Guide to Sourcing Data Management Consulting & Visualization Services

In this guide, we’ll explore what data management is, how to hire a data management consultant, and how to work with a consultant to visualize your data effectively.

Team Ablaze Collective

May 31, 2024 • 7 min read

Contents

  1. What is Data Management?

  2. What Data Management Consulting Looks Like

  3. The Role & Types of Data Management Service Providers

  4. What Does a Data Visualization Expert Do?

  5. Building a Future-Proof Data Architecture

  6. Hiring Data Management & Visualization Consultants

What is Data Management?

In today’s business world, data is essential for every company, big or small. From guiding decisions on buying and selling to regulatory compliance and reporting, managing data is crucial. Businesses record data for various reasons:

  • Analytics: Using data to make informed decisions, removing the guesswork from business operations.

  • Reporting: Tracking vital information like inventory levels, payments, and customer transactions.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Maintaining financial records to comply with tax and regulatory authorities.

While data management is essential, many businesses lack the internal capabilities to manage it effectively. Organizations can either build these capabilities in-house or outsource to specialized data management consultancies.

What Data Management Consulting Looks Like

A data management consultant is a Subject Matter Expert (SME) who offers best practices and solutions tailored to your industry. They assess your current data systems, recommend tools, and strategies, and help bridge communication gaps between business and IT teams.

Working with a consultant simplifies data-related decision-making and enables businesses to leverage data to its fullest potential.

The Role & Types of Data Management Service Providers

Data management service providers work similarly to in-house experts but function as external consultants with multiple clients. Here are some key roles they may serve:

  • Data Architecture: Designing the organization’s overall data ecosystem, establishing governance policies, and ensuring long-term scalability.

  • Data Engineering: Building the infrastructure that supports data pipelines and optimizing data processing for analysis.

  • Database Administration: Managing and securing databases while adhering to data governance policies.

  • Data Analytics: Using data to generate insights, build machine learning models, create reports, and develop dashboards.

The specific expertise of these consultants includes areas like data governance, machine learning, database performance, and business intelligence.

Formulating a comprehensive data strategy roadmap can be challenging, but working with a skilled data consultancy like Ablaze Collective can simplify the process.

What Does a Data Visualization Expert Do?

Data visualization experts transform raw data into interactive dashboards and visual reports, making it easy for decision-makers to understand trends and insights. These experts collaborate closely with data engineers to ensure that the data being visualized is accurate and relevant.

While internal teams may be capable of building dashboards, experienced consultants bring fresh perspectives and advanced skills, resulting in more engaging, effective visualizations. Third-party consultants often deliver these visualizations faster and more efficiently because they specialize in this area.

Embedded analytics has also become an essential part of modern data visualization. Embedded analytics refers to integrating dashboards into existing business systems like CRMs or BI tools, making insights easily accessible within day-to-day workflows.

For businesses seeking a robust solution, Ablaze BaaS (Back-End as a Service) provides tailored data portals that can quickly deliver insights to both internal and external stakeholders.

Building a Future-Proof Data Architecture

Effective data consulting involves creating a data architecture that not only meets current business needs but can also adapt as the business grows. While it’s impossible to predict all future data requirements, experienced consultants focus on building flexible systems that can evolve over time.

Today’s data tools are designed for seamless integration, making it easier for businesses to upgrade their systems as data needs change. This collaborative approach allows businesses to focus on data-driven decision-making.

Hiring Data Management & Visualization Consultants

Hiring the right consultant is crucial for building a long-term, scalable data strategy. At Ablaze Collective, our team of experts offers the tools and knowledge to help you create a data roadmap, develop data pipelines, and visualize insights through custom dashboards.

Ablaze Collective’s solutions are designed for long-term growth, ensuring that your data architecture adapts with your business. We provide unparalleled support and expertise, helping you maximize the value of your data.

The first step? Speak with one of Ablaze Collective’s data specialists to discuss your organization’s unique needs and explore the options available to enhance your data management and visualization capabilities.

We’re here to help! Reach out for a consultation to start your data journey with Ablaze Collective.

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