success.  

Finally, Syniti says it will offer premium engagement services which include Syniti’s highest level of consulting expertise, on-demand support, advisory recommendations, project, and data technology risk review and recommendations, as well as additional counsel to help maximize value from data in digital transformation projects.