Facts alone are seldom persuasive enough to drive changes in an organization, much to the frustration of those with superior technical know-how but limited political clout. At most organizations, having the ear and support of influential executives is also vital to implementing a new process or tool, like an automated expense report program.
According to CFO.com, today’s finance officers are playing important roles in many technology initiatives, lending support to projects ranging from “big data” and analytics to digital customer engagement.
CFO.com examined the findings of a new report by McKinsey & Company on global digital business initiatives. In McKinsey’s survey of 850 top executives, 70 percent of CFOs said they are supporting these technology projects, up 6 percent from the previous year, and many are directly involved with the projects.
A user-friendly analytics platform like Chrome River ANALYTICS can help put CFOs and technical personnel on the same page. Such a platform can make it possible for decision-makers to transform complex enterprise data into relevant, compelling reports as needed, without requiring technical assistance. Providing management with customizable ad hoc reporting and transaction-level details means they can better grasp the value of technology initiatives like an automated expense report program.
To successfully implement projects in analytics and automation, “big data” and digital engagement, CFO support is critical. In the McKinsey survey, most respondents said that these projects tend to fail due to lack of executive interest and support, rather than technical problems. Using analytics that make data more accessible and meaningful to executives can help build common ground and support for digital business initiatives.
Please share your ideas and thoughts. How can you help secure the support of the CFO and other influential players? How often do you see projects fall by the wayside due to lack of executive-level interest?
Source: CFO.com, August 2013
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