The document discusses a survey conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit that reveals a strong demand for faster data processing among senior executives, highlighting that timely data analysis leads to better and quicker decision-making. Key obstacles include data silos and a need for visual data representation, with many companies employing graphical dashboards and self-service reporting to enhance employee engagement with data. Despite progress, a significant number of companies still feel they have room for improvement in leveraging data effectively.

1. The power of fast data:
Business needs new tools
Source: The power of fast data: An Economist Intelligence Unit research programme.
Survey of 400 senior executives, sponsored by SAP

2. Of executives say better decisions
are made faster because of timely
data analysis44%
Fast data gets results
Source: The power of fast data: An Economist Intelligence Unit research
programme. Survey of 400 senior executives, sponsored by SAP

3. Making more effective decisions
Avoiding missed opportunities
Controlling costs
Keeping up with competitive pressures
Managing risk
63%
37%
36%
34%
34%
The C-level gets the need for speed
Source: The power of fast data: An Economist Intelligence Unit research
programme. Survey of 400 senior executives, sponsored by SAP
What are the leading factors driving the need for faster data processing and analysis?

4. say employees don’t
pay attention to the
data they have.31%
Silos are the biggest hurdle, but cultural factors, too
Source: The power of fast data: An Economist Intelligence Unit research programme.
Survey of 400 senior executives, sponsored by SAP

5. say using graphics helps
staff understand and
apply data faster. Many
are using graphical
dashboards to make
data more meaningful.56%
Companies are leaning on visual media
Source: The power of fast data: An Economist Intelligence Unit research programme.
Survey of 400 senior executives, sponsored by SAP

6. Providing self- service reporting 57%
Training employees to use data more effectively 47%
Giving users custom views of data 45%
Hiring data experts 27%
Encouraging employees to explore data 39%
Designing user interfaces so data is easier to understand/apply 35%
Providing applications to view data in context 34%
Many companies are facilitating sharing data
Source: The power of fast data: An Economist Intelligence Unit research
programme. Survey of 400 senior executives, sponsored by SAP
How is your company empowering a data-driven business?
These are more effective when combined

7. Providing capabilities to analyze data without switching applications 54%
Designing user interfaces so data is easier to understand /apply 50%
Providing applications to view data in context 45%
Encouraging employees to explore data 42%
Training employees to use data more efficiently 40%
Companies are trying to speed change,
but there’s work to do
Source: The power of fast data: An Economist Intelligence Unit research
programme. Survey of 400 senior executives, sponsored by SAP
How will your company empower a data-driven business in the future?

8. Of companies consider themselves “industry-
leading” or “competitive” in their ability to
leverage data. Almost as many think they’re just
“adequate.”40%
There’s a lot of room for improvement
Source: The power of fast data: An Economist Intelligence Unit research
programme. Survey of 400 senior executives, sponsored by SAP

9. To download the full report, “The
power of fast data: An Economist
Group research programme,” go
to http://bit.ly/1jBnLWk
Check out more insights, research and viewpoints from marketing
leaders and The Economist Group’s experts on Lean back.
Want more? Check out www.economistgroup.com/leanback
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