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How a data-first approach to IT benefits businesses

Data is the most valuable asset businesses have – but for many, it’s trapped in silos, outdated systems or inaccessible formats.

When IT decisions are made without understanding business data, organisations miss vital opportunities to refine services, streamline operations, and grow strategically.

The business case for adopting a data-first approach to IT is undeniable. To prove this, let’s look at the data:

  • McKinsey found that data-driven organisations are 23 times more likely to acquire customers, 6 times more likely to retain them, and 19 times more likely to be profitable.
  • Capgemini’s 2024 research revealed that ‘data masters’ achieve 70% higher revenue per employee and 22% higher profitability.
  • Gartner has found that poor data quality costs the average organisation £10.3 million per year. That’s lost potential that goes beyond inefficiency.

Below are five key advantages businesses can expect to experience from prioritising their data.

1. Better Decision-Making

When IT systems are designed around data, businesses can access accurate, real-time insights rather than relying on outdated reports or guesswork.

A data-first strategy means information flows smoothly across the organisation, giving leaders a clear view of performance, trends, and risks.

With this visibility, decisions can be made with confidence and backed by evidence. Instead of reacting to problems after the fact, managers can spot issues early and take action before they escalate.

A data-first Technology Success Partner (TSP) like Rio IT can help businesses access, organise, protect and evaluate their data to ensure this proactive decision making is guided by the most accurate and relevant information.

2. Stronger Customer Relationships

Customers expect companies to understand their needs and respond quickly.

A data-first approach allows businesses to bring together customer information from across different platforms.

This creates a complete picture of each customer, from their buying habits to their support history.

With this knowledge, staff can provide more personalised service, marketing can be tailored to individual needs and loyalty can be strengthened.

Over time, this leads to better retention and higher lifetime value.

3. Greater Efficiency and Cost Savings

Siloed systems often lead to duplication, wasted effort and higher running costs.

By prioritising data integration at the start, businesses can streamline processes and cut down on unnecessary complexity.

A data-first IT strategy also makes automation easier, as systems share information seamlessly.

This not only reduces manual work but also lowers the risk of errors.

The result is more efficient operations and cost savings that can be reinvested in growth.

4. Future-Proofed Systems

Technology changes quickly and businesses that build IT solutions without considering data often find themselves locked into rigid systems. A data-first mindset avoids this problem.

When data is placed at the centre, systems can evolve more easily because the core asset is already structured, accessible and secure.

This flexibility means businesses can adopt new tools, adapt to market changes or meet new compliance standards without costly overhauls.

By future-proofing their IT, companies stay resilient in a shifting landscape.

5. Stronger Security and Compliance

Data protection is no longer optional. With regulations tightening and cyber threats on the rise, businesses must ensure their information is safeguarded.

A data-first approach bakes security into every IT decision.

Instead of patching weak spots later, controls are built in from the start.

This not only reduces the risk of breaches but also makes compliance with standards like GDPR more straightforward. Customers and partners gain trust when they see that data is handled with care and integrity.

How Rio IT helps businesses become data-first

The shift to data-first thinking is not a one-time project but a mindset change.

It begins by asking different questions: What data do we rely on most? How accurate is it? Who owns it? And how can IT empower, not constrain, that flow of information?

At Rio IT, we help businesses answer those questions through our Clarity methodology, a practical framework that starts with data and builds outward.

The result is foresight, control, and measurable results. Click here to learn more.