Artificial intelligence is making waves in every industry, promising faster decisions and smarter insights. But here’s the catch: AI is only as good as the data feeding it. That means the question isn’t “Do I have enough data?” It’s “Do I have the right data?”
Preparing your data for AI is more than a technical task—it’s a strategic move. The first step? Asking the right questions to uncover where your data strategy needs attention. Let’s dive in.
Is your data working as a team or stuck in silos?
AI loves a good team effort. But when your data is scattered across systems, trapped in silos, or poorly integrated, collaboration gets complicated—and so do your insights.
Step back and ask: Are your systems connected so data flows seamlessly between them? Have you mapped out where silos exist? When was the last time you reviewed how your data moves across platforms like ERP, CRM, or marketing tools?
Unified data isn’t just convenient. It’s essential for AI to deliver insights that matter. Break down those silos, and suddenly, your data isn’t just helpful—it’s transformational.
Can you trust your data to deliver insights?
Garbage in, garbage out. AI doesn’t magically fix bad data; it amplifies it. If your systems are full of duplicates, outdated records, or incomplete profiles, your AI initiatives are already at risk.
Think critically about your data processes. Are you validating information when it’s created? Do you regularly scrub your records to keep things clean? Are you enriching data to ensure it grows more valuable over time?
Clean, reliable data is the backbone of every successful AI initiative. Without it, you’re gambling with your results—and your resources.
Are you managing data growth or letting it manage you?
Data doesn’t age like a fine wine—it piles up, clogs systems, and inflates costs. And if you’re holding onto everything “just in case,” you’re not just slowing down your operations—you’re holding back your AI tools, too.
Ask yourself: Do you have a strategy for identifying what data is essential and what isn’t? Are you archiving older information for compliance while keeping it accessible for analysis? Have you recently cleared out obsolete data that no longer serves a purpose?
A leaner, smarter approach to data ensures you’re set up for scalable AI initiatives and frees your teams to focus on what matters most.
Is your data in the right hands at the right time?
Here’s the thing: Even the best AI insights are useless if the right people can’t access them. But if everyone has access, you’re opening the door to unnecessary risks.
Take a closer look at your permissions. Are you giving teams access to only what they need? Are your policies flexible enough to evolve with your organization? Are regular audits in place to prevent bottlenecks or breaches?
Efficient, secure access does more than protect your data—it helps your data work harder for your teams so they can move fast and make smarter decisions.
What’s Next: Build Your AI-Ready Data Strategy
Here’s the bottom line: AI isn’t the future—it’s here. And your data needs to be ready to keep up. Answering these questions is a great starting point, but building an AI-ready strategy takes focus and the right tools.
That’s where we come in. Download our data guide: Salesforce Data Roadmap: Optimizing Data at Every Stage in Its Journey. It’s packed with strategies and actionable steps to help you manage your data like a pro, optimize performance, and set the stage for AI success.
