Data specialists and experts are key elements of digital transformation drives and there has been significant demand in South Africa for data science and analytics courses, which is also leading to many professionals upskilling themselves in these fields, says data specialist company PBT Group head of service delivery Andreas Bartsch.

Most companies, not only locally but also globally, want to streamline operations by operating more efficiently. This has put renewed focus on the importance of data analytics as an enabler to remain competitive.

Data growth is expected to reach 175 zettabytes – one zettabyte equals 1021 bytes, or one-billion terabytes – by 2025; therefore, digitally transforming businesses can be expected to handle more data every year.

The relevance of data cannot be underestimated. In a digital-transitioning environment, it has become less a case of how to find data and more of how to manage and analyse it effectively, he says.

“Businesses must be able to sort, manage and analyse data effectively to derive value from it. Big Data and effective analysis can provide the business with the insight necessary to improve operational efficiency, competitive solution development, and end-user differentiation, which enable businesses to identify opportunities for consistent growth.”

Further, the data science and data engineering courses available at tertiary academic institutions include undergraduate, postgraduate and master’s degrees. However, these courses are multidisciplinary in nature, not restricted to any department and focus instead on portions of the broad spectrum of disciplines covered by data science skills.

“The spectrum of skills and applications of data science, from the Internet of Things to computational thinking, is so broad that people have to specialise. This specialisation also encompasses different fields of technical expertise, such as BSc degrees that include elements of data engineering, while financial courses would focus more on modelling and algorithms,” says Bartsch.

The strong trend of professionals gaining new data science skills and companies training their key employees in data science is linked to the underlying value that can be unlocked through the combination of industry knowledge and expertise with an understanding of the uses of data and analytics.

“However, while the subject-matter expert is still crucial, the data engineer must also be familiar with the specific industry he or she is exposed to. The combination of these capabilities through collaboration will provide the most impactful results,” explains Bartsch.

Further, leveraging data to boost businesses requires data governance, which remains a significant challenge. Certain elements of data governance cannot be solved with technology and organisations must be committed to the concept, as well as adapt practices to meet regulations and best practices.

“There is a demand for expertise in data governance and practices as digital transformation progresses. I anticipate that this will receive more emphasis over time as the nuances of different industries and associated best practices are reformed during digital transformation,” says Bartsch.