How can IT Consultants use data to solve problems?

IT consultants can use data to solve problems by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting relevant data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement. This data-driven approach enables informed decision-making and the implementation of effective solutions.

Data can help you do this by revealing patterns, trends, gaps, or anomalies that indicate a problem exists or a need is unmet. You can use data from various sources, such as surveys, reports, analytics, or feedback, to understand the current situation, the desired situation, and the gap between them

always understand the problem first, you must really understand it. And ask several times to the stakeholders to clarify something or to make sure something. Don't just ask to one stakeholders but involve everyone that related to the business/project itself. then try to learn by yourself about the data, analyze the pattern, the uniqueness, make your own hypothesis first and write it on a note. Then try to make sure and discuss with the stakeholders, stakeholders loves to discuss their problem with consultants

Data collection and validation are crucial steps in the problem solving cycle in consulting. They help you understand the client's situation, identify the root causes of the problem, and test your hypotheses and recommendations.

Make sure to ask whether you need to collect that data once or if is it something that should, by time, be made with an automatic pipeline, needs regular updates, etc. Besides, make sure always to consult legal expert on the commercial use of any otherwise free online data.

Try to learn more ways you can collect the data from different sources. Depending on the client context the source might vary from one to another. So it is a good practice that one have that technical acumen so that they can leverage knowledge to collect data.

Consultants also perform secondary research, reading market and industry reports. They may also request data from their clients to analyze. Once consultants have data, they'll begin to analyze the data to identify insights to inform their recommendation.

The collected data must be analyzed to identify patterns, trends and insights. IT consultants can use statistical methods, data mining techniques and machine learning to examine the data and derive possible solutions. In addition to standardized countermeasures, they should always keep an eye out for new, possibly previously unknown patterns.

Analyzing data is a pivotal step for IT consultants, but it's essential to emphasize the importance of context in this process. While tools and methods like predictive analytics and data visualization are powerful, they must be grounded in a deep understanding of the industry-specific challenges and objectives. Customizing the analysis approach to fit the unique landscape of each client not only yields more relevant insights but also ensures that solutions are practical and actionable. This tailored approach, blending technical proficiency with industry acumen, is what truly transforms data into a problem-solving asset.

The insights gained must be communicated clearly and comprehensibly. IT consultants should be able to present the results of their data analysis in reports, presentations or other appropriate formats corresponding and in a format relevant to the individual stakeholders. Clear communication is crucial to gaining support and understanding for the proposed solutions.

The communication process should be the same as how the stakeholders prefer it. I used to get many mixed reviews as I was set in my formal communication. I realised in a mentoring session with a former CEO of 13 years that they read over 20 memoranda each day for approval, and there is little time to go through all my slides. I later sent feedback on chats (Teams) and WhatsApp to exacts. I use the following framework in the short message: What (what I was asked to analyse), So What (all actions I took to report), Then What (any action required from them)

Learning how to break down and solve complex problems is a core skill you need in today’s business world. The more complex and multi-faceted your problems are, the more your problem solving skills and techniques will be put to the test. No one understands this better than some of the world's most highly paid and highly regarded problem solving professionals, the strategy consultants whose fame and fortune is dependent on their ability to quickly break down complex problems and develop effective solutions.

Once the data has been analyzed and communicated, it is time to implement the identified solutions. Breaking down and solve complex problems is a core skill with regards to the implementation of a suitable solution. IT consultants should ensure that the proposed measures are effectively implemented to solve the problem. This may include developing software applications, updating infrastructure or optimizing business processes.

Documentation. Documentation and...Documentation. The consultants will need to create a well suited documentation. He will need to document the implementation process, including code comments, technical documentation, and user guides. This ensures that the solution is understood for future reference and changes. Optimisation can't be imagined if no one knows how the data was implemented. It should never be a black box. Finally the company needs to consider security measures to protect data and systems. Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards, especially in areas like Banking and Industry 4.0

Data analysis is the process of examining, filtering, adapting, and modeling data to help solve problems. Data analysis helps determine what is and isn't working, so you can make the changes needed to achieve your business goals

I spent a lot of time listening and talking to people involved with the problem. I also wrote lots of notes which I reviewed carefully. The problems were resolved by using these techniques and others. Waking up at night and writing down a viable solution that suddenly came to me in my dreams. Organising a series of structured problem solving workshops with the client and other experts. Engaging with client employees who were not listened to but had the solution to the problem. Discussing the problem with fellow consultants to use their experience and suggestions. Speaking with software vendors who may have products which can solve the problem. Introducing someone else who is in a far better position to solve the client problem than me.