How data-ready organizations outperform their peers

In today's digital economy, data readiness has emerged as a critical differentiator, transforming raw information into actionable insights that fuel agility, profitability, and resilience. Organizations that effectively harness data are experiencing substantial gains in productivity, revenue, and innovation, consistently outperforming their peers. 

A recent study indicates that data-driven companies are 23 times more likely to acquire customers, six times as likely to retain them, and 19 times more likely to be profitable. By leveraging proprietary, unstructured, and synthetic data within integrated ecosystems, these organizations unlock real-time insights that drive strategic advantage. 

This report combines industry data, case studies, and expert insights to identify the specific performance metrics where data readiness generates the most impact, offering actionable steps for businesses aiming to lead in an increasingly data-centric world.

Data Readiness – Your Gateway to Future-Ready Business

Data readiness has evolved beyond a buzzword; it’s the bedrock of a competitive, future-proof organization. In a world increasingly shaped by generative AI, data has become a critical asset for driving operational efficiency and strategic advantage. 

A survey by NewVantage Partners reveals that 91.9% of leading businesses are increasing the pace of their investments in big data and AI. This section introduces the concept of data readiness, defining it as an organization’s capability to manage and mobilize high-quality data across decision-making and value creation. We outline our methodology, which includes diverse data sources and comprehensive analysis, to understand the impact of data readiness on business outcomes.

Powering Your Insights Engine

Proprietary Data – Fueling Unique Insights

Proprietary data is a company’s unique competitive asset, powering AI-driven insights that are difficult to replicate. For instance, Netflix leverages its proprietary viewing data to personalize recommendations, resulting in over 80% of watched content stemming from these suggestions.

Unlocking the Potential of Unstructured Data

Unstructured data, such as text, images, and social content, holds the keys to richer, more contextual insights. It's estimated that unstructured data accounts for approximately 80% of enterprise data, yet many organizations struggle to analyze it effectively. By integrating this data, companies gain a 360° view of trends, customer behaviors, and market shifts.

Synthetic Data – Filling Gaps, Accelerating Innovation

When data is scarce, synthetic data steps in, filling critical gaps while ensuring privacy. Gartner predicts that by 2024, 60% of the data used for AI and analytics projects will be synthetically generated. Synthetic data plays a vital role in training AI models, simulating scenarios, and testing strategies without compromising data security. 

Connected Ecosystems – Breaking Down Silos for Seamless Insights

An integrated data environment bridges organizational silos, facilitating end-to-end visibility and enabling data to flow freely across departments, thus powering seamless AI applications and organization-wide insight. Companies with strong data ecosystems are 1.5 times more likely to report financial benefits from their data initiatives.

Generative AI – Both a Catalyst and a Beneficiary of Data Readiness

Generative AI transforms data quality and accessibility, both requiring and enhancing data readiness. Examples demonstrate how generative AI can amplify the value of well-organized data, creating a powerful feedback loop that strengthens data processes and insights.

Data Readiness in Action

Driving Productivity Gains – Achieving More with Every Move

Data-ready organizations report measurable productivity gains, as data-driven automation and analytics streamline operations. A McKinsey study found that companies leveraging data effectively are 20% more productive than their counterparts. Case studies highlight how these companies elevate efficiency through better data handling.

Revenue Growth & Profitability – Tapping New Streams, Maximizing Returns

There’s a strong link between data readiness and revenue growth, with prepared organizations often leading in new revenue generation and profitability through innovative, data-enabled offerings. For example, companies that use customer analytics extensively are more likely to generate above-average profits.

Real-Time Decision-Making & Agility – Outpacing the Competition

Organizations with real-time data access respond faster to changing conditions, capitalizing on opportunities and adjusting strategies swiftly. A survey by PwC indicates that highly data-driven organizations are three times more likely to report significant improvements in decision-making. Agile decision-making has become a defining trait of the data-ready.

Risk Management & Compliance – Navigating Complex Landscapes with Confidence

Data-ready companies exhibit stronger governance, effectively managing compliance and mitigating risks in volatile regulatory environments. Their robust data governance frameworks act as safeguards, ensuring adherence to regulations and reducing exposure to potential risks.

Setting the Stage for Success

Modern Infrastructure & Architecture – A Foundation for Future Growth

A modern, cloud-enabled architecture underpins data readiness, allowing companies to manage vast data sets with agility. Organizations that have modernized their data infrastructure are 2.5 times more likely to report substantial business benefits. Transformative case studies showcase how reimagined data infrastructure powers advanced analytics.

Upskilled Talent & Cross-Functional Collaboration – Empowering Your People

Achieving data readiness isn’t just about technology; it’s about equipping people. Cross-functional collaboration, underpinned by AI and data literacy, enables teams to maximize data’s potential. Companies investing in data literacy programs report a 79% increase in employee engagement and performance.

Leadership Commitment – Building a Culture of Data-Driven Decision-Making

Executive support is critical for fostering a data-centric culture. Stories from data-forward companies reveal how top-down commitment drives meaningful progress in data management and analytics initiatives. Organizations with strong leadership support for data initiatives are twice as likely to report success in their data strategies.

Challenges on the Path to Data Readiness

Ensuring Data Quality & Accessibility – Overcoming Common Hurdles

High-quality data is essential, but it’s often elusive. Many organizations face challenges related to data accessibility and integrity, requiring dedicated solutions to ensure readiness. It's reported that poor data quality costs the U.S. economy up to $3.1 trillion annually.

Transforming Insight into Impact

Building a Robust Data Governance Framework – Setting Standards for Quality & Access

Data governance frameworks ensure the integrity, accessibility, and compliance of organizational data, laying the foundation for reliable decision-making. With 70% of executives citing data quality as the most critical factor in AI success, establishing governance practices is essential. Clear data ownership, access controls, and data quality measures help companies maintain high standards, ensuring their data assets drive value.

Investing in Talent & Technology – The Twin Engines of Data Readiness

Achieving data readiness requires skilled personnel and advanced technology. Organizations prioritizing both see significant benefits, with companies that invest in AI talent outperforming their peers by 30% on average. This involves cultivating a workforce literate in AI and data analytics and implementing robust tools for data integration, visualization, and real-time processing.

Fostering Data-Driven Innovation – Embedding a Culture of Insight-Driven Decisions

Building a culture that values data-driven insights is key to leveraging data assets effectively. Companies that promote data-driven decision-making at all levels report a 5-6% improvement in productivity. Leaders can foster this environment by encouraging cross-functional collaboration, uniting business, technology, and data teams to drive innovation and increase data’s impact on strategic goals.

Preparing for the Future of Data Readiness

Emerging Trends in Data Readiness & Generative AI – What Lies Ahead

As generative AI and other advanced technologies rapidly evolve, data readiness continues to shape the competitive landscape. Gartner predicts that by 2025, over 80% of new enterprise data will be generated automatically through AI and IoT, signaling a need for scalable data ecosystems. Organizations that stay ahead of these trends will have a distinct advantage, capable of adapting swiftly to technology-driven opportunities.

Continuous Evolution in Data Strategy – Adapting to a Dynamic Landscape

To remain competitive, companies must adopt flexible data strategies that evolve with new technologies and market conditions. Businesses with adaptive data strategies are 50% more likely to respond effectively to market disruptions. This adaptability enables them to continuously refine their data systems, enhance data quality, and leverage emerging AI capabilities to sustain data readiness over the long term.

Elevate Your Organization with Data Readiness

Unlocking New Potential with Data Readiness – Drive Innovation & Growth

Organizations that prioritize data readiness outperform their peers, turning data into a strategic asset that drives productivity, agility, and profitability. As the digital landscape evolves, data-ready organizations are better positioned to respond to challenges and capture new opportunities. This report calls for business leaders to invest in data readiness, building a foundation that future-proofs their organization and unlocks sustained growth.

Empower Your Business with Data

Data readiness is no longer optional; it is essential for competing in the digital age. Companies investing in data quality, governance, and culture today are preparing themselves for tomorrow’s challenges, ensuring they can leverage data’s full potential. Now is the time to prioritize data readiness and lead your organization into a data-driven future.