Hire a head of data or outsource it? How to decide in an SME

A data department is not the same as someone taking charge

An SME can have several dashboards, some automations and data spread across systems, and still have nobody who decides what is measured, what is prioritised and how everything connects. Without that role, projects pile up without direction and the tools become a set that is hard to maintain.

A full data department is often disproportionate. What almost every company does need is direction over its data and the technical capacity to carry it out.

What a head of data does

• Defines what is measured and why: the KPIs that really help decisions.
• Prioritises: chooses the data and automation projects with the most impact, instead of piling them up.
• Connects the data: ERP, CRM, Excel, databases and APIs, in an orderly model.
• Develops and evolves reports, dashboards and automations.
• Monitors with reporting and alerts so the information reaches the right person at the right time.
• Supports management with regular meetings and adapts the work to what changes in the business.

In-house or outsourced

Hiring a dedicated person makes sense when the volume of data work is high and constant. Outsourcing it, with a monthly fee, fits better when judgement and technical capacity are needed but not full time, when flexibility to grow without increasing the fixed structure is wanted or when you prefer to have technology, methodology and experience in a single partner.

How to work with an external head of data

The cycle is simple: listen to the business, its challenges and objectives; analyse the current data, processes and systems; prioritise with a plan of quick impact and a medium and long-term vision; implement solutions; and measure results to keep improving.

How we solve it at GY3 Solutions

We offer this role as a monthly service, adapted to the reality of your company: your business asks the questions and we provide direction, data and technology to answer them. Discover our Data & AI line.

Would you like to see how this model would work in your company? Let's talk.