In many companies, it is growing unstoppably: the flood of data. New information is added day after day, old data is rarely deleted and so the digital level rises and becomes more and more difficult to control. What may seem desirable at first glance - "more data, more potential" - quickly develops into a real problem.
Data volumes that grow uncontrollably lead to
- inefficient work processes,
- rising costs,
- and a gradual loss of productivity.
With the increase in information, not only efficiency problems – there are also lurking significant security risksThe EU's new NIS2 directive is a wake-up call for many companies: unstructured data, deep directory levels and chaotic filing systems are not only inefficient, but also a serious security risk. This directive obliges companies to strengthen their data security, which can only be achieved through clear structures and optimized filing systems.
In our expert webinar on Tuesday, July 03.12.2024, 14 at 30:XNUMX p.m we examine when and why data growth becomes a real problem and how you can make your IT structures future-proof.
Learn first-hand about CEO Thomas Gomell and Prof. Dr. Ute Schmid, who heads the "Dare2Del" project at the University of Bamberg, explains the reasons behind the constantly growing data volume, the problems this causes for companies and which strategies help to get the flood of data under control. Register now: www.migraven.com/webinare/
Structures and Directory Depth: The Invisible Problem
Many companies have developed a system that seems to work at first glance: information is stored in deep, often nested directories, but over time these become confusing and inefficient. This is where the real problem arises. With each new subfolder and each additional file, the data structure becomes more complicated. In practice, this often leads to the completely absurd effect that the latest data particularly deep in the directory tree and are therefore many clicks away from the user.
As a result, employees waste hours clicking through the directory tree, searching for files and the right storage location, while at the same time security risks increase. The more unstructured the storage, the more difficult it is to effectively protect sensitive information and control access. >> More about organized file storage
Practical examples: Where companies fail due to data chaos
The migRaven We see companies struggling with these challenges every day. Directories that extend to the seventh, eighth level or even beyond are not uncommon.
Massive security gaps often arise because no one can check who actually has access to which directories and data. In such an environment, it becomes practically impossible to securely manage access rights and enforce security policies as prescribed by NIS2.
Confusing, historically evolved filing systems often mean that sensitive data is unprotected because it is stored in the system next to unimportant or outdated data and is difficult to find. The risk of a data leak or unauthorized access therefore increases exponentially. >> How to systematically clear up the chaos
Clear structures as a prerequisite for compliance and security
Current security and compliance requirements such as NIS2 and the GDPR place high demands on the IT structure in companies. Structured data management plays a central role in this, not only regulating access to sensitive data, but also minimizing the risk of security breaches and cyber attacks. Unstructured data and deep directory levels often stand in the way of these requirements and increase the risk of rule violations. The introduction of clear, flat data structures is therefore not only a question of efficiency, but also of compliance with legal requirements.
Loss of efficiency due to deep directory levels
In addition to the security problem, deep directory levels also cause massive losses in efficiency. Overfilled file folders, confusing filing structures and endless search processes lead to enormous time losses. Studies show that employees spend 30-60 minutes (and sometimes longer!) of their working time every day searching for information. In companies with complex, deeply nested filing systems, this number is often even higher. This means that not only the IT departments are overwhelmed, but the entire workforce also suffers from the data chaos. Projects are delayed, decisions are made more slowly and productivity drops.
Great savings potential through efficient data management
A growing amount of data not only puts a strain on the IT department, but on the entire company, as it causes considerable costs. From storage space to backup times and data transfer – large amounts of data drive up the costs of the technical infrastructure. But there is great potential for savings here: By reducing the amount of data and "type-appropriate" storage, i.e. organizing data according to its relevance, these costs can be significantly reduced. Less data means less storage space required, faster backups and less hardware overall, which reduces energy consumption.
Costs can also be reduced in the area of compliance. High fines can be avoided through better data protection. In addition, structured data management protects the company's reputation and reduces the risk of data loss and internal security incidents - especially due to unauthorized access, which is one of the most common threats.
The problem from a scientific perspective
“Digital objects that have become irrelevant can hinder the search for information, delay decision-making processes, distract attention from the actual task and thus impair work performance and well-being.”
https://dare2del.de/
Science has also long recognized the problems of growing data volumes. At the University of Bamberg, for example, Dare2Del project researched this. The research project examines why so little data is deleted in many companies - even though it is urgently necessary. The result: Often there is simply a lack of courage or the method to get rid of old, no longer relevant data. There is a kind of "digital hoarder effect": it is better to keep than delete, "you never know". Dare2Del therefore analyzes strategies on how companies can deal more efficiently with their flood of data - because data that is no longer relevant is ultimately ballast.
Conclusion: The way out of data chaos
The mountain of data is a serious problem that many companies underestimate. But the increasing volumes of data not only lead to higher costs, but also to inefficient working methods that can have a lasting impact on a company's success. It is time to have the courage to get rid of unnecessary data and create clear structures.
We at migRaven experience these challenges every day with our customers and know that the way out of data chaos is feasible - with the right strategy and the right tools. Projects like Dare2Del show that science is also intensively dealing with this topic. The key is to abandon old habits and to systematically reduce the mountain of data. This is the only way companies can regain control of their data, work efficiently again and at the same time meet the security requirements as defined by NIS2.
Practice meets science: When and why data growth becomes a problem for companies.
In our expert webinar on Tuesday, July 03.12.2024, 14 at 30:XNUMX p.m we examine when and why data growth becomes a real problem and how you can make your IT structures future-proof.
Find out first-hand from CEO Thomas Gomell and Prof. Dr. Ute Schmid, who heads the “Dare2Del” project at the University of Bamberg, what the reasons behind the constantly growing data volume are, what problems this causes for companies and what strategies help to get the flood of data under control.
Register now: www.migraven.com/webinare/
