![How Big Data Has Changed Companies, October 2014 [CHART]](https://trends.e-strategyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/184590.gif "Chart - How Big Data Has Changed Companies")
Nearly half of execs whose companies had made more data available agreed that collaboration across business units and departments had increased. Making data more available and usable also helped with speed and efficiency in many areas: 63% said information and knowledge were shared more quickly and freely, 57% were able to control internal risks and operate more efficiently, 45% said quality and speed of execution had improved and 42% said decisions at all levels of the organization were made faster.
One issue that stood out in EIU’s study was employees’ ability to use data. Just 25% of executives agreed that even when data was made available, employees were able to readily extract relevant insights, and an improvement in employee innovation was one of the least common changes due to data availability and utilization. Those who can’t handle data may be at risk: 41% of US marketing executives polled in October 2014 by Forbes Insights said that data analytics usage had resulted in new hires to bring in new skills—and possibly replace those who just don’t get it. Read the rest at eMarketer.
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