Many organizations rely on data analytics to govern their business operations, but not all have refined their data gathering and implementation processes. With the new year, companies have a chance to take a big step forward and fully integrate data into their plans for 2015. A recent Marketing Land column suggests creating a centralized data analytics group to make sure that every department is on the same page.

With an analytics group, business decision-makers can more effectively focus the information they draw from various sources. Organizations gather data in every department, from financial to marketing and customer service. While some of that information is exclusive to each operational area, much of it can provide business leaders with vital insights that they can use to improve operations across the company.

Ideally, each department could have a data group that would report to the larger centralized one where the organization’s strategies are decided. Business leaders can define performance indicators on a general and specific level, allowing all departments to benefit from useful data gathered in one area. With regular meetings, the data group can adapt those strategies and adjust them to any market changes.

For organizations that are embarking on a major project, such as an expansion or relocation plan, there can never be too much available information. It is essential that decision-makers understand their target market with as much accuracy as possible in order to guide such an endeavor to a successful finish.