Overcoming a critical barrier to leveraging AI and automation: data silos.
In this digital age, where artificial intelligence and automation promise to redefine how we learn and operate within our organizations, I find myself reflecting on a critical barrier to this transformation: data silos.
Data silos are essentially repositories where data is gated and difficult to access for any number of reasons. For example, platform limitations, API constraints, the pain of manual data exportation, or limited by the control of departments and leaders. I am building a leadership development evaluation system now and spent the weekend trying to work out how to get the various data sets to integrate. I found four different solutions, each with significant drawbacks leading to more time or more cost. The data silo challenge is real! To leverage the amazing tech tools that are now more accessible than ever, we must first make our data accessible!
To tackle this, start by identifying data silos. Silos cannot be broken unless we identify where they are!
Do a data silo audit! This exercise reveals not just the location but also the nature of the barriers that keep our data compartmentalized.
Once we see where our data is gated and inaccessible, it’s important to share those insights! Share the vision of what you’d like to do: use data to show how learning currently supports (and could better support) organizational operations and outcomes. Engage with stakeholders across different departments to explore strategies for connecting isolated data sources. Our goal is fostering a seamless flow of information within our organizations to pave the way for a more informed, data-driven culture (and, of course, to be fully capable of leveraging automation and AI tools).
Below you’ll find a step-wise exercise for mapping out existing data silos within your organization across the learning lifespan. You’ll illuminate the hidden corners where data resides and prepare for integrating these silos to leverage data more effectively.
Exercise: Mapping Out Data Silos
Step 1: Preparation
Gather a team comprising representatives from different departments within your organization. This team should include members with knowledge of the data used and stored in their respective areas.
Step 2: Create a Structured Spreadsheet
Set up a document with three separate columns representing the different phases where learning influences the organization:
Formal Learning (classroom, e-learning, mentoring, coaching, etc.)
Learning in the Flow of Work (The activities, behaviors, and performance of our learners in the workplace. This is where we explore how people are applying what they’ve learned in formal learning in real life).
Long-term Organizational Influence (retention, engagement, sales, customer service, market share).
Step 3: Brain Dump Data Sources
For each column, conduct a thorough brainstorming session to list all potential data sources that relate to each category.
Formal Learning. Include data sources such as learning management systems, survey tools, psychometric evaluations, and any platforms used to create and manage learning experiences.
Learning in the Flow of Work. Identify platforms, tools, or systems that capture data on employee activities, meetings with managers, performance evaluations, and coaching sessions.
Long-term Organizational Influence: Focus on data sources that provide insights into retention, engagement, sales, customer service, and market share, which are likely spread across various departments like HR, sales, and marketing.
Step 4: Identify Silos
With your data sources listed, identify which of these operate as silos—meaning they don't easily share data with other systems. Highlight these in your spreadsheet to clearly see where barriers to data integration exist.
Step 5: Discussion and Analysis
Review the completed spreadsheet with your team. Discuss the implications of these silos on organizational efficiency and decision-making. Identify key areas where data integration could have the most immediate and impactful benefits.
Step 6: Action Planning
Based on your findings, draft an action plan that outlines steps to begin integrating these silos. Consider technological solutions like middleware, the development of APIs, or simply establishing protocols for regular data sharing and consolidation.
Conclusion
This exercise not only helps visualize the scattered landscape of organizational data but also sets the stage for breaking down silos to leverage data more effectively. By understanding the specifics of where and how data is stored and used, organizations can begin the crucial work of integration, leading to more informed decision-making and enhanced operational efficiency.
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