Software leaders adopt around AI
As data & AI continues to evolve into a strategic asset for organizations, particularly within the software industry, establishing a skilled and professional data team has become essential. However, the ideal structure and composition of such a team vary across organizations and are largely determined by their level of data maturity.
Key roles and data maturity stage
Data maturity within an organization progresses through various stages, from ad-hoc and reactive use of data to fully integrated, data-driven, and predictive decision-making. Advancing through these stages requires a step-by-step approach, with each phase demanding a tailored team equipped with the appropriate expertise.
Initial stage:
- Key roles: Business Analyst, Data Engineer, Data Governance Manager.
- Focus: Use case definition, data collection, cleaning and governance framework.
- Recruitment strategy: Prioritize individuals with strong SQL and Python skills and data management abilities.
Growth stage:
- Kern roles: Dashboard Developer, Data Architect, Database Administrator.
- Focus: Dashboards, data model, and performance.
- Recruitment strategy: Seek professionals with experience in visual design, data architecture principles and database & query performance.
Mature stage:
- Key roles: Data Scientist, Data Product Manager, DevOps Engineer.
- Focus: Scalability, automation, and AI/ML model deployment.
- Recruitment strategy: Target individuals with expertise in statistical modelling, machine learning algorithms, data-business value knowledge, DevOps practices.
Tailoring your recruitment strategy
Building a successful data team requires a strategic approach aligned with the organization’s data maturity. In the startup phase, prioritize hiring versatile data professionals who can wear multiple hats, such as data analysts with strong SQL skills and basic Python programming. Consider leveraging freelancers or secondment contracts to access specialized expertise without committing to long-term contracts.
As the organization matures, invest in hiring data engineers and data scientists with deeper technical skills. Transition towards a more focused skillset and build a core team of in-house experts to establish a sustainable data advantage. Encourage upskilling and cross-training to foster a versatile and adaptable team. By adopting a strategic approach to recruitment, organizations can effectively build and scale their data capabilities.
“In software companies, data is not a by-product, it is a strategic cornerstone. It empowers teams to make informed decisions, gain deep insights into user behavior, optimize operations, and drive innovation in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.”
Marco de Nooijer
Founding Partner Starz in AI
Make data and AI the heart of your strategy
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, data is no longer merely a supporting element, it is a strategic necessity. Software companies that proactively leverage data and artificial intelligence (AI) gain a significant competitive edge. By placing data at the core of their strategy, decision-making, customer insights, and product development, they can respond more quickly and effectively to shifting market dynamics and customer needs. AI enables software organizations to analyze data at scale, uncover hidden patterns, and generate predictive insights that go far beyond the capabilities of manual analysis.
Software companies embracing data and AI:
- Accelerate innovation with data-driven product development;
- Enhance customer satisfaction through personalized user experiences;
- Optimize internal operations using automation and predictive analytics;
- Reduce costs by leveraging resources more efficiently and making smarter decisions;
- Stay ahead of market trends by acting proactively rather than reacting to change..
Organizations that overlook data and AI risk more than just falling behind, they forfeit the ability to scale rapidly, innovate through experimentation, and remain relevant in an increasingly competitive market. Data and AI are no longer optional; they are essential for those aiming to lead and succeed in the years ahead.
