Breaking down data silos is vital to keeping your company functioning optimally. Data silos occur when data is collected and stored in a single area of your system. As businesses grow and collect more data, more silos are created, making it difficult for everyone in your organization to access the data they need to do their jobs effectively.
As each department collects its own data, it may also adapt department-specific solutions for managing that data, making it more isolated and inaccessible for other departments. It may not occur to anyone that another area of the company might need this information too.
How Data Silos Hurt Your Business
Data silos make collaboration difficult because no one has the same information. Employees can share information, but it may not always be clear which information is needed by whom. There is also the problem of ensuring the shared information is current and accurate, which can be challenging when data is passed back and forth between departments.
Then there’s the issue of departments using different systems to manage their data. Instead of focusing on the shared information that enables collaboration, your employees are worried about making that data work within their specific data management system. The results are often duplicate entries and outdated information.
All this leads to wasted time and frustration, and it also makes it difficult for management to see the full picture of each project because nothing is unified.
How Customer Service Is Affected
Breaking down data silos is vital for the best customer experience because customers interact with your business in various ways. They may engage with many departments, from sales and billing to support.
If these departments don’t have the same information on each customer, the customer suffers the consequences because they won’t receive the best possible service experience. A lack of collaboration could mean slow service, but it could also mean their personal data isn’t as secure as it should be. Eventually, they will move on to a competitor who can better meet their needs.
Break Down Data Silos for Good
It should be clear by now that breaking down data silos is vital for your company to function optimally. This may seem challenging, but it can be made easier with M-Files. M-Files offers an all-in-one intelligent data management solution that unifies your data, making it available to everyone who needs it.
You can evaluate company processes and workflows with a customized approach to improve efficiency and eliminate human error. All data is safe and secure. Collaboration becomes simple because everyone is using the same system to manage data. Each department has access to up-to-date information so they can provide the best possible customer service.
Happy customers only improve your bottom line, so the system practically pays for itself. What have you got to lose? Contact our experts today to schedule your demo, and you’ll see how M-Files will improve your business.
