The ELIX methodology: Define, Understand, Guide and Act
The digital era has seen the emergence of numerous methodologies designed to help organizations navigate the complex landscape of data. Among them, the ELIX methodology stands out for its maturity (over 20 interventions), simplicity and effectiveness. In this article, we'll explore the foundations of this methodology, focusing on its four pillars: DEFINE SCOPE, UNDERSTAND, GUIDE AND ACT. In addition, we'll discuss the scope of data strategy, encompassing business intelligence (BI), advanced analytics, data governance, and much more.
Introduction to the ELIX methodology
The ELIX methodology was born out of the need to offer organizations a structured framework for tackling their data strategy design challenges. It is structured around four key steps that guide organizations through the data-driven decision-making process.
DEFINE THE SCOPE: Agree on the scope of intervention
Before diving into the details, it's crucial to define the scope and framework of the intervention. This step involves:
Identify objectives: What specific goals does the organization wish to achieve with its data strategy? Specify the expected contribution of data to the business strategy.
Recognize stakeholders : Who are the key players involved in this process? What are their needs and concerns?
Define the scope: What specific areas will the strategy cover? This could include areas such as BI, advanced analytics, data governance, etc.
And agree on the decision-making process for endorsing and implementing the data strategy.
UNDERSTAND: Understand the current situation and anticipate opportunities
This step aims to establish a clear picture of the organization's current data situation. It :
Through a series of workshops, understand the organization's major business needs for which data can be a strategic lever.
Identify the teams and resources responsible for data and analytics solutions, the practices in place, the processes and tools available to build and evolve a modern data and analytics management environment?
The aim of this step is to highlight strengths, areas for improvement, opportunities and threats: what are the challenges to be met and the opportunities to be seized?
At the end of this stage, the organization has an accurate and up-to-date picture of its data and analytics ecosystem, and can compare itself with different maturity models.
ORIENTATION: Developing a vision
With a clear understanding of the current situation, it's time to orient the organization towards the future. This step involves:
Identify directions to align the “strategy”, “organization and processes” and “tools and technologies” axes that will make up the data strategy.
Formalize the foundation of the vision to establish the data service offering that will guide action plan initiatives.
Clarify the roles and responsibilities, governance and management of the BI, analytics and data governance program.
Identify change management axes to support, communicate and prepare teams.
ACT: Establish the roadmap
With a target vision in place, it's time to act. This step involves:
Based on the established vision, developing a strategy to achieve it.
Identifying key activities and investment requirements: Drawing up a roadmap: What are the priority projects? In what order should they be tackled? What efforts and resource profiles are required to deliver the strategy? What are the financing levers, risks and impacts involved?
Present the entire project to stakeholders.
The scope of the data strategy
The ELIX methodology also places importance on areas such as:
Business Intelligence (BI): This refers to the use of data to inform strategic decision-making. BI enables organizations to gain valuable insights from their data, leading to better decision-making.
Advanced analytics: Advanced analytics, including Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), use data to predict business trends and prescribe actions to improve outcomes, and even automate decision-making.
Data governance: This encompasses the people, processes and resources needed to ensure sound data management within an organization, including standardization of data definition, use, quality and traceability.
Conclusion
The ELIX methodology provides organizations with a solid framework for navigating the complex world of data and producing their own data strategy. By focusing on the steps DEFINE SCOPE, UNDERSTAND, GUIDE and ACT, it ensures that organizations have the resources they need to make the most of their data. Whether through BI, advanced analytics or data governance, this methodology is a valuable asset for any organization seeking to adapt to the digital age.