Business Transformation: A Roadmap for Maximizing Organizational Insights

CHAPTER 6

Centers of Excellence: The Key to Accelerate Organizational Transformation

What we have learned so far: As organizations move through each level they increase their opportunities to drive down costs, increase revenue, and improve the bottom line. However, evolving into a more insight-driven organization takes a lot of work. Reshaping the culture is critical, establishing uniform information processes is necessary, developing a strong skilled staff is equally important, and acquiring and properly using technology to develop an effective information infrastructure is vital. The past chapters have mentioned the role of a Center of Excellence (CoE) in helping organizations mature. Some organizations also use the term Business Intelligence Competency Center (BICC). This chapter explores that concept.

The biggest issue organizations confront when they decide to take their information and analytical maturity to a new level is how to go about it. It is a daunting task that can't be outsourced or bought. The best plan of attack should include the following steps:

Step 1: Secure executive-level sponsorship to lead and support the organization's effort not only initially but throughout the information maturity journey.

Step 2: Evaluate organizational maturity to determine capabilities, weaknesses, and gaps that may prevent the organization from achieving its business objectives.

Step 3: Develop a strategy that outlines how the organization will address gaps and develop the capabilities ...