Research from Intoware suggests that 76% of water and power companies post-pandemic, are relying on legacy systems and spreadsheets to get tasks done.
The independent survey of 1,030 UK based firms found that although 97% claimed to be data-informed businesses and 76% said that they trust data enough to complete tasks, most of them still rely on older systems.
Intoware’s CEO, Keith Tilley, said: “The research shows that those working in utilities believe they are data-driven, when in reality they could be relying on old, out-of-date data. This disconnected data acts like a ball and chain, tying down your staff as they spend a huge amount of time trying to unlock data trapped in spreadsheets and legacy systems to meet the demands of businesses, customers and regulators.”
The research shows that 76% of decision makers have access to data and the large majority, 81%, believe that data is an asset. However, 47% use data only occasionally to help get the job done – as the reality is that their data is siloed.
While 78% are interested in using digital software ‘tools’ to support their role, it seems that a significant minority simply don’t have the skills to use the new data these systems provide, with 21% feeling overwhelmed and another 24% feel only slightly confident when using data to back decision making.
Despite this, when it comes to passing on critical skills and expertise from ageing workers to help plug the skills ‘gap’ for the next generation, 73% see digital ‘tools’ as playing a valuable part in sharing knowledge. So, it’s no surprise that over half of companies, 65% intend to invest in data skills, training and development in 2022 to help meet this challenge.
Intoware’s CEO, Keith Tilley, said: “A reliance on siloed data severely hinders business operations with accountability and visibility issues, as each department has their own interpretation of data, which is a problem for businesses that are increasingly under pressure to evolve how they manage resources and communicate data insights.
“If you digitise paper-processes with work-instruction ‘tools’ that integrate with connected smart devices and third-party systems, this information can be more easily shared, providing staff with access to quality data, and a ‘single source of truth’ right across the business, for more proactive and rapid, ‘real-time’ insights to improve productivity and satisfy compliance.”
This research survey was conducted by Surveygoo with 1,030 industrial businesses, between the 28th February and the 3rd March 2022.
