Big data is becoming increasingly accessible and is no longer the exclusive purview of multinational corporations. An article in Entrepreneur magazine gives a few tips on how small businesses can also gather and analyze data to achieve better business results. Naturally, big data tools for small businesses cannot be identical to those used by major enterprises, because they have to account for the fact that small companies don't have IT departments or, in many cases, any employees with extensive IT knowledge. But with the right tools, small companies can use data to succeed nevertheless.
Here are a few things small businesses should look for in their data gathering tools:
- Ease of use: For small business managers or employees to be able to take advantage of big data, they need tools that are intuitive to use and, as the Entrepreneur article says, "can turn anyone into a data analyst."
- Adaptability: Small businesses, especially in their early stages, are very changeable: they grow quickly in size, they adjust their business strategies as they gain more insights into their industry, etc. Therefore, they need a database system that can be adapted to suit their evolving needs.
- Cloud functionality: Cloud or hybrid cloud-based solutions have a number of advantages over strictly on-site data systems. They are easier to adapt and allow for more flexibility when it comes to working remotely or allowing employees to access databases from their own mobile devices.
FileMaker covers all of these requirements and is perfectly suited for small businesses. With the help of a certified FileMaker developer, companies can create their own customized databases that will give them a clear overview of all the information they need to make better business decisions.