Business leaders lack trust in organisational data: report

Interoperability needed to improve data integrity in organisations

Business leaders lack trust in organisational data: report

Just one in four operations leaders fully trust the organisational data in their system, which could lead to slower reaction times to challenges in the workplace.

This is according to a new report from Stibo Systems, which recently surveyed 500 operational business leaders at the senior manager level or higher in the United States.

It found that these employers are already grappling with volatility, which is driven by demand spikes and material shortages, as well as global instability.

"This chaos is exacerbated by internal crises, particularly a pervasive distrust in organisational data, leading to the need to second-guess numbers and react too slowly to critical changes," the report read.

The top reasons for the lack of trust in organisational data are:

  • Inconsistent data (50%)
  • Incomplete data (37%)
  • Segmented or siloed data (34%)
  • Inaccurate data (34%)

The findings come as the report noted that 67% of business leaders want to make efficiency a top priority in 2025.

"But efficiency isn't just about speed – it's about trust," said James van Pelt, Manufacturing Practice Lead at Stibo Systems, in a statement. "Our research shows that without reliable systems and interoperable data, even the most advanced technologies fall short."

Reasons behind data concerns

Concerns with the inconsistency of organisational data stem from the fragmentation of systems in workplaces.

According to the report, 76% of organisations are still holding on to mismatched systems, leading to employees not having access to accurate information quickly.

"This fragmentation leads to inefficiency, unreliable data, and the inability to automate between systems, which reduces throughput and makes strategic decisions difficult and often inaccurate," the report read.

Interoperability needed

Addressing the lack of data trust will need interoperability, according to the report. This refers to having different systems and applications within the manufacturing environment communicating and working together seamlessly.

Interoperability can ensure seamless communication across systems, which can improve data integrity and reduce human error. This also allows departments to access relevant and reliable information.

The report added that interoperability can also give teams more time to focus on other priorities, such as:

  • Identifying new opportunities (49%)
  • Strategising with internal teams and leadership (47%)
  • Working through tasks or business objectives without interruptions (45%)
  • Pursuing professional development (44%)

"By promoting a connected and collaborative work environment, interoperability empowers teams to dedicate more time and effort to strategic initiatives, significantly enhancing operation and strategic effectiveness," the report read.