It’s Not Your Tech Stack: 6 Questions Every Data Leader Should Ask
Many leaders we talk to, whether they’re CTOs, CDOs, or Heads of Digital Transformation, share the same concerns:
- Efficiency: “How can we do more without growing the team?”
- Cost: “How do we make the most of our technology budget?”
- Value: “How do we prove ROI when we spend?”
It’s tempting to believe that a new platform, dashboard, or AI tool will solve these challenges. Technology vendors certainly promise it: Be more efficient! Lower costs! Unlock more value!
But while tools help, they’re not enough.
Success comes down to people and process first. Without them, even the most advanced platforms will underdeliver.
6 Questions to Ask Before You Add Another Tool
If you’re evaluating new technology, first take a step back:
1. Do we have clarity of ownership?
A simple RACI matrix across your data, IT, and business teams eliminates ambiguity.
2. How are we measuring success?
Can we clearly state which problem this technology is meant to solve, and how we’ll measure whether it’s working?
3. Do we have a “Council of Data”?
Regular touchpoints between leaders align priorities and reduce friction.
4. Do we manage requests consistently?
Clear processes for intake, prioritization, and delivery improve both speed and code quality.
5. Are we upskilling our people?
Investing in training ensures your team can maximize today’s stack and prepare for tomorrow’s.
6. Are we fully leveraging the tools we already have?
Before adding new technology, evaluate whether your existing platforms can solve the problem. Many tools have underused features that, when adopted, can deliver the outcomes you’re looking for without adding more complexity.
Technology is never a silver bullet. Tools will come and go, but what drives lasting impact are the foundations you set with your people and processes. Get those right, and any technology you choose becomes an enabler, not the solution.
Why This Matters
Our experience at OneSix is that organizations who treat data transformation as people + process + technology see greater ROI, faster adoption, and less wasted spend.
The next time a vendor promises a shiny new fix, pause and ask:
Are our teams and processes ready to make it successful?
Unlock the Full Value of Your Data Investments
True transformation happens when people and processes come first, and technology becomes the enabler. At OneSix, we help leaders build that balance. Let’s explore together.
Contact UsWritten by
Jonathan Kolar, Senior Lead
Published
September 2, 2025