SAP-backed study says data readiness boosts transformation

Forrester Consulting found that organisations with stronger data readiness achieve better results from large transformation programmes. The study was commissioned by SAP and Syniti, part of Capgemini.

The research examined a composite global organisation with 10,000 employees and USD $5 billion in revenue. It found that a data-first approach, centred on accurate, governed and usable information, was linked to stronger financial returns and smoother programme delivery.

According to the findings, the modelled organisation generated a 218% return on investment and a net present value of USD $2.8 million over three years. Total benefits reached USD $4.1 million against costs of USD $1.3 million.

Much of that gain came from improved data quality and process efficiency. The study identified USD $2.1 million in savings from better data quality and more streamlined processes, alongside a USD $1.6 million reduction in resource requirements.

Operational improvements were also significant. Organisations recorded a 30% increase in operational efficiency and an 80% reduction in audit preparation time after improving how data was managed across transformation work.

Data barriers

The study also identified recurring problems that held back transformation efforts before organisations adopted a more unified data approach. These included fragmented tools, error-prone manual processes, poor data quality, limited accessibility, and inconsistent governance and ownership across systems.

In some cases, companies relied heavily on external vendors to manage data-related work. Those conditions often led to delays, rework and higher transformation costs, while limiting the role data could play in decision-making and broader business change.

This matters because many transformation programmes still treat data as a secondary task rather than a core part of delivery. The research suggests that approach can undermine returns, even when businesses are investing heavily in digital change.

Business-ready data

Where organisations addressed those weaknesses, the study found more consistent governance, lower operational risk and faster decision-making. It also pointed to lower costs and greater agility as data was managed more consistently across its lifecycle.

The central argument is that data needs to be ready for business use from the start of a transformation programme. That means it must be complete, consistent, governed and accessible, rather than corrected after systems and processes have already changed.

The findings add to a broader debate over why some large transformation projects fail to deliver expected returns. While companies often focus on software, process redesign and external support, the study suggests the state of their data directly affects both execution and outcomes.

For large enterprises, the issue is not simply technical. Data quality affects compliance work, audit preparation, resource use and management decision-making, meaning weak foundations can create costs far beyond the migration or implementation phase itself.

The research concluded that organisations that improve data management across the full lifecycle are better placed to support ongoing transformation. They are more likely to maintain complete, consistent and usable data as a lasting business asset.