Business Benefits of Centralising Data

Many businesses accumulate large amounts of data in spreadsheets. Whilst spreadsheets provide easy data access, there are greater benefits to a business once data has been migrated into a relational database. Unlike spreadsheets, a relational database is a central repository for all business data. This document discusses some of the benefits a business can expect.

Centralised Data leads to greater ROI

Companies that have implemented centralised data repositories, such as relational databases, have reported generating more revenue over companies that have not made the investment. Data is a huge asset to a company and effective data management is critical to the success of a business. Centralised data leads to better decisions, higher productivity, greater efficiency and better informed employees.

A relational database is the ‘go to’ source for all the information a business needs. No longer is time wasted finding spreadsheets or identifying whether it is the latest version. Double data entry becomes a thing of the past, with data maintained centrally and feeding other applications as required.

Accurate Data Analysis

With centralised data, in a relational database, data changes are controlled and result in more accurate data being maintained by the business. Data duplication is managed and eliminated. This in turn leads to realistic trend analysis, enabling management to make effective business decisions.

Simpler Data Maintenance

When data is maintained centrally, information updates are immediately available to throughout the organisation. The structured approach ensures all users adhere to company processes and workflows, which saves time and improves productivity.

Accountability

Relational databases introduce better security into a company. Data access can be restricted by user or user role. Applications only present pertinent data to a user, preventing updates or access to data that is not within their control.

Full access and change auditing can be implemented, into both the relational database and the applications working with the data, resulting in data access and data changes being recorded to increase levels of accountability.

Easy GDPR Compliance

Centralising data means that time isn’t spent looking for all occurrences of personal data. Responding to Subject Access Requests (SARs) is quicker and complete. The actions of recording of consent, removing personal data or forgetting a person are all performed in one place.

Industry Standard Reporting

Many standard reporting tools are available that have the capability to develop a comprehensive reporting suite for a business. Weekly/Monthly/Annual reporting becomes as simple as clicking a button.