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Building the Business Case

  • Writer: Rhys Hanscombe
    Rhys Hanscombe
  • Mar 28, 2019
  • 2 min read

The March 2019 Data Vault User Group webinar, “Building the Business Case,” led by Neil Strange (CEO of Business Thinking), offered essential guidance for organizations looking to justify and implement Data Vault 2.0.


Here’s what you need to know to make your business case compelling and successful.


Why Data Vault 2.0? Understanding the Landscape

Data Vault 2.0 is rapidly becoming the standard for agile, scalable, and future-proof data warehousing. The technology landscape is evolving, with Data Vault 2.0 integrating seamlessly with platforms, DevOps, ETL/ELT tools, data science, and cloud solutions. For a comprehensive view of the Data Vault technology ecosystem, visit the Business Thinking website.


The Challenge: Securing Buy-In and Budget

Building a Data Vault isn’t just a technical decision—it’s a strategic, long-term investment. The implications include:

  • A 20-year architectural commitment

  • Significant total cost of ownership (TCO)

  • The need for new team skills and metrics

  • Greater transparency, faster decision-making, and support for AI and automation

But with these benefits come organizational politics and the need to convince stakeholders across finance, IT, architecture, and business units.


Making the Case: Three Lines of Argument

To secure investment, the webinar recommends three core arguments:

  1. Cost Savings: The current analytics system is so expensive that savings alone can fund the new Data Vault solution.

  2. Strategic Learning: Enhanced analytics empower the business to learn, adapt, and outperform competitors.

  3. Strategic Necessity: Data Vault is essential for strategic initiatives—without it, key projects may under-deliver or fail due to poor management information (MI).


Pitching to the CIO and Business Executives

When presenting to the CIO, focus on how Data Vault 2.0 will:

  • Lower costs

  • Simplify skills requirements

  • Reduce risk

  • Deliver better value for money

  • Enable faster, more compliant, and more aligned data services

However, the CIO may not have the authority for large-scale investments. That’s why it’s crucial to align your pitch with business strategy and executive priorities. Business leaders care about results, customer impact, process improvements, and capabilities that drive strategic outcomes.


Aligning with Business Strategy

The most persuasive business cases connect Data Vault 2.0 to strategic goals:

  • Show how analytics services are necessary for delivering on business targets

  • Demonstrate how BI reduces risk and increases visibility into strategic logic

  • Emphasize early, tangible benefits rather than technical details

Remember: “The business doesn’t care about the Data Vault—they care about what it brings them.” Focus on outcomes, not just technology.


Overcoming Organizational Politics

Politics are inevitable. The best business cases:

  • Align IT benefits (operational) with business benefits (strategic)

  • Highlight cost savings and strategic alignment

  • Show that analytics are essential for delivering business strategy—if the business wants it, funding will follow


Conclusion: Your Next Steps

Building the business case for Data Vault 2.0 requires more than technical know-how. It demands strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and a clear focus on business outcomes.

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