MicroStrategy: Front-Line Employees Most Data Deprived

In its 2020 Global State of Enterprise Analytics report, MicroStrategy revealed that while an overwhelming majority of organizations believe data and analytics are important, front-line employees are often left in situations where they cannot access it.

According to the report, only 11 percent of front-line employees from businesses surveyed are allowed access to analytics reports. The time it takes to access data is also of concern, with 60 percent of employees saying it takes hours or days to receive the information. Only 3 percent said they could access it within seconds.

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“Shockingly, when it comes to making data-driven decisions, the majority of the workforce is still winging it,” said Marge Breya, chief marketing officer at MicroStrategy. “With self-service analytics adoption hovering at 30 percent, organizations need to surface insights in a timely manner that benefits the entire workforce.”

While some organizations do offer analytics reports to front-line employees, many are incapable of using the software properly or reading the analytics correctly. In that circumstance, 79 percent ask IT or an analyst for help, while only seven percent use a self-service tool.

“Sixty-five percent of organizations plan to increase their analytics investments in the next year,” said Breya. “We recommend those investments go toward building an insights-first culture that rewards data-driven decision-making and continuous transformation.”

MicroStrategy said that organizations embracing the use of data and analytics reported improved efficiency and productivity, and more effective decision making.

The report also shed a light on the countries leading in data and analytics, it said:

• Brazil and Germany had the highest rate of front-line employees with access to data and analytics, at 58 percent.
• The United States was the lowest of all countries covered, at 44 percent.
• The United Kingdom had the most pessimistic view of their analytics programs, with 24 percent believing they are behind competitors.