Kushki

In an interview, Luz DaryVanegasPenagos, data analytics operations and BI manager at Kushki, discusses her view views on automating operational processes in an organization.

 As the data analytics operations & BI manager at Kushki, what do you think are some of the key challenges in automating operational processes in an organization?

I think that some challenges that can be highlighted in the automation process in an organization are, first of all, the customer experience and, on the other hand, the integration and technological capacity.

As for the customer experience, although automation can help streamline different processes, it is really important that everything is working, which makes the customer consider and values it as useful. For this, it is important to have the security, as an organization, of making available tools that are safe, intuitive and above all, easy to use, always respecting the correct handling of your sensitive and personal data, of course.

The technological aspect is also a challenge for integrating company systems with automation solutions, as it can consume a lot of time and effort from the organization. But this will be worth it as fast constant data transfer is guaranteed and, above all, focused on the needs of both the company and the customers. For this, it is also important to pay permanent attention to the need for maintenance, updating, and information security.

Finally, it is essential to have a high-performance team that is capable of obtaining the best of the company's technological capabilities in terms of scalability, processing speed, and cost, always working in line with the company's values and strategy.

What are some of the different ways to harness the power of business intelligence and improve decision-making in a business?

I think that one of the most important is the capacity and knowledge that can be generated from data analysis, which allows the identification of patterns of behavior or habits of customers based incidentally on the decision-making of the organization. A successful company takes advantage of information as the main source for defining key indicators that allow it to optimize its strategy, make adjustments to improve its performance and deliver valuable products and services to its customers.

In addition, the information provided by the data analysis also makes it possible. First, it makes forecasts and predictions that help identify market opportunities and possible risks; and finally, carry out segmentations or customizations based on the needs or preferences of the clients, generating greater possibilities of business growth and loyalty of commercial allies.

How do you think organizations can make the most of advanced data analytics tools to meet clients’ expectations?

As I said before, the data team must be able to understand the needs of its stakeholders and develop stable, scalable, and useful technological solutions that exceed user expectations. The tools by themselves are not capable of generating valuable products, but correct use of them does.

 A successful company takes advantage of information as the main source for defining key indicators that allow it to optimize its strategy, make adjustments to improve its performance, and deliver valuable products and services to its customers 

The use of these tools should contribute mainly to having a complete and deep understanding of the needs, preferences and behavior patterns of customers so that more focused experiences and products aligned with their expectations can be designed.

This should go alongside the possibility of carrying out follow-ups that allow the analysis of the client's experience in such a way that, once weak points are identified, it is possible to take appropriate corrective measures to always guarantee smooth and positive performance, and that said experience is configured as a competitive advantage of the organization.

Before your stint at Kushki, what were some of your experiences that empowered you to gain deep expertise in data analytics and business intelligence?

During my career, I have worked with clients from very different industries (telecom sector, collections, banking, and payment gateways), which has allowed me to see how understanding client needs and constant support from the experts in the business allows me to have a broader and more oriented vision. With this, I have managed to grow with my knowledge and improve the development of the solutions to which I have contributed.

Likewise, I have had the opportunity to participate in work groups for the solution of complex problems, where the needs of different clients in terms of size, revenue, and demand are discussed, thus developing the ability to listen to each opinion to create a space that allows yourself to create without restrictions and, most importantly, open your mind to all possibilities and the idea that anything can be achieved.

And, something additional, I have faced the limitation of tools, that is, I have faced situations in which the company did not have the best technological capabilities, which allowed me to grow as a professional, promoting development in myself and in my teams, of creativity and the search for alternatives to achieve the expected results even in the presence of challenging scenarios.

On an ending note, what is your advice for other senior leaders and CXOs working in the business intelligence space?

The best advice I can give is to never stop learning, always question what you are doing and seek to grow to contribute to the organization, but also to support the growth of your teams. I think there is nothing more enriching than seeing your team grow by your side and, at the same time, you grow thanks to them.

Finally, always be open to all ideas and allow arguments to change your mind. Listening to all the ideas not only creates a range of possibilities for a single problem but also encourages the team to contribute freely and give their best.