Business data management is like trying to piece together a massive jigsaw puzzle, but the pieces come from different puzzles — and you’re not even sure which pieces go to which puzzle or if you even have all the pieces you need. Frustrating, right?
That’s the reality of business data management in today’s IT environment. With information (some potentially extremely sensitive and privacy regulated by law) spread across devices, cloud platforms and physical locations, companies of all sizes face an ever-growing problem known as data sprawl, which brings cybersecurity risks with it.
Different office locations and business departments add new pieces of a company’s data puzzle, creating fragmented or redundant information that’s difficult to manage and often isolated from other departments. Business owners and CEOs everywhere find this challenge hard to tackle, especially when the expansion of unnecessary data goes unchecked — that’s data sprawl.
Data sprawl opens a world of security risks and inefficiencies that impact decision-making, customer service and daily operations. Without a central strategy for business data management, company leaders face time-consuming consequences and potential data vulnerabilities that could disrupt operations and compromise sensitive information.
What are the Three Biggest Reasons for Data Sprawl? Our Kansas City IT Consultants Spell Them Out
1. Remote and Hybrid Work Models
With employees accessing company data from various locations, data often spreads across both personal and business devices. This not only creates redundancies (multiples of the same data saved in different places) but can also compromise data security if left unmanaged.
2. Departmental Data Silos
Different departments often use unique tools for their work — for example, marketing might use one platform for campaign tracking, while finance relies on another for budgeting. These separate systems lead to data that’s isolated and difficult to share across teams, creating “silos” that complicate data management and limit collaboration.
3. Multiple Storage Platforms
From cloud applications to on-site servers, the use of diverse storage systems leads to fragmented data that’s challenging to oversee and manage effectively. Over time, this setup can create costly redundancies and security gaps.
Our Kansas City IT Consultants See Firsthand the Consequences of Unchecked Data Sprawl
Unchecked data sprawl can lead to several operational challenges and fortunately our business data management, cybersecurity services and managed IT services can stop data sprawl from happening or control it if it’s causing problems.
First, security vulnerabilities increase when data is scattered across multiple platforms, as each storage location is another potential entry point for hackers.
The existence of redundant or outdated data also reduces efficiency, as employees waste time sifting through unnecessary information to find what they need. This, in turn, impacts productivity and can delay decision-making, especially for executives and managers trying to work with accurate, timely data.
Also, managing duplicate or irrelevant data across platforms can drive up storage and IT support fees, adding an extra cost for companies.
Addressing these issues requires a focused, effective data management strategy to improve security, streamline workflows and reduce overhead. Invision IT support helps Kansas City businesses manage data sprawl. Here are a few ways our outsourced IT support can help:
- Implement Centralized Cloud Storage: Consolidating data on a secure, centralized cloud platform allows for easier access, reduces redundancies and provides a single source of “truth” for the organization.
- Eliminate Duplicate and Redundant Data: Regularly reviewing and removing outdated or unnecessary files keeps storage efficient and ensures that only relevant, up-to-date information is accessible.
- Integrate Systems Across Departments: By implementing unified data platforms that allow for cross-departmental sharing, companies can enable seamless data access for those who need it. This integration improves productivity and enhances the accuracy of information company wide. Plus, permissions can be set so only employees who need access to certain data have it.
- Adopt Clear Data Management Policies: Especially with the rise of remote work, setting clear policies on where and how data is stored and accessed is essential. Training employees on best practices for data security can mitigate the risks associated with data sprawl and ensure that sensitive information remains protected.
Learn more: How to Give Your Remote Employees the IT Support and Tools They Need for Security and Success
Why Choose Invision for IT Consulting in Kansas City?
For over 20 years, Invision has supported businesses across the Kansas City metro, offering tailored IT consulting and support solutions to manage challenges like data sprawl and cybersecurity. Our team of senior engineers is ready to help you take control of your data, streamline operations and ensure data security — as your business grows. Contact Invision today to learn how we can support your data management needs and safeguard your company’s future.
