Mobilising Data Fabric with an Engaging Narrative
Project Overview
Our global life sciences client’s Data Fabric programme seeks to drive a fundamental shift in the way they think about data as an enabler, supporting a shift from a vertical operating model to a more dynamic and interconnected horizontal approach across product assets. Requiring new ways of working, mindsets and technical solutions, the Data Fabric team seek to unlock synergies, eliminate inefficiencies and drive the flow of talent across product teams.
Afiniti were engaged to support and align the Data Fabric leadership team to embed a strategic perspective that embraced the very essence of the change and drive organisation-wide adoption of the service. Only by encouraging a data-driven strategic approach, simplifying technical complexities, showcasing success and fostering collaboration could the value of the programme be fully realised. We would achieve this through an evolving partnership that sought to create a focus on people, process and technology, ultimately turning data into value engineering.
Our Solution
- We conducted a thorough analysis of the existing environment to understand stakeholder needs and change impact.
- We drew on these insights to create a clear, compelling and visually appealing narrative, which acted as a guiding thread throughout the programme to unify people and activities.
- Collaborated with leadership to bring Data Fabric to life with a unified voice for articulating the journey, equipping them with core narrative and communications toolkits.
- Connected the technical programme to the company vision, explaining the ‘why’ to engage stakeholders and encourage adoption, supported by persona-based artefacts.
- Joined the dots between programmes with a systems thinking mindset, allowing users to clearly see their role in achieving desired outcomes.
- Seeing that the Diagnostics and Pharma data landscapes are converging, we leveraged existing connections to build new ones that connected Data Fabric with stakeholders from all areas of the business.
- Built clear engagement pathways to clearly articulate the business value of the programme and drive the narrative around Value Engineering.
- Conducted stakeholder gap analysis to mitigate knowledge gaps with a scalable end-to-end change readiness assessment framework, supporting assets and learning toolkits.
- We continue to shape and provide good practice for the operating model and recommend approaches for future digital transformation.
The Differences We Made
- Created one robust strategic perspective that embraced the very essence of the change, rather than a mere tactical one.
- We collaborated creatively to bring Data Fabric to life, enabling the sounding board and core team to have one voice to clearly articulate the journey.
- Co-created the Data Fabric maturity model to gain enterprise investment based on the clear sought outcomes, ROIs and delivery roadmap.
- Delivered substantial benefits quickly by establishing reusable, modular components for use across products, reducing inefficiencies.
- Empowered Data Fabric to be seen as the enabler for next-generation analytics technologies as part of the client’s and industry’s digital revolution.
- Equipped core programme team members with assets and a story to influence and persuade senior stakeholders.
- Supported the operating model by using psychological safety and neuroscience techniques for safety and ideation.
- Created a single roadmap of efforts that articulated the when and how of Data Fabric for leadership.
- Enabled the start of the journey at an enterprise shift level to a dynamic and interconnected horizontal approach, unlocking synergies, eliminating inefficiencies and driving talent flow across product teams and beyond.
Learn more about Afiniti’s vast life sciences consulting experience here.
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