Building Your Modern Hybrid Data Platform Architecture Profitably
Data drives the growth of modern businesses. At least, if businesses have a modern platform architecture to properly manage and utilize the data available, to produce optimal outcomes. One of the main challenges of building and implementing a fit-for-purpose platform is that large enterprises rarely operate their system on a single platform or even with a single provider. Our clients usually have SAP as their core system alongside other systems. These non-SAP systems also generate data that needs to be integrated and processed. This is often done using non-SAP technologies such as Microsoft Azure or AWS.
Therefore, creating effective hybrid architectures must also include the design of roles and governance models. This is essential for profitable data management and the skills involved in this design process vary widely. Besides the technical discipline, there are other factors to take into account such as licensing, organizational needs, management bias, business requirements, future-proofing, and so on.
Some see using data fabric or a data mesh as an easy solution. However, full realization is difficult with a pre-defined architecture. That’s why we take a pragmatic approach to designing a data program that meets specific needs effectively. By doing so, we navigate and incorporate client challenges, producing the ideal outcomes in our strategy for the client’s hybrid data platform architecture.
The Obstacles of Valuable Hybrid Architecture
As already established, modern hybrid data platform architecture is an essential asset to innovative business. However, there are various obstacles that can be faced along the way when attempting to build and implement a new system profitably.
Slow time to value
The implementation process often takes longer than expected due to delays, such as difficulties in reaching an agreement and getting the solution signed off. Additionally, the project can be taken off-track if there is too much focus on abstract future-proofing, which cannot be currently leveraged anyway. It’s impossible to predict all future needs so the architecture could become overcomplicated without achieving a return on investment. The implementation project itself can be a distraction from managing the business’ day-to-day needs. As a result, the on-going business is compromised due to the people and resources being tied up in the setup of the platform architecture, further delaying and garnering the return on investment.
Minimal uptake
Another issue with fostering notable ROI is the failure of new systems to meet their intended outcome of making business processes more efficient for all users. This is particularly common when there has been an ongoing failure to invest in digital transformation as users will disengage from the company system. Another risk factor, affecting the capability to innovate, is a lack of budget for change management. When introducing a new system, users need support to be able to use it effectively and therefore generate the value intended from the change.
Ineffective security
When configuring a data platform, there is a need for a single source of truth. To achieve that, data silos need to be broken down for a non-disruptive data flow. However, data flow shouldn’t compromise security measures. Gatekeeping data internally and externally is an important factor in ensuring security and regulatory compliance.
That being said there is a solution that manages security and compliance as a standard, enables widespread uptake, and achieves a fast time to value.
An Expert Designed and Delivered Hybrid Architecture
To resolve these potential issues, large enterprises need a comprehensive strategy for the configuration and implementation of their modern hybrid data platform architecture. At NTT DATA, we are able to provide a service that enables the successful completion and use of such architecture.
We have the skills and expertise to design and implement modern hybrid data platforms based primarily on the advanced and popular SAP and Microsoft technologies. Often our clients don’t need a completely new architecture. It’s much more appropriate to deliver a part of the platform, and then advise on the roadmap to implementing the remaining components. Beyond the technological build and migration, we can support clients through change management, data literacy training, and other implementation elements that are essential to get right to garner value.
Whether receiving the support of a purely advisory service or end-to-end management, there are a number of benefits from implementing a central, well-managed, well-implemented data platform with the support of experts.
Maximized ROI
We take a highly collaborative approach, establishing the client’s requirements from the beginning and checking in with the client throughout development to ensure a sense of ownership and usability once the platform is implemented. With the client’s needs in mind, before launch, the workload of managing the strategizing, configuring, building, and implementing of the new system can lie with the NTT DATA team to preserve the enterprise’s resources for other business operations. On launch, the enterprises have a system expertly designed and implemented to immediately optimize operational effectiveness and efficiency for improved outcomes.
With a system expertly designed to meet their individual needs and future aims, clients can eliminate repetitive manual work from their data workload as key processes are accurately automated in real-time. With the minimal dependency on individuals performing manual work, there are less likely to be errors that could be costly to fix. Employees can focus on the most valuable tasks, raising the cost-effectiveness of operations.
High levels of trust
The quality of data the organization can use is much better. In turn, the enterprise has more confidence and trust in data which is the foundation of a data-driven organization. As well as a higher quality of data, data is delivered in a decision-ready format faster and with more agility. With change management support, the organization will soon be embracing the benefits of the new data platform in order to realize the expected value from it.
Security and legally compliant
The legal requirements around data collection and use cannot be underestimated. There are processes organizations need to adhere to in terms of how data is kept and processed. Compliance is much easier when it is housed in a structured and governed system. For example, ESG and CSRD Sustainability require a third party to inspect data. An optimized system makes this much easier compared to data kept and processed in spreadsheets.
Enterprises that are serious about utilizing data analysis for business growth will see their aims realized and new potential created with an expert-designed and delivered hybrid architecture.
NTT DATA As Your Architecture Expert
NTT DATA is the perfect partner for the process of building and implementing a modern hybrid data platform because we have a deep understanding of all the technologies involved as an SAP and multi-hyperscaler Partner (AWS, Microsoft, and GCP). Having worked in the area of data analysis for decades, we have honed our skills working with all industries and specialties to balance current needs and future goals as well as technical performance and user-friendliness.
Additionally, we possess the skills and extensive experience to advise clients on other aspects of generating value from data platforms. Beyond the technology and data elements, innovators need to focus on the people, processes, and future roadmap. We get that. A system is only as good as its usefulness in the intended organization. Our strategies are operational due to our technical understanding and experience with all sizes of enterprises. Before starting a hybrid architecture project, talk to our experts.
Jacob Orup Lund
Senior Director, Data & Analytics Transformation
